After the yelling is over, I should probably try to play nice since I don’t want to live in a place filled with tension, so I’ll grab a beer and sink down beside him. But I’m also kind of tired so I can totally see myself falling asleep.
The last time I did that, I woke up half in love with the guy.
It meant nothing, I know that now.
Tell that to my romance-loving heart. I mean, wouldn’t this be the cutest story to tell our future children? How he swooped in and saved me from certain doom, how we did the whole “let’s pretend to be friends” thing, stealing glances and partaking in sexy Scrabble before falling madly in love?
What is wrong with me?
Someone needs to give me a stern talking-to.
This relationship isn’t going to end with a happily-ever-after. We’re not evenina relationship.
An hour later, I pull back into a parking spot next to Elliott’s truck and take my time climbing the stairs to our apartment. Noneed to rush. I’m going to simply go in, say hi, and then head to bed. Leave him wondering about my night. Be all mysterious and shit.
Guys like Elliott probably love mysterious women.
My keys jangle when I unlock the door. The only light comes from beneath the microwave, illuminating two half-empty glasses of wine on the counter.
Weird.
Elliott doesn’t usually drink wine.
The TV is off, and the couch is empty. Also strange. Maybe he had to go into work or something. I slip out of my coat, hanging it on the back of the dining room chair before texting him.
When he doesn’t answer right away, I’m not disappointed. Not really. If he’s working, he’s probably busy. It is Friday night, after all. There are drinks to be served and all that jazz.
I head into the bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth, but the door at the end of the hallway catches my eye.
Not the door specifically, but the doorknob.
There’s anactualsock hanging off it.
I’ve seen plenty of raunchy movies; I know exactly what that sock is supposed to mean.
I’m only shocked it’s something people do in real life.
I can’t believe I cut my date short because of this guy only to get home and have him bedding down with someone else.
I don’t want someone who makes me second guess everything. Who makes me spend all night over-analyzing innocuous conversations.
I want a guy who says what he means straight out. No games.
I deserve that.
Not wanting to accidentally run into Elliott’s mystery guest, I head straight into my room. My mouth is going to taste like hot trash in the morning if I don’t brush my teeth, but right now, I don’t care.
CHAPTER 36
LOREN
Internet Paul
I had a lot of fun
Would love to do it again sometime
When my alarmgoes off the next morning, I don’t leave my room until I hear the front door close. Expecting to emerge into an empty kitchen, I’m shocked to find Elliott standing next to the new Keurig cup-pot-combo I bought.
