“Theo, I’m serious. Actually, you know what? Never mind. If you aren’t going to take this seriously, I don’t think I can help you. Good luck finding another woman to agree to your plan.” She responds with growing agitation in her voice, and I realize I’ve let the conversation get away from me.
“Sienna, wait, I’m just messing around. Seriously, thank you for helping me. I assure you I will help you get a job before the end of the summer. Besides, I think you’llhave a lot of fun with my brothers and me.” That came out creepier than I intended. For some reason, my usual charm keeps morphing into assholery whenever I’m around Sienna.
“Wait, exactly how many brothers do you have?” She’s silent on the other line as she waits for my response.
“I have three older brothers—Alex, Leo, and Roman. I guess I should’ve mentioned that previously, huh?”
She chuckles, and I relax at the sound of her loosening up just slightly, “Probably would’ve been a good idea. But it’s okay because rule number two is that Beth is coming with me. If she can’t come, then no deal.”
“The more, the merrier. Whatever you need.” I try not to get stuck on how serious I am when I say the last part.
Sienna continues listing her rules. Making sure to reiterate that if I have secret plans for any nefarious activities, I should remember how dangerous Beth was with a cereal box, and then envision the damage she could do with a real weapon. The thought makes me laugh, but I’m smart enough to know she isn’t kidding.
The next rules she lists out are as follows: No sharing a bed, she will be sharing a room with Beth. Only minimal touching will be allowed, focusing on our hands and arms only. Absolutely no kissing. Her final rule is that she can add additional rules at any point during the trip.
Without hesitation, I agree to each of her rules. If she wants to treat this as a business transaction, I will consider it practice for when I finally take a position at Kane Construction.
“I’ll be sure to text you all of the details, but we’ll leave the Sunday after the Fourth of July.”
“Great. Two weeks is plenty of time for me to get packed. I’ll wait for your text.”
Before she hangs up, I stop her. “Sienna, one more thing before you go. I have another rule to add.”
“Okay, shoot,” she says.
“No falling in love with me.” It’s an obvious rule, maybe, but one I feel should be said out loud. Although maybe it’s less so for her and more for me.
“Ugh, just text me the details.” She hangs up, and my pulse instantly escalates at the thought of visiting the lake house this year.
I just hope my plan actually works. For both of us.
9
SIENNA
Eleven days until the lake house.
Sienna
What kind of activities can I expect? Casual summer attire okay?
Theo
Yes and also activewear, a bathing suit, and something you can get dirty
Seven days until the lake house.
Theo
Been thinking.
Wouldn’t make sense if we drove separately. We can take my car.
Sienna
Sounds good. Give us time to goover our backstory.
Remember, Beth and I will be armed and dangerous.
