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My stomach clenches. For some reason, I’m nervous, as if her opinion of my apology matters in the slightest.
It doesn’t.
Still, I find myself hoping she accepts it.
I shove my hands into my pockets. “I shouldn’t have jumped down your throat when you told me about Noah taking your candy bowl. I wish I would’ve reacted differently. She’s been hanging with the wrong crowd lately, and I don’t like how she acts when she’s with them. So, when you said she stole something, it was like my fears were coming true and I panicked. Not to make an excuse, but at least you know the real reason I snapped at you.
“I also shouldn’t have put the spider in your mailbox, or messed with the backup camera on your car. Honestly, Noah was having so much fun pranking you, I didn’t want to stop because at least she was spending time with me and talking to me.” I glance down at my shoes. “It’s hard raising a teenager.” I slip one hand out of my pocket and rub the scruff on my chin, preparing for the last part of my apology. I haven’t said the wordsI’m sorryto anyone in so long, I’m not sure how to form them. “I’m…I’m sorry for the way I spoke to you and for the way I’ve treated you. You didn’t deserve any of that.”
Blondie leans against the doorframe. “I appreciate your apology. I owe you one too.”
My eyebrows lift. “Really?”
“I can be woman enough to say that I didn’t handle this situation in the best way. I was angry when you were so rude to me on Halloween. But I had no business sneaking around on your property and stealing Mr.… Whatever His Name Is.”
“Mr. Bubbles.”
“Yeah, him.” She shifts the plate from one hand to the other. “I teach my students to treat others the way they want to be treated, and that’s not what I did. So, I’m sorry.”
A wave of relief floods me. “Well, it’s over then.”
She peeks under the foil again. “You really didn’t do anything to this?”
“Guess you’ll have to take a bite and find out.”
“At least your fingerprints will be all over it if I die.”
“You’re not going to die.”
She pauses a moment, letting her eyes bounce between mine. “Noah is a sweet kid. I shouldn’t have made a comment about your parenting skills. That was a low blow.”
I arch a brow. “You also said that I’m insecure and overcompensating for something.”
A playful smile tugs at her lips as she rakes her eyes over me. “Jury is still out on that, I guess.”
It sounds like a challenge.
Or maybe I just want it to be.
Which I shouldn’t.
I didn’t come over here to flirt. I’ve tortured this woman enough.
I clear my throat. “Enjoy your steak…Lenny?”
“It’s short for Elena.”
“Well, good night, Elena.”
Before I turn around, she sticks out her hand. “Truce?”
I engulf her hand in mine and give her a firm shake. “Truce.”
8
Elena
“Hey, Lenny.”
