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Chapter Eleven
Despite his threat to wait until she believed him and called him, Royce texted her as soon as he retired to his room.
Please thank your mother for a delicious dinner. Good night. Love you.
She texted back right away.Thank you. Goodnight.
Not bad. At least she hadn’t ignored him. Somewhat reassured, he padded into the living room and poured himself a drink at the bar. The door lock was still not in place, a proof that Kasem hadn’t returned home yet. Working late or toasting at the bar?
With a shrug, Royce brought his drink to his room and sat on his balcony. Listening to music, he sipped his cocktail and tried to imagine Susan’s discussion with her mother.
A text from his brother Matt announced that their father’s tenants would leave the family’s mansion next week. Matt was supposed to check on it, but he and his wife would be out of town. Hopefully, Royce could take care of it.
No problem.
Checking on his family house would give him something to do.
***
The next morning, he realized Kasem had already left, without bothering to eat breakfast or prepare coffee. Had he even gone to the gym?
Determined to keep his good habits, Royce changed into his exercise shorts and shirt and ran downstairs. On his way to the gym, he met the building manager. “Good morning, Royce. I saw your house guest this morning. A very energetic man. He never misses his early work out. Glad he found a job he likes. Is he staying with you much longer or moving into his own place?”
“Good question, Pete. I practically never see him now. I’m sure he’ll let me know what he decides.”
For the next five days, Kasem was invisible. He left early each morning and returned late at night, as if he was doing his best to avoid his host, which didn’t bother Royce one bit. His lack of communication with Susan frustrated him way more. He was still texting her morning, noon and night, the same text or a little variant.
Good morning. Wishing you a great day.
Hope everything is going well.
Hope you had a good day. Goodnight. Miss you. Love you.
She answered his texts along the same lines which rubbed his nerves the wrong way.
Have a good day.
All is well. Very busy.
Goodnight.
A week after he’d started his new job, Kasem came home early for a change and handed Royce a bottle of scotch and an envelope.
“This is to thank you for your hospitality. I hope you don’t mind if I stay here a bit longer. I would like to pay rent. Tell me if this is enough. It’s half of my paycheck.”
Stunned, Royce opened the envelope and glanced at the pile of bills.
“You don’t have to—”
“Yes, I do. My work is going well. I don’t want to take advantage of your generosity. I’ve ordered dinner to be delivered.”
“Thank you, Kasem.” Royce shook his hand. “Glad things are going well for you.”
“Better than I expected. Early last week, I called the bar and talked to Mitch. I told him I wanted to meet Tracy, and he agreed to introduce me. He called me two days later, saying she was at the bar and wouldn’t mind meeting me.” He paused and narrowed his eyes.
Royce nodded, guessing the question that was coming.
“You never told me she was your girlfriend.”
