Page 67 of Far

“Finally.” I drop my bag and let my body sink into the couch.

Barely two seconds later, my phone buzzes.

Connor: I’ll pick you up at 8.

I gave my word, but after this day, the thought of going on a date… I won’t be good company.

“Sorry, but I’m not feeling well. Can we reschedule?”

The bubbles appear and disappear. No reply.

Dropping the phone on the counter, I shuffle into my room, getting into a comfy shirt and sweatpants before moving to the kitchen and preparing ramen.

If only today hadn’t been so chaotic, then I could have enjoyed dinner with Connor. And maybe it wouldn’t have ended with dinner but a dessert? I have to make it up to him. Again.

I pour the ramen into a bowl and carry it to the living room. The TV flickers on, revealing yet another dramatic dating show. Perfect. Mindless drama and bad decisions are exactly what I need right now.

“Come on, Rachel, stand up for yourself! You deserve better than being treated like that.” I slurp my noodles. “Really? You don’t think he’s just playing you? There are ten other women. I’m calling it, he’s just there for the fame.”

“I think so, too.”

I jump and almost spill my ramen.

Connor stands a few feet away. As always, he’s incredibly handsome in his suit, his hair slightly ruffled, a few buttons on his shirt undone, and his tie loose. Is there even a day he doesn’t look like he stepped straight out of a magazine?

“W-what are you doing here?”

“You’re a terrible liar.” He shrugs out of his jacket.

“How did you get in here?”

He dangles a key from his fingers, grinning. “Your doormat isn’t the safest place to hide a key, Blue.”

“Ugh, I thought I took that away,” I mutter.

Connor raises an eyebrow, appraising me. “You don’t seem ill.”

“Uh.” I cough unconvincingly. “I’m… recovering.”

“I appreciate your attempt, but you should leave acting to your sister.”

Did he do a background check on my whole family?

“I’m sorry.”

He steps closer and gently lifts my chin with his finger, guiding my eyes to his warm brown ones.

“You don’t need to apologize for this. Just tell me next time if you don’t feel like going out.”

“I’m too exhausted from today.”

“Thank God.” He releases me and strides over to the kitchen, setting a white plastic bag on the counter and removing his tie. “I wasn’t in the mood to share you with the public tonight, anyway.”

“What?”

He kicks off his shoes and rolls up his sleeves.

“What are you doing?” I ask.

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