Page 34 of Marc

“Since Staci doesn’t have any family around, I feel it is my job to find out what your intentions are with her.”

I know Staci and I agreed to a fake relationship, but something pulls at me to not lie to this woman. If we are going to continue the ruse that we are in a relationship, then I have to keep up my end of the deal.

“My intentions are strictly pure. I only want what is best for Staci.” My answer is honest, and it hints that we are in a relationship but doesn’t say it word for word.

Her eyes squint as she looks into mine. “I know when people are lying, and I can tell that you are telling the truth.”

Despite knowing that I was being honest, I felt a little nervous for a moment. I let out a small sigh of relief.

Outside, we hear a car door close before the horn beeps, letting us know the car is locked.

Moments later, there is a knock at the front door. The elderly woman looks towards the noise.

“I bet that is Staci. I called her when I saw the two of you standing outside her house. She said she was finishing up at the studio and would be right over.”

She grins like she knew I was going to ask how Staci knew I was over here at her house.

I’m a dumbass.

My car is also parked in front of her house. Of course, she would know that I was somewhere around her house.

The front door squeaks open before Staci’s voice drifts to the back of the house. “Miss Edith?”

“Everything is fine, dear. We are in here drinking some tea.” She gives me a wink before sipping her tea.

Staci walks into the kitchen looking incredible. Her hair is now in a messy bun, my shirt is still tied at her hip, and she is carrying her camera bag and purse.

Drinking the rest of my tea, I stand. “Thank you so much for your hospitality.”

“You are welcome here anytime. I enjoyed our chat.” She winks before finishing her tea and carrying both cups to the sink.

“I’ll come back and talk to you later.” Staci gives Miss Edith a quick hug before grabbing my hand and dragging me over to her house.

She quickly shuts her garage door, leading me into her living room. Dropping her bags on the carpeted floor, she plops down on her light brown microfiber couch.

She closes her eyes and rubs her temples for a moment.

“You got into an argument with my ex-husband in the middle of the street, in the middle of the day. What were you thinking?” She continues to rub her temples as she takes a deep breath.

I make my way over to her, sitting next to her on the couch to explain the situation.

“Let me explain.” My voice is calm and low.

“He was following me, and I feared that he would cause you trouble, so I stopped at your house and checked the mail so he could see that I was, in fact, coming around your house.”

I take a deep breath and continue. “I was hoping it would deter him from following or harassing you. I never intended to cause a scene, and to my defense, it could have been a lot worse.”

Staci sits up straight and looks at me. “Oh, I know it could have been a lot worse. You could have ended up in jail. Don’t forget who his best friends are.”

Jail isn’t exactly what I was referring to, but I guess that could have been one possibility. “I’m not worried about them. Besides, no charges would stick. We only had a few words to say.”

I understand she is scared, but if we don’t stand up against him, then he will continue harassing her.

“So…” Staci pauses as she looks down. “Did Miss Edith tell you about the photos?”

She seems embarrassed. Her cheeks blush a light pink and she refuses to make eye contact.

It’s adorable and innocent but drives me wild.

---