Page 39 of Maid For Each Other

“That’s what he’s thinking about,” she said, “but he also saidI can just move into his apartment like a month after he gets it, since she can’t do much about him having friends over.”

Poor Elsa, I thought, my stomach feeling heavy at the memory of my mom “having friends over.”

“Listen, I have to go,” I said, closing my notebook and standing. “I’ve got dinner plans and I need to get ready.”

“Ooh, do you have a date?” she asked, perking up.

Spoiler: My mother thought being in a relationship was the pinnacle of existence.

Spoiler: I was inclined to disagree with her.

“No, just dinner with friends,” I lied, because it was way easier than explaining my actual situation. “I’ll talk to you later. Love you.”

“Love you, too,” she said as I opened the door and went back inside the condo.

Just as I hung up, Declan sent a text.

ARE YOU OKAY WITH ME COMING BY AROUND 6 TO TAKE A QUICK SHOWER BEFORE WE GO TO DINNER?

I was impressed by how conscientious he’d been about sharing his place. He was behaving as if it was my apartment and I was in charge, when in reality he could totally boss me around and there was nothing I could do about it.

I texted:if you don’t stop yelling all the time I’m going to hide a catfish somewhere in your house that will slowly rot and attract vermin

He replied quickly.IS THAT A YES?

I sent:That is a yes but use your key like this is your place. How’s the Q&A going?

Declan:JUST CONCLUDED, ACTUALLY.

I texted:Don’t forget to give Warren his muffins.

Declan:WHAT MUFFINS?

Me:The muffins on the table next to your water.

Declan:IS THAT WHAT’S IN THE BOX?

Me:Duh

Declan:YOU DIDN’T TELL ME THAT.

Me:Sure I did.

Declan:TRUST ME, YOU DIDN’T

Me:Are you going to keep screaming nonsense at me, or are you going to leave me alone so I can shower before you get home?

Declan:I’M GOING TO LEAVE YOU ALONE FOR NOW, BUT LATER YOU’RE GOING TO PAY FOR THE NONSENSE COMMENT.

That made me pause.

Gasp.

Was heteasingme?

I stared down at my phone for a second before texting:ARE YOU THREATENING ME, POWELL?

Declan:Calm your ass down, Mariano. See you at six.

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