Page 59 of Mr. Wrong Number

Colin:You really have a way with words, Marshall.

Me:Don’t I know it.

It was weird how comfortable it was, texting with Colin. I didn’t really know how or why, but the back-and-forth was so good that I didn’t miss Mr. Wrong Number for once.

Colin fell easily into his place.

Colin:Well, don’t trash my bed, loser.

Me:Oh, I’m just going to eat spaghetti and meatballs in there, no worries.

Colin:It wouldn’t surprise me if you actually did.

I decided to go straight up to his apartment when I got back. My beautiful pad would be waiting, but I needed to get in a nap before he returned home and I lost my chance. I still had my key, so I let myself in like I still lived there.

The place looked exactly the same, only a little neater. It’d only been a day, but I expected it to feel different already. I stole a Dr Pepper from the fridge and headed for Colin’s bed, but got distracted by the sight of the office.

It was gorgeous.

No clothes lying around, no ugly mattress, and the desk was super organized. Colin had clearly moved his work stuff backinto the space, because unlike when I’d occupied the room, there were file folders and Post-it notes all over the glass surface. I didn’t know what it was, but there was something about seeing his businesslike handwriting that made me a little... impressed.

Weird, right?

I walked into his room, and it looked exactly the same as it had during every previous nap session. His bed was made, the charcoal comforter perfectly straightened with the pillows just right, making it look like an advertisement. The dark wood of his nightstand and dresser gleamed as if just dusted, and it smelled like pine.

And Colin.

I kicked off my shoes, knowing it was going to take me approximately thirty seconds to fall asleep once I climbed on top of that king-sized cloud and laid down my head. I dragged the edge of the comforter up and over me before setting my phone alarm for forty minutes, but fifteen minutes later my phone was ringing.

“Mfhello?” I sat up and blinked, trying to work through the shock of being woken up.

“Hey, Olivia—it’s Jordyn in the office. I just wanted to let you know that the guys from the furniture store just brought your key back so they’re all finished.”

I scratched my head and said, “What?”

“Nebraska Furniture Mart. They just delivered something to your apartment.”

I got off Colin’s bed and fixed the blanket. “My apartment?”

“Um, yes; was that not okay?”

I picked up my purse and shoes from the floor and started for the door. “I mean, it’s okay, but I didn’t order anything. Are you sure it was my apartment?”

“Listen, Olivia, someone is here to see an apartment so I have to go.” Jordyn sounded irritated now. “Let me know if there’s anything else I can do for you, okay?”

“Oh.” Maybe my desk had shipped early and she was confused about the store. “Okay.”

As I rode the elevator, I realized it couldn’t be the desk; I’d ordered that the night before and it was shipping from a warehouse in Minneapolis. Maybe Dana had exchanged the stools or something. I stepped out at my floor and just hoped I didn’t owe money for furniture that wasn’t mine.

Colin

“I can’t believe you actually made it for once.” Jillian leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms, grinning as our parents exited the dining room. “Mom’s going to be insufferable for months now, reminiscing about the time her little Colin actually joined us for lunch at the club.”

To be honest, I couldn’t believe it myself. I usually avoided doing anything with my parents at the club, but when my mother, who had just recovered from a heart attack, called the night before, I’d caved and agreed to grab a quick bite with the family.

“Dad won’t be joining her in those fond memories, though, will he?” I signed the ticket and handed it to the server, wondering why my family liked the place so much. It was dark wood and old money, formal and pretentious, and my mother and father made it a habit to share a meal there at least twice a week.

“That’s because you never just shut up and let him talk.”

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