Page 4 of Mister Curb Appeal
“Of course. It’s only two hours, I’m quite capable of leaving Nancy in charge. If the other agents have something they can’t deal with themselves, then I’ll be available on the phone.” It’s highly likely. There are four other agents at our firm, and while they’re not entirely needy all the time, they do have a habit of requiring to be talked off the ledge from time to time. Hence, PA/therapist is what the plaque reads on my door. It was a gift from Mason; Tristan Lucas’s PA.
I’m always happy to wave a crystal around and cleanse their aura with some sage, or even pull out a quick oracle card if the situation calls for it.
“You’re a lifesaver, Lex.” More coughing. “I’ll make it up to you. In fact, why not stay the weekend? I rented a little cabin for me and Tristan, but we clearly won’t be needing that now.”
I wasn’t planning on making an entire weekend of it, but why not? I’m single, ridiculously so. And it isn’t entirely because I want to be. I’ve tried online dating, speed dating, and everything in between, but it’s freaking hard. A one-night hookup is not something I’m looking for. I want the real deal. After so manydating disasters, I’m starting to think there is no such thing as my Prince Charming.
Normally, I’d decline and rush back home to… what exactly? Aside from feeding my cat, I haven’t got much of a life at all outside work. Tending to my indoor plants is a highlight, as well as rearranging my romance books on my beloved bookshelf in order of trope, spice level and reader satisfaction. That, however, is very satisfying and my most enjoyable pastime.
Frankly, I’ve thrown myself into work, and it’s what I do. I love it. I have absolutely no complaints. I’m content with who I am, and that’s taken some time to even admit out loud. There’s no denying I’ve had issues in the past with my self-confidence after my ex boyfriend cheated. Finding your ex in bed with one of your friends will do that to you I guess.
I used to think it was because I’m a plus-sized girl, and I was teased relentlessly in school. I thought that somehow because I’m larger around the hips, have a butt and big boobs, meant I wasn’t good enough to keep a man like Rick. He’s a very affluent journalist here in LA, and very well loved. That is until the story leaked, and not by me. The last thing I wanted was the entire universe to find out about Rick’s indiscretion. It was embarrassing enough. Of course, he was the most hated meme going around a year ago, but that all got swept under the carpet as fast as it came out.
People are so quick to forget. If only I had been able to do the same.
He was a jerk, but I got pretty tired of people stopping me in the street to tell me what I already knew. I’m all for solidarity and all of that, but I wanted to just crawl under the nearest rock and stay there.
That was then.
I’ve spent the most part of a year getting myself in a better place mentally. Being cheated on is still a fear, especially becauseRick was such a smooth talker. I haven’t had sex in so long, I’m afraid I’ll probably end up a lonely old cat lady. At least cats can be loyal, sort of. Mr. Snuggles would probably leap into the arms of the first stranger he came across at the mere sight of dried-up pilchard. He acts like he’s God’s gift to mankind, and though he thinks he’s a prized Persian, the truth is he’s a ginger tabby cat from the Bronx. At least, that’s where I rescued him from.
“So are you staying the weekend?” Alison's voice interrupts my thoughts down the line.
“I was going to rearrange my spice rack this weekend, but that sounds way more fun,” I laugh, only half joking.
“Lexi, honey, you’re gorgeous. I know you don’t need me to tell you that, but staying home rearranging your pantry won’t help you run into the man of your dreams,” she says. “And that’s all you read about in those smutty books of yours.”
“They’re not smut,” I sigh. Alison is no stranger to my ramblings about men in LA. She was one of my solidarity sisters until Tristan came along. Now they’re in love bubble central. “They’re romance books. Maybe I’m holding out for the guy who sweeps me off my feet. Okay, he may not come riding up on a white horse, or have a coat of armor, but after some of the jerks I’ve dated lately, I think my time would be better spent rearranging tarragon from tyme.”
Alison sighs. “I think you need a mini break. You’ve been working your butt off for the better part of this year. Make a weekend of it.”
“I’ll have to consult with Mr. Snuggles about the staying over part,” I say. “Although he doesn’t mind being in the car. It sends him to sleep.”
“So I can tell Monica that we’re still on? The viewing will only be open this weekend, and homes in Lake Haven don’t come up very often.”
“No. You won’t tell Monica any such thing. I’ll be telling her. You’re going to lie back down in bed, turn your laptop off, switch your phone on silent and get some rest.”
I’m well aware I sound like a nag, but I know this woman well.
“You’re awfully cute when you’re bossy.” She attempts to laugh, but it ends up in a coughing fit.
“Please tell me Tristan is there?” In all seriousness, I am worried about her.
“He went to heat up some chicken noodle soup.”
“So sweet,” I muse.
“I know. He even made it from scratch.”
“Now you’re just being a tease. Go rest, woman. And I’ll be checking your sent items to make sure you’re not working from home.”
“I wish I could clone you,” she sighs. “We’d get so much more work done.”
I chuckle to myself. “I haven’t ruled that out yet, but you probably couldn’t afford another one of me. I’m not cheap, and neither is Alicia.”
“Who’s Alicia?”
“My clone… never mind. Just get some rest. Text me the cabin address, and I’ll keep you updated when I can.”
