Page 104 of The Renter
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Saturday, October 8th
“Shit!” I yell, seeing the time. I need to find a freelancer or two to help me out. I’m doing too much work for one person with my growing client list. It’s Saturday morning, and I’ve been working for three hours already.
I’m not the only one working too much. Adam as busy as he said he’d be. Our new reality is filled with its routines and schedules. It’s a less impulsive, more structured kind of relationship now.
Today’s our swim date with Adam’s brother and niece, and I’m excited to meet both of them.
After checking the cab and ride-share apps, it’s clear none of them can get me to Adam’s without making me really late. I decide to throw everything I need in a backpack and ride my motorcycle to his house.
Driving fast through the city, I’m smiling.Why haven’t I been riding more?This is how I should be getting around. I’ve gotten spoiled taking Town Cars everywhere. At Adam’s gate, I type in my code and pull into his underground garage.
Letting myself into the house, I walk toward the pool, removing the ring from my left ring finger. That’s where it’s been feeling right lately, even though I know we’re not engaged. I don’t know how much Adam’s talked about me with his brother, and I don’t want it to be a distraction for our pool day.
I drop the ring into my backpack, feeling a comfort in knowing that when I’m ready to take the next step, we will be. It’s empowering to have that control, and I’m grateful that Adam understands my need for it. Grabbing my phone out of my backpack, I see a few text notifications:
Kelsey Johnson
Wellness check. Have not heard from you in a fucking minute.
Reporter Auden
You didn’t attach your client’s headshot. I need that ASAP.
Adam Harris
Close?
I’m already annoyed with myself that I’m a few minutes late, and now, after seeing these texts, I’m more stressed.Thank God I brought my laptop.
“Dani,” Adam booms, hopping out of the pool. I love how sexy he looks, all wet and shirtless.
“Sorry I’m late,” I say after we kiss.
“What kind of shoes are those?” he asks, looking at my motorcycle boots.
“I rode here. It was the fastest way I could get here. Work is crazy right now.”
“You’re being safe, right? Not taking unnecessary risks on your bike?”
I smile, finding his concern cute. “Very safe.”
“Good. I don’t want you to be an actual organ donor.” He kisses me, and I feel awkward that we haven’t started talking to his family yet, but I really have to send the reporter that file.
“I need ten minutes. I gotta change and send a quick email.”
“Take a breath, baby.” He squeezes my shoulders. “We have all afternoon.”
Returning to the pool, I smile at Adam and am so excited for the day. Today’s one of those Indian summer Saturdays. It’s eighty degrees and sunny, which is incredibly rare for Chicago in October.
“This is Eric.” Adam gestures to the guy in the pool. He looks similar to Adam, but, like, the dad bod version and, despite being the younger brother, looks older.
“That’s Lily.” Adam points to the adorable platinum blonde wearing floaties. She clings to her father. Her big eyes smile at me; I can tell she’s uncomfortable in the water. Keeping my eye on his niece’s apprehension, the former swim instructor in me wants to come out.
“Lily, do you want to play some games?” I offer. “We could play games like red light; green light, it will be fun.”
“What do you think, Lily?” Eric asks.
