Page 23 of The Off-limits Grump Next Door
Kendra nodded, her expression serious. "Good. Because I need to make something clear to you, Antonio. I’m not looking for a relationship. I just want to be neighbors."
I grinned. "Right, just neighbors."
Kendra nodded firmly. "Yes, just neighbors. I don’t have time for anything else, and I don’t want to complicate things between us."
I studied her for a moment, trying to read between the lines. I didn’t buy it—there was something more. But I didn’t push it. Not now. "Shake on it?"
She hesitated, but then took my hand, a small smile playing on her lips. "Of course. I’m glad we understand each other."
I smiled, my eyes locked on hers as we shook hands. "Me too, Kendra. Me too." I released her hand and stepped back. "Thanks for understanding, Kendra," I said, turning to leave. "I’ll catch you later, neighbor."
She didn’t respond. She just watched as I walked out, closing the door behind me. I knew, in my bones, that Kendra and I wouldn’t be just "neighbors." And that thought scared me more than I cared to admit.
I quickly unlocked my door and stepped inside. The moment I was in my apartment, I pulled out my phone and dialed Jake’s number. He answered on the first ring.
"Hey, man! What’s up? Are you good? I’ve been watching the news," Jake asked.
"Actually, I’m not," I admitted. "But it has nothing to do with the company. It’s something much, much bigger."
"Bigger than Bellavista Winery?"
"Yes, Jake." I was stalling, unsure how to tell him what I needed to say. I knew he would gloat about being right, but there was no one else to talk to. And even though he rarely took things seriously, I knew he gave good advice.
"Okay, shoot. I’m listening," Jake said, his tone serious.
I took a deep breath, my heart racing. "I need to confess something to you."
There was a pause on the other end of the line. "What is it, Antonio? You’re starting to scare me."
I laughed nervously. "I think I might be in trouble, Jake."
"What kind of trouble?"
I hesitated, unsure how to put my feelings into words.
"I think I might be falling for Kendra."
Chapter Eleven
Kendra
I woke up at 5:30 AM, feeling like a kid on Christmas morning. Today was my first day at ABS Broadcasting Station, and I couldn't wait to start this new chapter of my life.
As I rolled out of bed, I noticed something that made me smile—a penny on my nightstand, heads up. My grandmother used to tell me that finding a penny, especially heads up, was a sign of luck and prosperity. I felt a surge of excitement; today was going to be amazing!
I got out of bed and began getting ready for my first day. I had laid out my outfit the night before—a crisp white blouse, a tailored black pencil skirt, and a pair of low heels. I rushed in and out of the bathroom, and within minutes, I slipped on my outfit.
Next, I curled my hair to add some softness. With the curling iron, I transformed my straight locks into bouncy curls, leaving a few loose strands framing my face for a whimsical touch.
With my hair done, I moved on to my makeup. I kept it simple—a swipe of mascara, a light dusting of powder, and a subtle pink lip gloss. The image that stared back at me in the mirror brought a bright smile to my face.I was ready!
I booked a cab for 7:30 AM, and to my delight, it arrived right on time. I grabbed my bag and headed out the door, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. The station was about 20 minutes away from my apartment, giving me just enough time to collect my thoughts before arriving.
As we pulled up to the gate, I felt my heart skip a beat. The big, bold letters across the entrance read “ABS Broadcasting Station” in a sleek, modern font. I took a deep breath, pride and accomplishment washing over me. I was really doing this.
I texted Tina as I stepped out of the cab. “I'm here!”
Tina's response came immediately. “Yay! Come right in and ask security to show you to the admin block. I'll meet you there in five.”
