Page 56 of The Off-limits Grump Next Door
For a few minutes, she clicked away, capturing every angle. But when she finally glanced at me, her smile faded, replaced by concern. “Okay, spill. What’s really going on?”
I sighed, showing her the text from Thompson.
Her face tightened. “How does he know you’re here?”
“I have a theory…” I trailed off. “But I’m not sure yet.”
“Creepy,” she muttered. “So, what’s your plan?”
“Funny you should ask.” I gave her a hesitant smile. “That’s why you’re here.”
Understanding dawned in her eyes. “Oh, no. No, no, no.” She shook her head vehemently. “Whatever it is, Kendra, it’s risky, and I don’t like it.”
“Please, Tina. I have to find something. And soon.”
She crossed her arms, her expression stern. “Okay, but we need to be smart about this. You can’t just sneak into his father’s office. They probably have cameras everywhere.”
“Are you sure you really want to do this?” Tina asked, eyeing me carefully.
“I have to,” I whined. “I only have today and a few hours tomorrow to figure something out.”
I sighed. “Then what should we do?”
Tina raised an eyebrow. “Do you have a better idea?”
I slumped. “No.”
Before she could reply, Antonio’s voice called my name. “Rapunzel, let down your hair,” Tina teased, just as Antonio appeared in front of us.
“Ladies, the party’s out there, not here,” Antonio said with a wink, pulling me into his arms.
Tina cleared her throat. “Dear lovebirds, I’ll be going back to the party.” She grinned and disappeared.
“What’s wrong?” Antonio asked, concern in his eyes as soon as we were alone.
“Nothing, I’m fine,” I lied.
“Are you sure?” His voice softened.
I nodded, resting my head against his chest. “I just want to hold you a little longer... to remember this moment.” My grip tightened, knowing this weekend might be my last with him.
When we finally returned to the garden, we found Tina and Jake laughing together. A table had been set up with snacks, wine, and fruit, probably brought by the staff while Tina and I were by the waterfall. As soon as they saw us, they stopped whispering, but Antonio and I exchanged a knowing look, both smiling.
“Who plays chess?” I asked, trying to keep my mind off the plan.
“Your hus—” Jake caught himself mid-sentence, slapping a hand over his mouth. I blushed and looked down to hide my face.
“He mostly plays alone, though,” Jake finished, clearing his throat.
“That sounds boring,” Tina said, wrinkling her nose.
Antonio shrugged. “My brainless friend here doesn’t know how to play intellectual games, and my brother’s too busy with other things.”
While everyone laughed and played games, I was barely present, my mind spinning with Tina’s plan. A dull headache began to form.
How did I end up in this situation? Of all places, why did I have to rent an apartment in Antonio’s building? He must have noticed my distraction, but he didn’t say anything. He just kept glancing my way, concerned, while Tina and Jake were fully absorbed in the games.
“I need to use the restroom,” I finally said, excusing myself from the group.
