Page 16 of Fish out of Water
“Sharon’s not really my type.”
“Are you sure?” Her wicked smile widened. “I bet she’d send you a picture of her boobs to replace the one you deleted.”
“I’m sure she would too.” I usually got hit on at least five times every trip I made to Vito’s, and this trip looked like it was going to be no exception. “But I think I’ll pass.”
I lingered a second longer. I wanted to stay. See what Julia might say next.
But that would put both of us in danger.
“Enjoy the rest of your weekend.” I forced my hand away from hers and backed to the door. “And if my uncle ever comes here again in the middle of the night asking you for help, tell him no.”
She lifted her hand in a wave as I opened the door and stepped out. “Buh-bye, Stalker.”
“Bye, Banana Pants.” I pulled the door closed and forced my feet back down the steps. I was all the way back to Vito’s apartment before I realized I still had Julia’s flip flop gripped in my hand.
It was trashed. There was no way it could be salvaged.
But I should still take it back to her. Otherwise she’d accuse me of trying to steal it.
A damn flip flop.
But there wasn’t a doubt in my mind she would claim theft and it brought a little smile to my face. I pulled open Vito’s door and came face to face with the woman in question.
“You stole my shoe.”
I could just give it back. Apologize for the accidental abduction.
But that wasn’t the kind of relationship she and I had. “I confiscated your shoe after you smacked me with it.”
“Only because you said you weren’t going to feed Mr. Frazier’s fish.”
“I never said I wasn’t going to feed it.” Why did I enjoy aggravating her so much?
Maybe because she clearly enjoyed aggravating me back. Banana Pants was feisty and fast on her feet, and I found it a little addicting.
And a little something else.
“You definitely insinuated it.” She leaned to peek around me into the apartment. “He’s not already dead, is he?”
I wanted to invite her in. Argue with her about random shit that didn’t matter to make the time pass faster.
But the longer Julia spent here, the more at risk she was.
“Here.” I passed off the flip flop. “I’ll feed the fish. I’ll collect the mail. You’re off the hook.”
She clutched the shoe to her chest, eyes scanning my face. “Good then.”
It was good.
Banana Pants could go back to her life and I could go back to mine.
Once I dealt with Vito’s mess.
“Have fun with that.” She turned, chin lifted, head high as she walked back to her apartment.
Wearing those damn cow slippers again.
I backed into Vito’s apartment, making a quick sweep of the lot, looking for any sign someone was watching the place or the woman leaving it.
