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I used to dress like that. It was fun to dress like that.
I hope I will feel comfortable enough to do so again. I want to. I want to be proud of myself.
Baby steps. Just keep crawling until I can run.
“Nice to meet you, Kent.” I extend my hand to shake his. He flashes me a movie star grin that makes me feel giddy. I’m way out of my league. I need to go on a few dates and get these jitters out of my systems. I need a normal guy named John, not movie star Kent.
I pull my hand away, step back, and keep some distance. Maybe I should tell Kent about the nonexistent crabs? That would ensure I’m never on his radar.
“Which apartment did you get?” Kent asks. His eyes glue back to Harper.
I tilt my head; they’d make a cute couple. He’s taller, and his appearance contrasts hers. She’s blonde; he’s got black hair. Her blue eyes make his hazel eyes look more honeyed. If only Harper wanted to settle down. As embarrassing as she is, she will make a great mother.
“Poppy here got Penthouse 12B.”
He crosses his arms, “Well, isn’t that something? My brother is in 12A.” Lust grows in his hazel eyes as he looks Harper up and down. “Are you moving in with her?”
She shakes her head. “No, but I can come,” She emphasizes the last word.
My cheeks light aflame. I didn’t even get a five-minute reprieve. This is going to be mortifying. I just know it. Harper has no shame.
Then she continues, “I can come a lot if it’s good. It’d be great if you and I could come together…to visit your brother and Poppy, of course.”
Jesus, have mercy on me. A deaf man could understand her hidden message. Only Harper, with her Barbie good looks, can get away with saying it—not just speaking the blasphemy but making it sound natural and funny. She does it so easily that it's like taking candy from a baby.
Kent tips his head back and laughs.
“Oh, look, my movers need me,” I express. Quickly, I turn and leave Harper to her shameless flirting.
I quicken my pace when I hear Kent reply to Harper. She is like that crazy aunt everyone loves but also is disconcerted by.
Pushing open the doors, I stride toward the front desk. I just want to get my keys and hide inside until Harper is finished. Not that type of finished…
I exhale deeply when my eyes focus on the interior lobby of my building. It’s tastefully designed, with a touch of sophistication and coziness. A few carefully placed armchairs, a fireplace, and a TV adorn the far wall, while coffee tables invite relaxation and conversation. Spotting the friendly front desk clerk, she welcomes me with a warm smile, ready to provide me with all the information I need.
Over the next twenty minutes, she attentively fills me in on everything, leaving no stone unturned. She guides me through the intricacies of the complex, explaining where to collect mail, acquainting me with the community rules, and handing over the keys to the gym and swimming pool.
Then comes the highlight of the tour—the rooftop deck. My excitement bubbles as she leads me up there, where the lap pool glistens invitingly. A part of me wants to run and jump in. I’m so freaking hot. It’s almost unbearable.
If Harper were here, she would jump in. No questions asked.
Two adorable cabanas beckon for lazy afternoons, and a hot tub promises relaxation and tranquility. I can already imagine myself perched on a lounge chair, engrossed in a captivating book, and embraced by the starry night sky.
At that moment, the weight of the world feels a little lighter, and a flicker of excitement ignites within me.
“Pops!” Harper comes squealing through the door, “I’ve got news!”
That’s never a good thing.
“Thanks for the tour. I’ll find my way back down.” I tell the front desk clerk. She nods and exits right as Harper joins me.
“How does dinner with a retired army hero sound?”
Here we go. “Terrible.” I snort.
I’ve been on double dates with Harper. She had no idea how I felt about the male population at that time. I didn’t want her to know. So I had to agree. It was painful watching Harper’s hopeful eyes bounce between me and the poor man she was trying to set me up with. It seems like it’s her mission to get me laid and datable again.
“I knew you’d say that. So I told them no dinner, drinks only. That way, we can escape if they turn out to be psychos. Tonight at ten, we meet them in the lobby.” She jumps and then hugs me.
