Page 33 of The October Arrangement

“You felt bad.” He nodded.

“I made a reasonable decision. That’s all.”

“You let a strange woman stay in the one place on earth you don’t let anyone stay because you made a ‘reasonable decision?’”

“Yes.”

The server walked over and set our plates down.

“Can I get another scotch, please? Make it a double this time,” I said.

“I call bullshit,” Christian said, picking up his fork.

“She has until October 31st, and then she’s out.”

“Oh, there’s a deadline? That’s much more like you,” he smirked.

“I also created a list of rules she has to follow if she wants to stay.”

Just as he went to put his fork in his mouth, he stopped and stared at me.

“You gave her rules?”

“Ten of them. If she breaks any one of them, she’s out. I have them posted on the refrigerator so she doesn’t forget.”

“You printed them?” He chuckled. “Did you have it laminated too?”

“Fuck off.”

“This is one of the best lunches I’ve had in months.” He laughed.

“I’m glad my misery is entertaining you.”

“What is she like?”

I hesitated for a moment. “She’s—” I paused. How the hell was I supposed to describe Bella? Annoying didn’t cover it. Neither did stubborn.”

“She’s what?” he asked.

“A lot,” I replied.

“That’s not an answer, my friend.”

“She’s opinionated, talks a lot, and doesn’t respect boundaries.”

“Maybe your boundaries are stupid.” He grinned.

“Watch it.” I pointed my fork at him.

“What does she do?”

“Social media and content creation.”

“Weird. For?”

“I can’t remember the name. Some lifestyle company hired her to shoot their fall campaign.”

“And how is living together going? Don’t forget, I know you.”