Page 24 of Take My Love

“There’s coffee in the pot. Help yourself,” she calls from her room, then walks toward me. “And you should be grateful I’m sharin’ my expensive beans with you.”

“Is this supposed to be funny?”

“Whaddya mean?” She walks up to where I’m standing and finds what I’m staring at. “Oh.”

Every cabinet door and drawer is wide open.

“Did you do this?” I ask, creeped out by the thought of the alternative.

“No, I swear. I haven’t been in the kitchen. The coffeemaker’s on a timer. I set it last night.”

“You’re tellin’ me your ghost did this?”

“Marjorie,” she confirms. “I told you she doesn’t like guests.”

I look down at her, scowling.

“Hey, you’re the one who begged to live here.” She holds up her hands.

“I didn’tbeg. Maisie asked on my behalf,” I defend.

“Same thing. She’ll get used to you…eventually.”

“That’s reassurin’,” I deadpan.

She clears her throat, bellowing out her words. “Miss Marjorie, this is Silas. He’s not here as a friend or boyfriend. It’s temporary, so you don’t gotta worry.”

“Not even as afriend?” I smack my chest. “Ouch.”

“Well, are we? Friends?” She moves into the kitchen, grabbing two tumblers before shutting the rest of the doors. “Workin’ and livin’ together doesn’t automatically make us friends. We’ve barely had a conversation in six years.”

“I thought we could be,” I say somberly, grabbing the carafe. “Do you have cream?”

“I have half-and-half.” She opens the fridge and sets it on the counter. “And probably not.”

“I guess that’ll do.” I pour some into my tumbler before tightening the lid. “And why not?”

“’Cause guys can never be friends with girls. They always sexualize ’em. And eventually when the fantasy ain’t enough, they make a move and ruin the friendship.”

“But we’ve already had sex. So it shouldn’t be an issue to be friends, right?”

“I think being friends would complicate things.”

“How so?” I challenge, leaning against the counter while she finishes making her coffee.

“We’re gonna be late. Let’s go.” She walks off before I can stop her. “Do you wanna carpool?”

“Only if I can drive.”

“Why?” She grabs her bag before opening the front door.

I follow her outside and wait while she locks up. “I’ve heard stories.”

She rolls her eyes. “You’re such a wimp.”

“’Cause I don’t wanna be a passenger as you drive off a cliff?” I open the passenger side door and motion for her to jump in.

“That was one time and everyone was fine!”