Page 4 of The Renter

“Let’s hope he doesn’t call my aunt.” I sigh. “That would screw up my work-from-home daughter situation.” I imitate a man’s voice, “Yeah, there was this random chick in a bikini who broke into the house.”

“That would go over well,” Kelsey says sarcastically, and we all take big sips of our drinks.

“So, how long are you back for? Sam asks.

“For the summer. I need twenty-five thousand dollars, and I’ll feel secure.”

“Is Chicago that expensive?” Sarah asks, shocked. “That’s a lot of money.”

“Life is expensive.”

Kelsey cocks her head. “You really need that much to move back?”

“I’ll need two months’ rent to get a lease, plus I’ll have to show I’m making money, which right now I’m not making much. I’m doing PR consulting for a couple of small brands.” I sigh, the stress of existing returning.

I leave out how my parents wouldn’t cosign a lease for me. I asked, and that’s yet another reason why I’m back here.

“I’m not on my parents’ insurance like all of you,” I add. “Insurance is a lot! Plus, student loans and everything else.”

They all nod, and I put the boat in neutral, arriving at Big Foot Beach. Sarah throws the anchor, and we stretch out on theboat with our oversized sunglasses and a growing buzz. As we listen to a top hits playlist, I can’t stop thinking about him.

The Renterreminds me of Henry Cavill before he got super buff and that other actor, Antony Starr. Like a well-preserved, soon-to-be silver fox in his forties. He has that runner or boxer’s build with lean muscles. I think about his body and mentally replay my quick scan of him from earlier in slow motion. Damn,The Rentermight be exactly what I need.

“So, are you going to flirt with that guy or not?” Sam asks.

“Why do you care so much?”

“I want to live vicariously through you—single lady.” She giggles.

I almost tease her, but Sam’s one of those rare cases of finding her soulmate in high school. They’re not engaged yet, but she and her boyfriend are perfect for each other.

“I really want to know …” Kelsey starts, looking over at me. “When was the last time you hooked up with someone?”

“There was this consultant a few months ago. We had a three-week fling while he was in Chicago on a project.” I smirk, remembering all the hotel room sex we had.That was a fun fling.

“A few months ago?” Sarah questions. “Is that, like, five months ago or longer?”

“Longer.”

“Dani!” they practically yell in unison.

“What?”

“Girl, you need to get laid.” Kelsey giggles. “What about beforeThe Consultant? We never hear you talk about guys.”

“Shirts was my guy. It didn’t leave much room for dating, you know?” Even now, the thought of all those long hours spent being a marketing team of one, doing more work than anyone else, stings. Three years of my life—gone like that.

“What about dates?” Sarah presses.

“I’ve turned a lot down.”

“Why?” Sam asks.

“Because none of the guys seemed like marriage material.”

“You’re silly.” Sarah laughs. “You can go out with a guy just to go out. It doesn’t have to be serious.”

“No thanks,” I sass and take a drink. “Why waste my time?”