Page 35 of The Right Garza

Maggie and I were roomies back when we worked with Slim, so we’re somewhat familiar with each other’s habits. She has her irritants, like being a nudist and eating all my food, but compared to the nightmare of a housemate that Ellie was, Maggie will be a darling to live with.

I didn’t clear the decision with Trent, but I doubt he’ll have a problem with it since she’s his old flame and all.

“You want java?” she asks. “I’ll be pulling an all-nighter working on these concepts.”

“I think I’ve had one too many cups today.” I wiggle my toes, not sure if I love or hate this purple polish. “Oh, don’t forget to email that rec list we talked about. I want to begin feeling out labor costs.”

“Righty-O, boss.”

As I roll my eyes, my phone jigs across the coffee table with a text notification. Carefully, I straighten out my legs and reach for it.

When I see the text is from Trent, I snort. I haven’t heard from this hellion in a hot minute.

Trent:What you doing?

Me:Well damn. You got my hopes up. When I didn’t hear from you I thought you forgot about me. I was all giddy about my plan to sneak away and slip under the radar.

Trent:Where would you even go?

Me:That’s for me to know.

Trent:I’d find you. I’d always find you

Me:Hmm. Because you drugged me and planted a tracking chip in me?

Trent:What are you doing right now?

Me:Painting my toenails.

Trent:How productive

Me:I was on my feet all day today running around this big old place. Nothing is wrong with taking a few minutes to show them some TLC.

Trent:TLC would be a nice, slow massage from strong hands, not nail polish

Me:You offering?

Trent:I’ve never been the “nice guy”, Lexi. If I’m massaging your feet, I’m massaging other places too. Still want it?

Me:No thanks.

Trent:*laughing emoji*

Me:What are you doing?

Trent:Working

Me:Must be really boring if you’re texting me.

Trent:*GIF of a sleepy cat nodding off in a corner*

Trent:Come keep me company?

Me:At work?

Trent:Yeah

Me:Nah. I’m a little beat. This “task” you’ve given me is tiring.