Page 86 of The True Garza

Me:Did you pick these out? Your signature is all over them.

Jules: Yep. Unfortunately.

Me:Why unfortunately?

Jules:Because I don’t want you to be wooed by him.

Jules: Look at the sandals. He’s trying to control you. Tell him to fuck off.

Me: Did he tell you to put sandals in? Or did YOU put them in so I’d think he’s trying to control me and tell him to fuck off?

Jules: …

Me: ???

Jules:I hate how good of a detective you are.

Me:Why don’t you want me to be wooed by him?

Jules: Because I like you and don’t want you to disappear after he gets bored.

Jules:I’m not saying YOU are boring. HE gets bored, like ridiculously fast.

Me:Lol. Don’t worry, I won’t disappear. I’m not that fragile.

Jules:I know you’re tough and badass and all, but don’t underestimate the power of The True Effect.

In the middle of typing out a response, a text comes in from our topic of conversation. It consists of a date, a time, and a pinned location.

When I zoom in on the location, it’s of a private medical practice.

Another text follows.

True: Doctor’s appointment. Don’t miss it.

Me: For what?

True: Checkup. Send the results to my office once you get them.

Me: But I already did a checkup during training. It hasn’t even been six months.

True: Boss’s orders.

Me: Does he think I forged my results or something?

No response.

This man is maddening. He doesn’t talk to me for over a week. Sends me boxes of clothes out of the blue. And when he finally contacts me, it’s aboutwork?

With a frustrated, unladylike grunt, I toss the things back into the boxes, then kick them to the side of the room. Forget that bastard.

Hooking up with him was a mistake. I knew it was. There’s no excuse. In Denver, I had no clue about his lifestyle. But here, I do, and Istilljumped into bed with him.

Yet, even with this infuriating aftereffect, it’s a mistake my body is willing to make again.

I’d seen him at Hullub Bar & Grill a few nights ago while having after-work drinks with my colleagues. He was with another classy, boss bitch. A blonde replica of the last one. Not once did he even glance in my direction. And, as jealousy coursed through my veins thatshegot to spend time with him, the urge to walk across the room and wring her damn neck was strong.

That’s when I determined that what happened between us would be a one-night stand and nothing more. It’s either that or go mad. What Jules said is right, but I had to put on a front. Because the truth is, it’s too late. I’ve already been hit like a cinder block to the head by The True Effect.