Loving the White Liar Read Online Free PDF Page B

have to get over it. Still, I remained civil.
    “Thanks, getting back to it.” I did more laps until I was sure he would get bored and leave. He wasn’t dressed for the pool. I was sure he was there to talk to me, but I didn’t want his apology. The man was a bag of mixed signals already and we hadn’t even had a full-fledged conversation. When I emerged, again I heard, “Are you going to drown yourself just to avoid talking to me?” His voice was pained and that’s when I looked up and gasped. His face was clearly sunburnt. “I’m dying here, fish. Please put me out of my misery.”
    I scrambled to get out of the water and he quickly started to apologize. “I’m so sorry. I was exhausted yesterday when I got home from work and I really wanted to hang out with you so I came. I didn’t have your number to...you know, to...reschedule.” I saw him wince as he covered his eyes to shield them from the sun. “I was out here until my roommate came looking for me at midnight. I haven’t slept that hard in years. Please let me make it up to you.”
    “Look, it’s cool. It’s not like it was a date or anything,” I offered, seeing the poor guy become more and more battered by the sun.
    “It was for me, and I wanted it to be for you, too. I...don’t sleep well. And when I do...God, have you always been this beautiful? Anyway, please give me your number. I would really like another chance.”
    He seemed sincere, and because he was incinerating himself for another date, I nodded.
    “Thank, Christ. I need you to give me your number quickly so I can make a run for it before I start crying like a bitch in front of you.”
    I spouted off my number as he stood, ready to type it in. I chuckled as he dashed for the gate to rid himself of his pain.
    “Noxzema or aloe!” I yelled loudly.
    “What?” he yelled back.
    “It takes out the sting!”
    “Thanks,” he said, smiling and then frowning at the pain it caused him as he dashed away.
    And he called me crazy.
     

     
    Later that night, I lay in bed with TV Land on and a lap full of electronics when my phone buzzed.
    2 a.m.
    Are you awake?
    I stared at my phone, certain the message was from Jayden. I was in fact awake but thought it odd that he’d text me so late.
    Me: Yes, Jay?
    Yep. I just wanted to say I was sorry again.
    Me: I’m beginning to believe you. Can’t sleep? Sunburn keeping you awake?
    I quickly programmed his number.
    Jay: Yes and no.
    Me: Ah, well, that answers it.
    Jay: I was asleep and my roommate came home with a screamer.
    I laughed at that.
    Me: So you decided that I didn’t deserve any sleep, either.
    Jay: You’re right. I’m sorry it’s late. I’ll text tomorrow.
    Me: It’s cool. I was just browsing the web for a job.
    Jay: Unemployed?
    Me: Soon. I’m working my notice and need a replacement.
    Jay: I have a few friends who own businesses. What are you looking for?
    Me: Honestly, anything at this point.
    Jay: I’ll make some calls in the morning just to see if any of them have something.
    Me: I can’t ask you to do that.
    Jay: It’s not a problem.
    Me: That’s kind of you. Thanks.
    Jay: So Saturday, I’ll come by and scoop you up and take you out.
    Me: Okay, I’m in apartment 4J.
    Jay: Seven?
    Me: Seven.
    Jay: Goodnight, fishnipple.
    I burst out laughing as I typed.
    Me: What...in...the hell?
    Jay: I’ll explain later?
    Me: Is that a question?
    Jay: I’m really fucking this up, aren’t I?
    Me: You are entertaining so far.
    Jay: Back at ya. See you Sat.
    Me: It’s a date.
    Jay: :)
    What a strange man. I chuckled as I rid my lap of my PC, sank into bed, and let a small amount of excitement seep back in.

 
     

     
    Jayden showed up at exactly seven on Saturday.
    I had a shift but had it covered by none other than the girl who owed me two months’ rent. Gerri had gone on her date with Mike last night and had come home dancing on the moon.
    He’d kissed her and promised another date. She’d spent most of the night explaining