Kiss Me When I Lie [ONC 2024]

2- Super Fun Interior-Decorator

~Kya~

I wish I was one of those cool people who can wear their cat around the city in a cute little backpack. Moreso, I wish my cat was one of those felines who could tolerate it.

Instead, I'm obsessively checking the security feed on my phone while the train is above ground. So far, so good, but Stu has escalated his slumlord tactics, and my once inadequate living situation has now turned into a living nightmare.

I woke this morning to no running water. While I don't consider myself high-maintenance, a working shower is essential to my quality of life.

Of course, my text conversation with the creep left me reeling with unease.

Me: Did you turn off my water?

Stu: Seems like a problem for you.

This man has access to my apartment. Elvis is there, defenseless. He should be galavanting around town, hanging off me like an accessory, but I had to leave him behind so I can meet with one of my good friends for lunch. A friend who might be breaking up with me.

She sent me a message out of the blue that said, "We need to talk." About what? I don't know. But it sounded like a precursor to being dumped.

Elvis is smart. He'll hide if anyone he doesn't know enters the room. He has his nooks and crevices that he can take to when he's scared.

At least we're staying with Calle tonight. Thank God. I have never in my life been more grateful for my sister.

....

Leighton is already at a booth with her one-year-old, Gordon (yes, his name was inspired by a certain reality chef), seated in a high chair at the end. Her stark green eyes spot me, and she gives me an awkward wave.

"Hey," I greet as I approach the table. Her lips form a tight smile, and my stomach clenches.

"Sorry I'm late, the train stalled," I spout. It didn't, and I'm not sure why I said that, I'm barely late. Her icy expression, though, made me feel like I was.

Leighton's eyes squint and a dark blonde curl falls in front of her face as she scrutinizes me. I shift a little, taken aback by her lack of warmth.

"It's fine," she says curtly. Okay?

Settling into my seat, I decide to turn my attention to more pleasant company. "Hi, Gordy!" I say in an exaggerated voice. I wave at him and he gives me a toothy grin. He is chunky, bald, and sweet as he belatedly starts to wave back. "Aww. Hi, buddy," I coo, as he continues the gesture.

Leighton pulls a snack cup out of her diaper bag and places it in front of the toddler. Gordon immediately picks it up and starts waving it around like a madman. "Moo," he squeals over and over.

Moo? I study the cup and try to figure out the word he is trying to say. Like a cow? Maybe 'moon'?

Leighton hands him a sippy cup. "Oh, milk," I murmur.

"Kya. Did you hear anything I just said?"

She was speaking? Whoops. Chastened, my eyes widen, and I give an apologetic smile. She releases an exasperated breath, and I wince.

The baby was distracting, and this seems like it's meant to be a serious lunch. With my full attention, I smile at her. "I'm sorry. Gordon is cute."

"Well, yeah, he is," she agrees. She sits up and straightens her shoulders as if to begin a business meeting rather than meet with a friend. "I'm glad you could join us for lunch," she recites like she is reading from a cue card.