Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 23113 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 116(@200wpm)___ 92(@250wpm)___ 77(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 23113 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 116(@200wpm)___ 92(@250wpm)___ 77(@300wpm)
I am going to find out what is going on with Misty, one way or another.
Before I have time to think twice, I’m at her parents’ house pounding on the front door. To my surprise, a man I recognize as part of the household staff answers.
That’s strange, I thought Misty dismissed most of the live-in household staff for the summer. She told them to take long vacations. So why is this guy back? And did he see me with her? What if he tells her parents I was over here looking for her? I have no good way of explaining that one.
Without speaking, he holds up his pointer finger, instructing me to wait for a moment. Does he not speak English? I stand, shifting from side to side, my sixth sense buzzing. Something’s wrong.
Sure enough, he goes to look for Mark and Susan Snow. They come to the front door, plump and round, with smiles on their faces.
“Jordan,” Susan greets with a smile. “We’d invite you in, but you know how the pandemic is. How are you? Long time no see.”
I nod.
“I’m doing well, thanks. I just noticed you were home.”
“We are indeed,” chortles Mark. “We were traveling for a bit over the summer, but now we’re back. How can we help you?”
I begin rambling.
“Actually, I was just coming by to check on Misty. She’d mentioned she was home alone for the summer, and we got to talking occasionally. Last time, she said you guys have a broken sprinkler,” I improvise. “I was going to take a look at it.”
Susan and Mark share a puzzled glance.
“Well, we have a gardener who comes by regularly. He should be taking care of that kind of stuff, not you. Funny that Misty asked you about it.”
Oh shit. I smile wanly.
“I’m good with my hands, and it’s no trouble. Sprinklers are my specialty in fact,” I lie through my teeth.
Susan and Mark seem appeased.
“Well, I’m so sorry to tell you, Jordan, but Misty’s not here. She left the morning after our arrival, although you can still look at the sprinkler if it’s causing problems,” Mark chortles happily, as if he’s just told a joke.
I stand there for a moment in shock. Gone? But where to?
“No, that’s okay. I’m sure if you have a professional gardener, it’ll be fine. I mean, call me if he can’t fix it. But where did Misty go?” I ask, trying to sound casual. Inside, my heart’s thumping a million miles an hour, but I can’t give away the fact that I’m freaking out. Mark and Susan would kill me if they knew I’ve been making love to their daughter all summer. The chubby woman merely smiles brightly, suspecting nothing.
“Oh, you know teenagers. Misty had long-standing plans to visit an old boyfriend of hers for the last two weeks of August. In fact, his family owned your place before you moved in. He’s a nice boy,” Mrs. Snow says. “Don’t you miss Jimmy Kross?” she asks her husband. “He was so sweet.”
“Oh yeah, Jimmy,” Mr. Snow chortles, his belly bumping up and down. “It was so cute watching Jimmy and Misty fall for each other. They had a real tender vibe going. It was simply puppy love of course, but it meant the world in their innocent eyes. I wonder how Bob and Marsha Kross are doing?” he asks his wife rhetorically. “They were the nicest people, and I imagine they’re doing well over in Corvallis.”
Meanwhile, I smile although a jealous rage is beginning to rise in me. Who the fuck is this Jimmy person? And he used to live in my house? Meanwhile, Misty’s parents continue with their conversation.
“Yes, she missed him so desperately after he moved that we agreed to let her go spend some time with him before starting senior year.” Mrs. Snow tucks her hair behind her ears and coos. “So sweet. I miss those initial stages of puppy love.”
“Very adorable,” Mr. Snow agrees. “Now, is there anything else we can do for you, Jordan?” he asks. “I’ll be sure to call you if the gardener can’t fix the sprinkler,” he adds.
I stammer a bit, still reeling.
“Uh, no. No, I guess not. Glad to hear Misty’s safe, and that your garden’s in order. Sounds good. Call me if you hit any snags!” I give them a nod, and turn before making my way back to my own home.
But once I’m in the dim coolness of my house, I stop short. I can’t believe Misty had these plans all along and never told me. She didn’t even bother to say goodbye! What the fuck? I guess this is what I get for dating a teenager because they’re so nonchalant about niceties. Everything just rolls along, and they don’t think twice about the people they hurt.
But still, I’m shocked that Misty would do this. My curvy girl is caring and considerate, and something still strikes me as wrong about this whole situation. She wouldn’t just pick up and leave, would she?