After hanging up, Lila leaned in with a gossipy grin. "What did your mom say? Is she urging you to find a boyfriend?"
I rolled my eyes at her. "Boyfriend? Not everyone is like you. Cut it out with the gossip."
"Hehe, I was just asking," she said with a cheeky smile.
I sighed, not wanting to continue the topic. "Let's not talk about this. We're here. Let's get out."
We both got out of the car and went to our respective apartments.
Turning the key twice, I heard a soft click as I pushed open the door to my new home.
The faint smell of fresh paint mixed with the woody fragrance of new furniture greeted me. It wasn't unpleasant. In fact, it gave off a strangely comforting warmth.
I changed into slippers, rolled up my sleeves, and got ready to clean. Though it was a new place, it had been unoccupied for a while, so some dust had settled.
Just as I picked up a cloth to wipe the coffee table, the doorbell rang.
"Already?" I muttered, setting the rag down to answer the door. As expected, Lila stood outside, beaming like a flower in full bloom.
"Surprise!" She dramatically spread her arms wide, pretending to go in for a hug. I dodged with a smile. "Alright, alright, cut it out. Come in and help already."
"Aye aye, captain!" She playfully saluted, changed into slippers, and plopped herself onto the couch.
"Whoa, this couch is so comfy! Nope, I need to lie down for a bit first."
I shook my head helplessly. "Are you here to help or to lounge around?"
Lila sprang up from the couch and snatched the rag from my hand. "Of course, I'm here to help! I'm a hardworking little bee!"
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: No Escape from Love