Not So Suddenly Soulmates, page 5
RHI:
Unless you’re with the love of your life, I need you and I need you now. My so-called friend locked me out of her apartment and my stuff, including my keys, are still in there.
“Shit.” Levi took out his wallet and dropped some cash next to his empty beer bottle. “Enjoy your show. I gotta go.”
“Wait, no way. No one walks out on me.”
“I don’t do second dates, and I’ve crawled over better women to go play with myself in the corner. You want a reality show, go do it somewhere else.” He tapped his finger on the table. “Unless you got the owner’s permission to film in here, this better not end up anywhere he or I will see it. If it does, you’ll be talking to a lawyer.” Levi vaulted to his feet and hustled out of the restaurant. “I need my car—quick. Rhi’s in trouble.”
The valet tossed him his keys and pointed to the car. “It’s right over there.”
“Thanks, man.” Levi texted Rhi before he jumped in the car. She’s been friends with Megan for years. Maybe it was a mistake. The trip took a little over ten minutes but it felt like an hour. He pulled in the parking lot and saw her sitting on the front steps of the building. He threw the car in park, got out, and ran to her. “Are you okay? What happened?”
Chapter Ten
RHI
May 15th
“I left my stuff at Megan’s apartment, like I always do. Only this time, when we got back, she rushed to the door and slammed it before I even got there.”
“Did you knock? Try to call?”
Rhi paced back and forth. “Of course. She won’t answer the phone or the door. Hell, she had the super escort me down here.”
“Fucking bitch. Did you call the cops?”
“She’s one of my best friends in Indy. Or was? Do you think I want to call them on her?” Rhi sank onto the concrete steps and buried her head in her hands.
“She made that decision for you when she asked the super to have you removed.” Levi pulled out his phone and dialed 911. He relayed the story to dispatch then handed it to Rhi to fill in the details.
A man scurried out of the building and over to them. “I’m going to have to ask you two to leave. We’ve had some complaints about you two hanging out in the parking lot. If you don’t vacate the property now, I’ll be forced to call the police.”
“No need. They’re on the way. One of your tenants has her purse, which includes the keys to her car and our apartment. That’s theft.” Levi held up his phone. “And you better believe I’m recording this conversation.”
“All I know is Megan said this woman was bugging her and wouldn’t stop beating on her door. Then she called about the two of you out here.”
“Well, she’s about to get a rude awakening by the cops.” Levi shook his head.
It didn’t take long for the officers to arrive and they all headed up to the seventh floor.
Levi stood at Rhi’s side, his arm around her. “It will be okay.”
One of the officers knocked on Megan’s door. “Police. Open the door.”
The door popped open a couple of inches and Megan peeked through the gap. “Good. You’re here.” She closed the door and unhooked the chain to open it all the way. “Some lady wouldn’t stop beating on my door then hanging out in the parking lot of my building. I’m scared to death.”
The officer motioned to Rhi. “Is this the woman?”
Megan threw her hands over her mouth. “OMG! Rhi did you see the woman beating on my door? I was super scared. She even followed us up to my apartment. That’s why I slammed my door so quick.”
“You have my purse. I was banging on your door and calling you to try and get it back. The keys to my car, which is in your parking lot, are in that purse.” Rhi pursed her lips. She’s going to play that game?
“There was seriously someone else out here. I swear.” Megan reached inside her apartment and grabbed Rhi’s purse. She handed it to her. “Sorry about locking you out. I was seriously scared.”
The officer cleared his throat and looked at Rhi. “Do you want to go through your purse and make sure everything’s there?”
She did a quick scan of the items in her purse and didn’t see anything missing. Her keys and wallet were there, which were the most important things. She checked her wallet. “It’s all here.”
“Excuse me.” Megan tapped her foot on the ground. “Can I file a complaint about the woman who was chasing me?”
“If you want to. We’ll have to look at the surveillance footage. If it turns out to be your friend trying to get her belongings back, it will look like you were planning to steal her stuff.”
Megan huffed, bolted back into her apartment, and slammed the door.
“Okaayyy.” The officer turned to Rhi. “There will be a report filed about this. It will include both sides that I heard. Is there anything you want to add?”
Rhi shook her head. “I’m just happy to have my things back.”
The officer nodded. “Good. If it turns out you’re missing anything, reach out in the morning.” He pulled out his card and handed it to her with a smile. “If you ever find yourself single, my cell number’s on there too.”
She laughed. “I am single. Levi’s my best friend.”
“Well, then the name’s Brant.” He extended his hand to her. “Give me a call sometime. We’ll go out.”
“I’ll do that.” She shook his hand then turned to Levi. “Ready to go?”
“More than ready.” He followed Rhi out of the building and scowled.
“What’s up with the face?” Rhi bumped his shoulder. Is he jealous? She held onto her purse like it was a lifesaver.
Levi put his arm around her. “What if we’d been dating and the guy asked you out? How rude is that?”
“I mean, we’re not, so it’s not an issue. But yeah, I’d agree it would be rude if we were. Maybe he could tell we’re just friends.”
“He said ‘if you find yourself single.’ He was going to give you his number whether you were dating me or not. Sounds like an arrogant prick.”
“Well, if it makes you feel better, the only reason I would call him is if I end up missing something.” Rhi kissed his cheek. “Do I detect a hint of jealousy?”
“No! Just because you got everything back doesn’t mean you weren’t robbed. Of course I’m going to be protective of you.” He pulled her into his arms and held her close. “Next time you go to a concert, take me with you.”
“Next time, I’ll leave my stuff locked in my trunk and I won’t be going with Megan.” She blew out a breath. “I’m going to go home. Feel free to go back to your date.”
“Nah. I’m following you.” He snatched her keys, unlocked her car, and checked for anything out of the ordinary. “Looks safe but if there’s any problems stop and we’ll call the garage.”
She gave him a fake salute. “Yessir.”
He waited for her to climb in and start the engine before he went back to his vehicle to follow her out of the parking lot.
By the time they made it back to their apartment, Levi was yawning.
Rhi hugged him after she closed the door. “I hope I didn’t ruin a great date but I will always be thankful you were there for me tonight.”
“It wasn’t going anywhere. And I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
“I couldn’t believe she’d do that to me. I’ve known her almost as long as I’ve known you.” She pulled her long hair up into a loose bun. “I’m scared. What if she tries to steal my identity? All my identification and cards were in my purse. I don’t even know what to think.”
“Call your dad in the morning. Doesn’t part of his company handle identity theft issues?”
“Uncle Cory does some of that.” She yawned. “I’m not exactly sure what but they’d know what I’d need to do.”
“At least there’s a police report out there, so if anything does come up, they should be able to trace it back to her.”
“We can hope.” Her hands trembled. “You up for sleeping in a comfortable bed with a woman who’s not your type?”
“Always. But where will you sleep?” He winked at her. “Let me go change and I’ll meet you in your room.”
Rhi smacked his arm. “Thank you.”
“Anytime, babe. Anytime.” Levi changed into a pair of black pajama pants and a white T-shirt then grabbed a couple bottles of water from the fridge and headed to Rhi’s room.
She was leaning against her headboard, her hands covering her face. “I don’t know what bothers me more…the fact that she could be stealing my identity right now or that she was my friend.”
“You caught this early and should be able to get everything squared away. Losing the friendship is going to take a lot longer to get through.”
“It hurts more than I care to admit.” Rhi wiped away her tears and stretched out on the bed.
Levi pulled back the covers, laid down, and drew her against him. “I can’t offer you words of wisdom, but I can be your ear and your comfort.”
Rhi turned over and kissed his cheek. “Don’t ever leave me, Levi. I don’t think I could stand it.”
“You can’t get rid of me that easily. Who’s gonna do my laundry or make sure I eat?”
She laughed. “You’re an ass but I love you.”
“You better believe it, love.”
Chapter Eleven
RHI
May 16th
Rhi changed into her little black dress and looked in the mirror. Perfect. After a quick fix of her messy bun, she slipped into her black flats and made her way into the kitchen. Two can play at this game. If Levi’s still going to meet other women, I’ll be going out too.
Levi stared into the fridge then walked over to the counter, his jeans and white tee snug on his frame. “Hot date? I thought you were going to change your whole lifestyle when it came to dating?”
“I am. I let Robby set me up with a friend of his.”
Levi frowned. “That doesn’t sound promising. You guys have nothing in common.”
“I guess this guy’s a fellow cat lover. Robby said he has quite a few.”
“So, a crazy cat guy? Forty and living in his mother’s basement, right?”
Rhi crossed her arms. “He’s our age, his name is Jerry, and he owns his house.”
“Jerry? Who names a kid our age Jerry?”
“Well, his mom, of course.” She grinned as Duke jumped up on the island and strolled over closer to her. She reached out and petted the cat. “Maybe Mommy will bring a friend home for you?”
Duke nuzzled her hand then bit her finger.
“Ouch.”
Levi chuckled. “I don’t think he wants a friend.”
“I bet he’d like a female friend.”
“He’s fixed, remember? No kittens out of him.” Levi walked over and Duke hopped onto his shoulder. He scratched him under the chin and Duke purred. “Just a couple of grumpy bachelors, aren’t we, Duke?”
Rhi rolled her eyes. “Grumpy because neither of you are getting laid tonight?”
“Nah. My date will be here in about ten minutes. So get lost before then, will you?”
“Lucky for you, this friend of Robby’s knows we live together.”
“And he’s cool with it?” Levi leaned against the counter and folded his arms.
There was a knock on the door.
“Yup! He think’s your gay.” Rhi winked and opened the door.
“Rhi?” Jerry handed her a half shredded bouquet.
“Thank you.” She forced a smile.
He looked a lot older than twenty-three. Deep laugh lines appeared when he smiled. His forehead was wrinkled and there was more gray hair on his head than brown. “Sorry. My cat got into them. I figured you’d understand.” He shifted from one foot to the other.
Rhi laughed. “I do.” She took the flowers and walked over to the counter.
“Oh, honey, let me take those. You don’t have a lick of fashion sense at all.” Levi grabbed the bouquet and reached for a vase. He leaned close to Rhi and whispered, “Our age, huh?”
She smacked his arm. “What do flowers have to do with fashion sense? And I thought I looked good in this.”
“Well, duh, you do. But then again, I picked the damn thing out.” Levi turned around and waved his hand in the air. “You should have seen the ugly thing she was wearing before you came in. Practically a burlap sack. It was hideous and said ‘old grandma who’s going to be a cat lady for the rest of her life.’”
Jerry smiled. “I love cats, so I’m down for that.”
“Oh, honey, are you just as hopeless as she is?” Levi put his hand on Jerry’s shoulder. “Just take her out and have a good time. I’ll be leaving soon. I won’t wait up.” He threw the flowers in the vase and sashayed to his room.
Rhi burst out laughing. “My roommate is crazy. Don’t mind him.”
“It’s all right. Are you ready to go? I have the cat in the car.” He motioned to the door with his thumb.
“You brought a cat?” She darted to the door. “It’s like eighty outside. Are we dropping him off before we go out?”
He followed her out into the hallway. “Yeah sure. Robby said you were into cats, so I figured I’d let you meet him.”
“Ohhkay.” Rhi nodded.
She opened the door to the stairs and they sped downstairs and out to the parking lot.
Jerry fumbled with his keys and unlocked the ancient Buick. He leaned into the backseat to check on the animal.
Rhi sat in the passenger’s seat and spotted the most overweight cat she’d ever seen. “Do you have any water in here?”
The poor ginger and white thing panted then released a meow-like bellow.
“I think so. Let me check.” Jerry popped the trunk and hurried to the back of the car.
She reached back and petted the cat’s head. “It’s all right.”
Jerry came back with the water and his hands twitched when he opened it, dumping half the bottle all over the front of Rhi’s dress. “I’m sorry.” He poured what was left into a small container and placed it on the floor in front of the cat.
Rhi stared down at her wet dress. Urgh. At least it’s black and will dry quickly. “What’s his name?” She glanced in the back again.
The cat moved its paws toward the bowl but kept most of its rear end on the seat.
“Pumpkin,” Jerry sat again and put his seatbelt on. “Ready to go?”
“Yeah, we are dropping him off, right?”
“Oh, I figured we’d hang out at my house. It’s a great place for cat lovers.” He flashed her a smile, started the car, and turned the air on high.
Rhi shivered as the cold breeze hit the wet part of her dress. Wonderful. “Besides being a cat lover, tell me about yourself?” She ran her hands up and down her arms as goosebumps formed.
“There’s not a lot to tell. I live in my mother’s basement. Well, technically, it’s mine. I own the house. And she pays me to take care of all her cats.”
“Wait. You own the house but you live in the basement? Isn’t there a room upstairs you can use?”
“Well there is but where would the cats sleep?” Jerry laughed.
Rhi opened her mouth to respond but the most horrific sound came from behind her.
Pumpkin let out a half yowl, half scream as he lost the contents of his stomach all over the backseat.
Rhi’s cringed and her eyes went wide. “Ohmigod, we have to stop now.”
Jerry shot a look in the back. “Oh, shit.” He pulled into a nearby gas station.
She jumped out of the car and ran inside. She scanned the store until she saw paper towels and rushed to get them. Her shoe connected with something slippery and flew out from under her. She landed square on her ass in whatever she’d just slipped on.
“Are you all right, ma’am?” The young man from behind the counter tried to keep from laughing but his eyes showed mirth.
“Peachy.” She got to her feet and looked down at the mess on the floor. “Someone should clean up the cheese sauce. Although, I think most of it’s on my dress.” She took a deep breath, marched over to where the paper towels were, grabbed the roll, and stormed back to the counter.
The clerk chuckled and shook his head. “Seriously, they’re on me.”
“Thanks.” Rhi snatched the towels and hurried out of the store to the car.
Jerry sat in the front seat, cuddling his dry heaving cat.
She ripped open the package and opened the back door. The smell hit her immediately. “Oh, God.” She covered her nose and backed away. “I’m not sure I can clean that up.”
“Don’t worry about it.” Jerry waved his hand at her. “She does it every time we go to the vet too. I’ll have it detailed tomorrow.” Pumpkin stepped over to the passenger side of the car and sniffed at her, letting out a soft meow.
“I’m not going to be able to get back in the car.” The paper towels fell from her hand, and she bent over to pick them up. She was in the process of standing when she felt something touching her butt. She spun around and jumped back. “W-was your cat just licking the cheese off my dress? I’m just gonna have my roommate pick me up.”
“That’s probably best. I’ll be watching Pumpkin pretty closely tonight.” Jerry gave her a crooked smile. “Give me a call tomorrow and I’ll come get you without the cat in the car. We can hang out and play on the human and cat tower I made.”
“Um, I’ll think about it.” Rhi shut the passenger’s side door, pulled her phone out of her purse, and stepped onto the sidewalk. She texted Levi first.
RHI:
When you get done with your date, can you come get me? I’m like a mile from home at the gas station.
Her next message was to Robby.
RHI:
Seriously? You set me up with a guy who lives in his mother’s basement and takes care of her cats for a living?
