She slammed down a can on the counter, making her utensil holder jump nearby as she whirled around to glare at Drake.
“Do not come over here judging me after insulting me…”
“Steffi…”
“I don’t have a couch because I cannot afford one nor can I afford to rent movers to lift it or a truck large enough to relocate it from place to place,” she railed at him and knew she sounded like a shrew, but her temper was too far gone… her pride in ribbons… and he was standing there looking all polished and pretty in her shabby living room that was nearly empty except a few milk crates that served as storage containers. “I buy my pieces at yard sales when I have a little extra in my bank account, okay? Is that what you want to hear? I have had to move four times over the last five years, and it’s difficult to do that when you are alone. If it fits in my car, can be strapped to the top of it, or serves a specific function – it comes with me when I move… and if it doesn’t?” She angrily threw the brand-new box of trash bags that she’d just purchased at him, landing on the floor between them. “Then it goes into one of those – at the curb. Got any more questions? Hmm? You want the grand tour now? How about you check out my hall closet, where I keep two towels and two washcloths beside a change of sheets. Would you like to see my twin-size mattress where it rests on the floor?”
Drake was eerily silent, which only pushed her further.
“Not everyone in this world is filthy rich,” she continued, losing steam quickly as she turned away from him. “Some of us are just trying to get by, oh great Demented Wonder.”
Steffi went back to putting the dented cans she got from the clearance bin at the grocery into the cabinet. It had been full of treasures this week, so much so that she was able to get a few boxes of pasta that had been taped shut, some expired makeup, and a new slotted spoon that had been discontinued. She’d been having a good day – until now.
Until Drake.
“I’ve forgotten…” he whispered from behind her in a hoarse voice that caught her attention as she froze. “I’m sorry that I ever made you feel defensive, but it was surprising to see a few thingsmissing – and I forgot how it was right after my dad passed away. My mother always made sure we had the best of things, but hearing what you said about just trying to get by, made me remember her saying that too when I was a boy.”
Steffi looked at him and his somber expression. “No silver spoon for you?”
“Not at all,” he admitted in a hushed voice. “Mine was a tarnished one found in the dirt, and we had to bend it back into shape.”
Neither said a word for several moments before Drake picked up the box of trash bags and walked over to set it on the counter before her.
“I don’t want to fight,” he began and hesitated. “I was coming over to ask if you could take a photo with me, so I can text it to my mom.”
“Why?”
“Because we’re engaged.”
“Drake…”
“We need to keep up appearances for a bit.”
“Why?”
“Because I’ve got a few commitments coming and I don’t want to disrupt things financially on my end – I’m sure you can understand.”
She flinched.
Steffi could understand wanting to keep the paychecks flowing and consistent. She went in when she had a head cold, refusing to call in sick, and always picked up overtime shifts when they were available to save a little extra, in case she needed it for an emergency.
“I also wanted to have your car taken in for repairs – and thought I would loan you mine, if you are acceptable to that idea?” he said quietly, digging out his keys. “I promised to fix it as part of our engagement, remember?”
“Drake…”
She began – and he pressed the key into her hand, holding her gaze. She was proud, but not stupid. He had offered to fix her car for her – for free – and she needed that vehicle to last as long as possible.
“Truce, Steffi,” he breathed softly, his eyes searching hers. “I know you want this over, but I need it to continue for a little while longer, which is why I asked about your sizes. Enjoy this for what it is and let’s call a truce, that begins with a photo of us, together.”
It was on the tip of her tongue to say ‘no’ again, because something about him made her on edge… and she saw the corner of his lip turn upward.
“Please?” he offered – and she sighed heavily, accepting the keys.
“No takebacks,” she warned, shaking the keys at him. “You don’t get to gripe at me about the car not being washed, the grass, or anything else while this ‘deal’ is in the works – got me?”
“I understand,” he chuckled, nodding. “And in return, we’re engaged according to anyone who asks, and we’ll act the part.”
“Fine,” she agreed and then hesitated. “And while they are fixing the oil leaks, can they fix the air conditioner too?”