Open Skies by Marysol James Read Free Book Online

maybe she could swing it?
    “Tammy?” she said.
    “Yeah?”
    “Do you want to move in here for six months?”
    Her friend stared at her, stunned. “Jules. You know I can’t afford the rent on this place…”
    “I know, I know. I’m just thinking – what if you paid me the same rent that you’re paying now, and I cover the difference?”
    “What? Really?”
    “Yeah.” She looked around again. “I just don’t want to have to worry about a sub-let while I’m so far away. I don’t want to deal with problems and complaints and pet violations, since legally, I’m on the hook for anything that might happen here. You know? I can trust you.”
    “Well, you shouldn’t!” Tammy said merrily. “I’ll have Marco over every night, and I’ll dance for him on the marble table tops and gyrate all over the white leather sofa… I’ll cover myself in glitter and screw him on the bathroom counter and on the balcony…scandalize the snooty neighbour in 5B.”
    “Seriously, Tammy. I’m asking seriously.”
    Tammy squinted at Julie. “OK, sorry.” She paused and thought about it. “Yeah, OK. I mean, the lease is up on my place in less than two weeks, so the timing is perfect. And I can always find another scuzzy walk-up in six months’ time. That’s never a problem.”
    “Oh, thank you.” Julie felt light-years better. “That’s great.”
    “No, thank you . This place is incredible. Nicest place I’ve ever been in, really.”
    “Just one thing, Tammy…”
    “I know. I know what you’re going to say: Marco can’t move in. Right?”
    “Right.”
    “I know you can’t stand him, Jules, but he’s not as bad as you think. You should give him a chance.”
    Julie barely restrained herself from rolling her eyes. Why couldn’t Tammy find a nice guy, one who would treat her with some respect and love? She just picked loser after loser and was shocked and hurt when he wasn’t invested in the relationship, or cheated on her, or used her for money or her car or a place to crash.
    “You like him, Tammy, and that’s all that matters. I mean, you’re dating the guy, not me.”
    “OK, OK. Let’s drop it. So, back to the apartment. I’d love to stay here and I promise to take good care of it. It’s great of you to ask me.”
    Julie grinned. “Yeah, well. This way, I don’t have to pack all my clothes in boxes and stick them in storage down in the basement – they can stay in one of the closets. You can even wear my clothes, if you want.”
    Tammy looked her friend up and down. “Oh, right. All the legs on your pants would end at my knee and your dresses would barely cover my crotch.”
    “Hey!” Julie said, mocking indignation. “It’s not my fault that you have those long legs that go up past my chin…”
    “Well. I can borrow your crazy high-heeled shoes, if I feel like banging my head on the ceiling. And your purses.” She gave Julie a pleading look. “You will leave the red Coach purse, right? I’ve always wanted to show up at work with it…”
    “Absolutely. Consider it yours for the next six months.” Julie nodded at the bathroom door. “OK. Back to it.”
    Tammy saluted smartly. “Yes, ma’am!”
    Julie crossed two more things off her list: ‘sub-let apartment’ and ‘put clothes in storage downstairs’. She sighed.

Chapter Two
     
    Flying business-class had always been an enjoyable experience for her, but this time, Julie couldn’t relax.
    Not that anything was wrong, at all. The window seat was roomy and very comfortable; the complimentary Champagne was delightful; the meal was excellent. The man next to Julie was mercifully quiet and after a cursory glance over his glasses down at her legs and up at her breasts he’d focused his attention on his laptop. Spreadsheets and figures dominated the screen as he scrolled up and down and sideways. He also sighed a lot, and shook his head. Once he laughed under his breath and muttered, "As if . Blockheads.”
    Julie tried to stay calm.