Page 50 of The Deal Breaker
She glanced at her reflection in the hall mirror. The dark jeans fit like a glove and were the most expensive clothing she owned. Whenever she wore them, she received compliments, which made them the perfect choice for tonight. She had no idea where they were eating—surprising because she was the one who made Dash’s reservations—but in Portland, people dressed casually.
The coral sweater was pretty but plain. That was why she’d grabbed the scarf. She wanted to look nice for Dash.
Iris appreciated how he’d been spending time with her and texting her during the day to see how moving into her room had gone. What she couldn’t understand was how different things felt between them. He’d played a starring role in her dreams, something that hadn’t happened in almost a decade. And she kept finding him watching her.
Guess he was as glad to have her back in his life as she was to have him in hers.
She picked up the scarf and tied it per the video. This time, she looked as if she’d used a baby sling like Laurel Matthews wore as a fashion accessory.
“It’s hopeless.” Might as well admit defeat. “Maybe I should find something else to wear.”
And she should probably stop talking to herself until she moved into her apartment.
“You look lovely.” Janice climbed the stairs with a basket full of Dash’s clothes.
Guess there would be no wandering around in a towel this week. Iris shook the thought from her head.
“What’s the problem?” Janice asked.
“I can’t tie the scarf right.”
Janice set the laundry on the floor. “Let me try.”
“Go for it.” Iris handed over the scarf.
Before she could say anything, Janice folded and wrapped and circled Iris’s neck until the scarf turned an average top into something worth a second look.
“Oh my.” Iris stared at herself. “That’s even better than what I was going for in the video. How did you do that?”
“For over ten years, Leo and I worked for a stylist in Los Angeles. I occasionally accompanied her, so I learned a few tricks along the way.”
“Thanks for working your magic on me.” Iris was afraid to touch the scarf because it was so perfect.
“You’re welcome.” Janice picked up the basket. “Where are you going on your date?”
“It’s not a date. Just dinner with Dash.”
“Tony will be heartbroken,” Janice joked.
Iris laughed. Tony had cranked up the charm, but he appeared content with flirting. She was fine with that, too. Otherwise, turning him down could make things awkward with her living here. “Don’t let him hear you say that. I think he prefers breaking hearts than having it done to his.”
“I think you’re correct.” Janice glanced around as if to see if anyone was nearby. “You and Tony don’t have any chemistry. Now, you and Dash… Yours is off the charts. Explosive.”
“What? No. I mean.” Iris took a breath to calm her heart rate. Chemistry and Dash were two things that needed to stay separate. “We’re friends.”
Janice studied her with curiosity. “Friendship is the best foundation for a relationship.”
“It’s not like that.” Iris didn’t want to give her the wrong idea. “I’ve known Dash since we were thirteen. We’re trying to rekindle our friendship. Nothing else.”
“Well, I see the sparks between you. Leo does, too.”
Heat pooled on her face. Iris didn’t know what to say. “I…”
Janice hitched the basket to her left hip before touching Iris’s shoulder. “Years ago, Leo and I worked for the same family. We were friends. More because of proximity than common interests, but we enjoyed eating our meals in the kitchen and occasionally did projects together. One day, I noticed his eyes were warm and bright. I realized how happy he made me when he said hello when we saw each other in the house. And I admitted to myself how hot he was.”
Iris laughed, a combination of amusement and nerves. But she enjoyed hearing the story.
“The funny thing was, he was noticing things about me.” Janice smiled softly. “I have no idea what caused the change between us. Maybe we were finally in a place where we could see each other more clearly. We tried being more than friends, and twenty-five years later we’re still together.”
