Chapter 90
Once I arrived home, I pulled out my laptop, searching the web on how to make herbal sprays. I was a terrible person. Regardless, Monroe couldn't find out with his nose. No, that would be even worse. The directions seemed simple; just grind up the herb, soak it in water overnight, and transfer the mixture into a spray bottle. Presto, liquid deception. Yeah, I was a terrible person. Maybe this was wrong. I still loved Monroe. But these feelings for Nick… I loved him, too. I'd make it work somehow.
I grinded the herb and added the water. Tomorrow I'd take care of the car. I tossed my clothes in the washer and caught up on Jeopardy after I showered.
My phone beeped during the second half of Jeopardy, and I paused the show to check my phone. It was a text from Chloe.
How's the nixing going? Wish U were here.
Attached was a picture of Chloe on the beach, holding up some fruity drink. I sent her a text back.
It's going ok. Have fun. Miss U.
The phone beeped back quickly.
Dammit, what have U done?
Even on the other side of the country, the brain links never faltered. Before I could type back, the phone rang.
"Please tell me you didn't do anything stupid," said Chloe when I answered the phone.
"Define stupid," I replied calmly.
"Oh, shit." Her teeth clicked loudly in my ear. "Do you still have feelings for the Grimm?"
"Yeah."
"Have you acted on these feelings?"
I took in a breath.
"Renée?! I swear I will fly back to Portland and slap some sense into you!"
"Chloe, it's fine, so don't worry about it."
"Don't tell me that, 'cause now I think you've slept with him."
"I haven't slept with him." Yet.
"What have you done with him?"
"We sort of… kissed." A lot.
She clicked her teeth again as she scowled. "And Monroe?"
"I'm still with Monroe."
"So what…? Are you gonna double dip?"
"I don't know what I'm going to do yet. I care about them both. Right now just be happy for me."
"Girl, this is beyond drama. This is soap opera crap, and you know how much I hate soap operas."
"Unless I fall in love with an evil twin, it's not a soap opera."
"This is no time for jokes." The clicking continued as she spoke. "Quit while you're ahead, and snap the fuck out of it!"
"Enjoy Florida and the beach bunnies, and don't worry about me, okay?"
"You are walking a dangerous line," she sighed out. "Please be safe and make up your mind."
I sighed as I hung up. Maybe Chloe was right, maybe I needed to choose. But I loved them both, I really did. I hooked up my MP3 player as I played The Lovin' Spoonful's take on the situation.
"Did you ever have to make up your mind?
Pick up on one and leave the other one behind.
It's not often easy, and not often kind.
Did you ever have to make up your mind?
Did you ever have to finally decide?
Say yes to one and let the other one ride.
There's so many changes, and tears you must hide.
Did you ever have to finally decide?"
It was too soon to make decisions. I'd figure it out later. Much later.
A/N: Poor Chloe. She's trying hard, but Renée is stubborn.
Short chapter, sorry. Two more chapters tonight!