Read The Neighbor #4 (The Neighbor Romance Series - Book #4) for Free Online Page B

jeans and a casual
sweatshirt. I called Ryder before I left to meet Sayler, but he did not answer.
I assumed he went for a run and was feeling similar to the way I did. We were
both waiting for the other shoe to drop.
    ****
    I waited for Sayler at the Bay Leaf , a restaurant that proscribed to the
farm to table theory. I knew it was a way of eating that I should have been
doing for my own health, but pizza and ice cream were my favorites. If I
continued to eat emotionally, I would be obese.
    Sayler arrived and I hoped she could talk me through
the maze-like menu.
    “You clean up nice, Sayler,” I said as I greeted my
BFF.
    Sayler was wearing a black skirt and an emerald
green twin-set. Her hair was coifed perfectly.
    “Yeah, we have a staff meeting today and my department
is making a presentation. I don’t usually try this hard but it makes me feel
good.”
    “I’m sorry, Sayler. I have never asked much about
your job or school. My life has been Ryder centric.”
    “I understand. My life is mundane in comparison to
yours with lover boy. Give me the 411.”
    “How about we first order some grub? I don’t see a
five dollar blue plate special. What do you suggest?”
    “The local shrimp and grits are amazing. Or the Wadmalaw onion and spinach omelet is good. They make their
own seven grain bread here—yum.”
    “Hmmm.”
    The server came to our table.
    “I will have the onion and spinach omelet with an
order of Applewood smoked bacon. I’ll have coffee, too, please. Black and keep it coming.”
    “I will have an egg white scramble with John’s
Island tomatoes and I will have a raspberry green tea,” Sayler ordered.
    “Did I miss something? Where are the fat and
calories?”
    “It’s my new thing. Rem’s second Coffee Shack is
going to include some healthy food options. I’m doing a little research and it
tastes good too…after you get used to it.”
    “I guess I’ll eat for both of us then.”
    We laughed and I filled her in about the Ryder drama
and my meeting with my mother and the dean.
    “I can’t believe your mother Jenna. Sex with Claude
must be great.”
    “Ugh. Don’t bring that up. I don’t want the image in
my head. I turn the volume up to avoid hearing them in the room next-door. I’m
beyond living at home.”
    “You never know how things might work out. You might
be shacking up with Ryder next door.”
    “One thing at a time. I move the rest of my shit out of the dorm today and Max is planning to help me
out.”
    “So you’re basically in a holding pattern? That can
be a bitch. Did you ever find out who spotted you and Ryder?” Sayler asked.
    “No, I haven’t given it much thought. That is Max’s
sort of thing, so I’m sure he’ll have some ideas.”
    “I have to get going to work. I can’t even believe
those words are coming out of my mouth,” Sayler said as she paid the check.
    “It isn’t your words that shock me. It is the fact
that you just paid for my breakfast. Thanks, Say.”
    “No problem. Keep me posted. Luv
ya.”
    ****
    After breakfast, I was off to campus to collect the
remainder of my things. I had borrowed Claude’s SUV.
    The deciduous trees were bare and the sky was grey
outside. It wasn’t a stellar day and I was hoping it
would improve, along with my mood.
    I pulled up to Leach Hall. It hadn’t been a bad
place to live. Perhaps I would call the place home again, but for now, I had to
focus on moving out.
    “Max, you’re right on time ,”
I said as I walked into my former room. “Is Kelly here?”
    “She had an early class but she let me in to get
your shit staged.”
    I looked at the mess. It was depressing, but I
looked to Max to make it tolerable.
    “I see Kelly has moved things around a bit.”
    My bed had been combined with hers to make a double bed. I wasn’t pissed at Kelly,
but it was unsettling. It made my suspension real and somehow permanent.
    “Yeah, I helped her move the beds together. It’s
more comfortable that way—” Max