53 The Brief Theft

"It was worth a shot."

"Why do you keep doing things like this?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean why do you keep sabotaging my food?"

"I don't know. Why is it that every single time I think we're getting along, you do something stupid to mess it up?

"What are you talking about?"

"You were going to throw away my flowers!"

"Those weren't your flowers."

"Oh really? So the card addressed to Astra was for you? I didn't know that we had the same name."

"Those damn flowers were a nuisance and you know it."

"You should have let me handle it."

"I did and I still saw him sending flowers."

"Why are these flowers a nuisance anyways?"

"We practically had to stop production to get rid of them. Throwing them away saves time.

"Everyone loved them. Besides, this last batch was just 100 roses. I didn't even need to hand them out. I would have just taken them home.

"I don't want him sending you flowers anymore."

"Why the hell not?"

"I just said why. It's a nuisance and frankly it's unprofessional."

"That's a load of crap and you know it. Now tell me the real reason."

"You really want to know?"

Irritated, I feel myself huffing as I cross my arms.

"I wouldn't be asking if I didn't want to know."

"Because I don't want to see him sending you anything. I don't want to see you getting gifts from anyone."

"I don't understand."

"Neither do I. I don't understand any of this and it's so confusing."

"Well I tell you what, when you figure that out, let me know. Until then quit taking all of my things, Will!"

"Are you still upset about this morning?"

"Am, am I still upset about this morning? I don't know, Will. I fell into a pool and had my bra taken from me. Then if that wasn't enough, I had to go around the set without it until you forced my hand and practically made me beg for it. What do you think? Would you still be upset?"

"Of course not. I don't wear bras and even if someone did steal my underwear, I am a forgiving person."

"Oh is that so. You're a forgiving person."

"Yes."

"Then, I'm sure you won't mind forgiving me for messing up your milkshake. After all it really was an accident."

Deciding to lay it on thick I put on my doe eyes.

"I said I was forgiving not that I was a fool."

"Ugh, whatever. Mind if I use your bathroom?"

"Go ahead."

I start going in the direction of the bathroom but when his back is turned I immediately go to his bedroom. Forgiving are you? Lets see how you will really feel if someone steals your underwear. I zone in on his dresser and start opening drawers until I land on the underwear. Without hesitation I load every one of his boxer briefs into my purse. Lets see how you feel tomorrow without your underwear and see how I feel. While I'm putting them in there, I see a jewelry box. Curiosity gets the better of me and I open it. Inside is the ring I found this morning. Really? Doesn't he know if a stalker breaks in this is going to be the first place they look? I do wonder what the importance of this ring is. I want to ask him so badly but it seems like a sore spot for him. What about this ring could possibly bring the ice block to tears? Knowing I'm running out of time, I put the box back down and finish grabbing the rest of his underwear. While doing all this, I'm too distracted to see the person standing in the doorway. Hearing soft footsteps, I look up and see nothing there. Must be my imagination.

Once I'm done with my mission I come back out to see him playing with the dogs. I set my bag down and rush outside to give my dear dog children some hugs and kisses.

"Donner, Blitzen. You beautiful angels you. Come say hello to your dog mother! I missed you so much! It's been ages since I've seen you." I say while kissing Donner on the head.

"You just saw them this morning."

"I know and it felt like forever."

"You spoil them too much."

"Oh Will, you can never spoil a dog too much," I say as I throw the ball for them.

"That's why you were looking up how to make popsicles and cookies for them, right?"

"I will have you know, wait a second. How did you know I was looking up how to make treats for them. Were you looking at my phone?"

"I, hey. You were reading that out in the open. Anyone could see what you were reading. Why are you mad at me?"

"Interested in what I'm doing?"

"I don't have time to be interested in what you're doing."

"Sure. It's getting late. I'm going to go."

"Let me walk you to your car."

I give both the dogs a hug and walk with Will towards my car. It takes everything in me to not start cackling. My plan is coming together perfectly. Looking over to Will, he has a mischievous smile on his face. What's that all about? I'm the one who got over on him so why is he so happy? He opens the door for me. After getting in he leans over to speak to me."

"Is there any chance you can wake up early tomorrow?"

"Sure. May I ask why?"

"I need you to go on an errand for me tomorrow but no one can know about it."

"Yeah, I can do that. What do I need to do?"

"It's a secret. I'll let you know what it is tomorrow morning."

"... Okay. Then I will text you when I wake up."

"Have a good night, Astra."

"You too."

He closes the door for me, and I watch him walk back inside. I look at my bag and smile. I got over on him good this time, but why do I feel so ominous?