This Isn't working

From the moment Madeline moved in, Emma’s house was thrown into complete chaos. It was clear this wasn’t just going to be any “two-month stay.”

Every morning, Madeline’s list of complaints and demands would start almost immediately. It was barely sunrise when Emma heard her cousin calling, her voice loud enough to shake the walls.

“Emma! My coffee’s lukewarm! And I can’t find my lavender-scented hand cream!”

Emma clenched her teeth, muttering under her breath, “It’s going to be a long two months.” She heated the coffee a whole ten seconds more than necessary, slapping it onto a tray before heading back to the kitchen, where Alan was leaning against the counter with an amused look.

“Starting your day off as the royal butler, huh?” Alan teased, smirking.

“Don’t even start with me,” Emma shot back, rolling her eyes. “If you think it’s so funny, you should take over for a day.”

Alan held up his hands, a playful grin on his face. “No, thanks. I’m no knight in shining armor, and I don’t have a death wish.” He paused, leaning in with a glint in his eye. “Besides, watching you get all riled up is too good to pass up.”

Emma felt her cheeks heat up just slightly. Why is he always grinning like that? she thought as she took a deep breath and marched off to deliver the coffee to Madeline.

When she reached Madeline’s room, she found her sprawled out, chatting loudly on the landline phone as if she owned the place. “Ugh, I’m stuck here with a bookworm and her boyfriend,” Madeline groaned, rolling her eyes and glancing at Emma with a dramatic sigh.

Emma clenched her jaw, nearly spilling the coffee. She set it down a little harder than necessary, glaring at her cousin. “I am not a butler, Madeline.”

Madeline just shrugged, flashing a sugary smile. “Oh, my mistake. Thanks, Emma.”

---

A few days later, Emma finally reached her limit. She stomped into the living room where Alan was sitting, barely containing his laughter as she ranted.

“I’ve had it! I’ve reheated coffee, ironed her clothes, listened to her nonstop complaining, and now she’s mad because I picked the ‘wrong’ music for the car ride!” Emma threw her hands up. “It’s like having a permanent storm cloud in the house!”

Alan chuckled, unable to resist teasing her. “Careful, Em. If you keep this up, she might think you’re jealous.”

Emma blinked, caught off guard. “Jealous? Of her?” she scoffed, folding her arms defensively. “I’d rather eat my math textbooks.”

Alan leaned in, grinning. “Sure, sure. Keep telling yourself that.”

Just then, Madeline sauntered into the room, still on the phone. “Can you two stop flirting long enough to help me with my suitcase?”

Emma’s cheeks turned pink, and Alan burst out laughing. He shook his head, patting Emma’s shoulder. “This really isn’t working, is it?”

---

Another week passed, and one afternoon, Emma found herself hiding out in her room, hugging a pillow with a defeated sigh. Alan knocked on the door before poking his head in.

“Hey, you alive in here?” he asked, chuckling as he stepped in.

“Barely,” Emma grumbled. “If she rolls her eyes at me one more time, I’m going to scream. I didn’t know ‘taking care of her’ meant keeping her entertained all day.”

Alan plopped down beside her, still laughing. “Come on, you’re doing a great job. Besides,” he nudged her shoulder, “deep down, I think you’re starting to care.”

Emma rolled her eyes but felt her heart beat just a bit faster as they exchanged a glance. “Are you saying that just to keep me from strangling her?”

“Maybe,” he said, his voice softening, his gaze lingering on hers.

They were both quiet, caught in the moment. But, as if on cue, Madeline’s voice echoed down the hall, calling, “Emma! Alan! Where’s my green juice?”

Emma groaned, burying her face in her hands. Alan laughed, patting her back. “Hang in there, Em. Just a few more weeks.”

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***