“Oh, yes,” I say. “I know Oliver. He’s such a like a lovely young man. I think he’s taken a liking to Lindsey.”
“Ah, that makes sense. He definitely got a little flustered talking about her,” he says. “Well, I haven’t known Oliver long, but he’s a good kid. He introduced himself when he moved in and let me know he was around if I ever needed anything. I’ve had to take him up on it a couple times.”
“He really is a sweet guy. Lindsey thinks so too.”
Ron nods. “Life’s dealt Oliver a tough hand. It’s nice to hear that Lindsey sees how great he is. That kid deserves some happiness.”
I smile. “They both do.”
“Well, I don’t want to hold you up. I’m sure you’re a busy lady, but I can’t thank you all enough for everything you’ve done. ”
I lead him to the living room where I’ve gathered June Bug’s things. “It was my pleasure.”
“I hope she didn’t cause you too much trouble.”
“Just enough.” I decide not to mention the rugs or my loafers. “Honestly, I’m going to miss her. This house gets quiet now that I’m the only one in it.”
“No Mr. Haggerty?” he asks. “Or Mrs.?”
“My husband Henry passed five years ago.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
“Thank you.”
“That’s why I got Junie here.” He scruffs the top of her head. “Living alone can be, well,lonely. I’m divorced, and my son and daughter-in-law moved to Cincinnati to be closer to her family, so I don’t get to see them as often as I’d like. I have friends around here, but it’s not quite the same as having someone that shares the day-to-day with you, is it?”
I shake my head, and June Bug stretches her tiny paws toward me. “No, it isn’t.” I scratch behind her ears, and my hand accidentally brushes Ron’s, sending a shiver up my arm.
He clears his throat. “Well, I appreciate your kindness, MJ. I can tell you took great care of my girl. Looks like she might rather stay here with you.”
A giggle bubbles up from inside me, originating from a place I thought I locked up years ago.
“She’s a doll.” I beam, leaning over to let the pup lick my cheek.
“So, um, MJ, maybe you’d let me take you to dinner?” he says. “As a thank-you.”
“Oh, you don’t have to do that,” I answer, raking my fingers through my hair and pushing it forward in an effort to hide the blush that’s crept onto my cheeks. “Truly, it was my pleasure.”
Even if heisoffering to be polite, he’s still the first man to ask me out since Henry died. And for reasons I can’t explain, that makes my stomach turn squishy like the Play-Doh the grandkids leave all over the house when they visit.
“Really, I’d like to,” he insists. “You’d be doing me a favor. I just got back in town from staying with my son, and I’ve gotten spoiled having company at dinner. While I love having June Bug, she’s not the best at holding a conversation.”
I chuckle and smooth my hands over my blouse. It’s just dinner. Sharing a meal with someone close to my age that isn’t Rose or one of my few girlfriends. This isn’t a big deal, yet itfeelslike it is.
Sensing my hesitation, Ron speaks up. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”
“I’m not,” I say quickly. Flustered, maybe. Twitchy like June Bug’s tail when she’s excited, but not uncomfortable. “You didn’t. Make me uncomfortable, I mean.”
He gives me an amused grin. “How about Lovebird Brews, then?”
“Sure,” I say finally, resting my hand on my cheek. “Dinner would be lovely. Thank you. When would you like to go?”
He shrugs. “How about tonight?”
“Tonight?” I blink. “Don’t you need to get settled in?”
“Nah,” he says with a wave of his hand. “It’ll be nice to get out. I love being with my son and his wife, but well, they make me feel kinda old sometimes.”
