“That’s just a few blocks from me,” Bernard said.
“Great. I’ll know someone in the neighborhood.”
“It’s a nice, quiet neighborhood. I’d be happy to introduce you to the people I know.”
“That’d be nice,” Kelly said.
Bernard caught Sarah’s eyes. She smiled at him and nodded toward Kelly. Bernard shook his head and mouthed “no”. She just grinned at him and took another bite.
Bernard shifted to face John, who averted his eyes. Sarah had pulled John into her scheme. John found the perfect house for Kelly near him. John had multiple listings as a real estate agent. Bernard paused. John didn’t sell houses in his neighborhood. Did John give up a commission to help find Kelly a house near his? They were going through a lot of trouble to set him and Kelly up.
John cleared the plates and brought out his bread pudding. Bernard took in the decadent cinnamon and custard. He dug in as soon as the food hit his plate.Delicious.
“Will you need help?” John asked.
“Yeah, most of my stuff is in storage. I should be able to move in the first week of June,” Kelly said.
“We can plan a weekend to move your stuff,” Sarah said. “I’m sure Bernard would love to help.”
“Of course, I’d be happy to help,” Bernard said. “I have a truck. It’s small, but I can haul a few things.”
Bernard looked over at Sarah. She smiled and winked at him. He didn’t like her plans. He’d made it clear what he wanted, but Sarah wouldn’t give up. Bernard was happy now. He’d reunited with Rory, reconnected with Sean, and just met Kelly. He didn’t need to muck up the waters by dating any of them.
“I’m going to go wash up the dishes and get everything put away,” Sarah said.
“Would you like help?” Bernard asked.
“No, you gentlemen can go into the living room and have a pleasant conversation,” she said. “And I’ll bring some drinks.”
“I insist.” Bernard stood and followed her into the kitchen.
Bernard helped Sarah put the leftovers into containers and get them into the fridge. She ran the water and rinsed off the food. She handed the dishes to Bernard to put in the dishwasher.
“So, what are you up to?” Bernard asked.
“Not much. John and I might head to the tennis courts tomorrow.”
“Not what I’m talking about. I mean, with me and Kelly?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“I met him accidentally last week, then John got him a house in my neighborhood where I know he doesn’t work, and you asked me to help him move? I agreed to make friends with him, but this seems like you’re trying to get us to be more.”
“I just thought you guys could become friends,” Sarah said. “You said you wanted more friends.”
“Sarah, I know you’re trying to help me,” Bernard said, “but I need time. I don’t want to rush into anything, especially with someone so close to friends of mine.”
“Fine, I’ll tell you why I’m going about it this way,” she said. “Kelly is extremely shy, has a past I won’t get into, and from what John has said, has trouble making friends now. I just want to help him. It has nothing to do with dating him, although that’s what it might look like. I promise.”
“That makes sense,” Bernard said. “I’ll do my best to be friends with him. However, I don’t know if I’d date him. He’s too close to you, and if it didn’t work out…”
“Bernard.” She put her hand on his shoulder. “It’s been seven years since, well, you know. You need to move forward. I know it’s scary.”
“How do you even know I’m his type?”
“I don’t,” she said, “but I know he likes husky men. I may have seen one of his videos while I was changing his bed linens.”
“You snooped?”
