Addison drove past the house. There was a good distance to the small cabin-style home next door. It looked like the picture.
She inhaled deeply in hopes of settling her racing heart. It didn’t work. Addison had given herself pep talks throughout the morning. Both she and Cleo seemed equally excited to meet. They’d shared letters, become friends in the truest form, and spoke fairly often over the past few months.So why am I so nervous?Cleo showed zero hesitation toward meeting her. If she’d had it her way, they’d be meeting for the second time today. Or not again. Her chest tightened, and her heart rate spiked. Her father’s words from childhood replayed in her head, “you only get one chance to make a first impression.”
Nothing like pressure, Dad.
Maybe if she took a few minutes to gather herself. Practice some meditation techniques she’d learned from her small stint in yoga. At this point, anything was welcome. She needed a minute to collect herself.
Addison pulled up in front of the house. She hadn’t even turned off the car when the front door flew open and a dark-haired, bright smiled girl rushed out. She stopped briefly on the landing, clasped her hands together and darted down the stairs.
Cleo.
Addison had seen a few pictures, but the camera didn’t do her justice. Cleo was beautiful. She was a few feet away when Addison quickly shut down the engine and got out.
“Hey, Cleo!” Addison waved, unsure of the appropriate protocol.
Do we shake hands?Addison closed the door with only a second of warning when Cleo slammed against her, wrapping her arms around her back.
Hugs it is.What should have been awkward, hugging a stranger, felt immensely natural. Like old friends who hadn’t seen each other in a while. Cleo deserved the credit for making an odd situation welcoming. Cleo’s hold lingered and tightened seconds before she released Addison. She stepped back, smiling.
“I can’t believe you’re here.”
Addison laughed. “I can’t tell you how relieved I am that you like surprises.”
She giggled, “I actually don’t, but you’re the exception.” Cleo grabbed her hand. “Come on in.” Addison had little time to check out the house before she was led inside.
It was small, and from her vantage point in the entry she could see almost all of it with the exception of the bedrooms. It was cute and girly. Lots of pink and pastels.
Cleo spun around, clasping her hands. “Do you want a tour?”
“Yeah, that’d be great.”
It took less than ten minutes, but Addison was shown every inch of Cleo’s home, including the attic and the roof over the porch. It didn’t appear to be anything spectacular, but Cleo was proud of it. She’d mentioned hanging out with Knox on a roof in the past. Was that the significance? There was definitely more meaning behind it than Addison knew. And oddly? She wanted to know it. In fact, every time Cleo showed her something, she had the urge to ask more as if she couldn’t get enough.
They ended the tour exactly where it began. The living room.
“If you want to sit, I’ll grab us some iced tea.” Cleo paused and panic flashed in her eyes. “Do you like iced tea?”
It was a simple question, though Addison knew her answer mattered. And there was only one right response.
“I love iced tea.”
Cleo’s face relaxed and she grinned. “I made some grilled chicken that I’m keeping warm in the oven. And I made broccoli, potato and macaroni salads. And coleslaw.” She lifted her finger. “And a garden salad.”
Damn, Cleo.How many people was she expecting?It sounded like a meal for ten as opposed to the two of them.
“Oh, and I made dessert.”
It was as if Cleo was trying to impress her. Not showboating, but going out of her way to make a big deal about Addison’s visit.It wasn’t necessary, but from her expectant stare, Cleo thought it was. They were both nervous, unsure of how it would go, and hoping nothing went awry. They were both invested in the first meeting.
“That sounds amazing.”
Cleo disappeared into the kitchen, and Addison glanced around the small living room. The décor was definitely feminine with all the candles, throw pillows and Cleo’s apparent love of pink. But there were a few signs of a male presence. In the corner of the room, almost hidden behind the couch, was a shelf with two different styles of helmets, leather gloves, and an open box of tools.
Cleo didn’t talk too much about her boyfriend, Wraith. He was a member of Knox’s club, and they’d known each other for years. But the way Cleo’s voice hitched when she talked about him, or to him, spoke volumes of her love for the man. A few times, he’d been around when they’d talked on the phone. His voice was deep and muffled but sweet with Cleo.
Addison made her way to the couch, eyeing the coffee table. There was a book, a candle, and a small pile of pictures. She sat and leaned closer. A warm rush filled her heart. Cleo had previously shared a picture of Knox, slightly grainy with him on his bike. It had given Addison an idea of what he looked like. But nothing compared to this one. It was taken in what looked like a bar. Knox had his arm over Cleo’s shoulder. He was looking at the camera. She wasn’t. Cleo was looking at Knox. And they were both smiling.
“I-I” —Cleo cleared her throat, standing a few feet away with two glasses in her hands— “I thought you might like to see some pictures of Knox.” Her voice shook slightly.
