I’m starting to forget he’s only here temporarily.
23
MAX
Did I sleep well? Not really. But it was better than sleeping on the hard floor, so I’ll be grateful for that.
I get everything put away in the bathroom and pull on a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. There are stacks of materials tucked into the corner of what will eventually be the kitchen, and I grab a sanding pole and start working on the walls.
The physical exertion is therapeutic and allows me to sort through the tangled thoughts in my head.
I keep asking myself why I’m still here. Why I haven’t gone back to New York.
Part of it is definitely because of the woman across the hall. She’s got spunk and determination to make things work. Conversation is easy, and the attraction has morphed into something more, which is surprising.
I’m also very invested in this project, which makes me not want to go home yet. I’m sure things are probably falling apart there. Or maybe they don’t need me for most of my work.
But I’ve never felt this calm before. It feels like my nervous system is finally out of fight-or-flight mode.
I’ve sanded most of the apartment by the time Talia arrives around eight.
“What are you doing?” she asks, taking in my dust-covered self.
Thank goodness there was a mask up here, so I didn’t have to inhale all the dust particles.
“I figured I’d help.”
She laughs. “You couldn’t sleep, huh?”
“Not well.” I shrug. “I thought I’d get things going so we can get actual furniture in here.”
“Yeah, I don’t think an air mattress counts as that,” Talia says dryly.
“I sanded all the walls.”
She looks impressed. “Perfect. That means we can start painting today. Are there certain colors you’re hoping for?”
“I’m guessing just white, right? So people can add whatever color they want once they’re living here.”
“Okay. I’ll head over to the hardware store and pick some up. If you want to help me paint, I’d appreciate it.”
I laugh. “Look at you asking for help.”
Her eyes widen. “We’ve known each other for a few days. I can ask for help if I trust the person I’m asking.”
“I appreciate that,” I say.
I dust off my shirt and hair before walking downstairs to the coffee shop.
Avery’s already behind the counter, and there are a couple of people waiting in line ahead of me.
The second she looks up and sees me in line, she grins.
It takes a few minutes before I make it to the front, and I’m smiling wider than I have in days.
“This line is great. I’m so happy to see this place coming to life.”
“We’ve already increased our customer base today. Not that that’s a huge number right now, but it’s something.”
