A notification vibrates my phone. I grab it off my pillow, hoping it’s a precipitation alert. Maybe the fluke summer shower isn’t my fault.
But it’s not a weather alert.
Unknown Number: Hello, Kathleen. This is Ash, your next-door neighbor. We met earlier. I’m filling out paperwork and need to verify this is your number.
I sit up, nervous. He needs to do that at ten at night?
Kit: Hello, Ash. Yes, it’s correct.
Ash: Good. Thank you.
Well, that was weird. Since that seems to be the end of it, I set my phone down.
And then it buzzes again.
Ash: Did you read the printouts I gave you?
Is he serious?
Kit: I haven’t had a chance yet, but I’ll try to get to it tomorrow.
Ash: That’s fine. If you have any questions, please let me know.
Kit: Will do.
I stare at Chester, wishing he were awake for cuddles. I almost nudge him with my foot, but it seems mean to rouse him just because I’m lonely.
The rain picks up, beating harder on the window.
I don’t have hot cocoa mix, nor the ingredients to make it from scratch, so I stare at the delicate rosebuds on the aging wallpaper, listening to my storm.
A few minutes later, my phone buzzesagain.
Ash: The deadline for planting annuals in the window boxes was this weekend.
What is with this man?
Also, it’s Sunday night now. What does he expect me to do about it?
Kit: Okay. I’ll figure it out.
Ash: I’m planning to visit the local garden nursery tomorrow. We could go together if you’d like.
A teeny seed of sunshine kindles in my stomach, and some of my loneliness ebbs.
Ash: I’ll introduce you to the other shop owners as well. Let’s say we meet at your house at nine?
Kit: That would be nice. Thank you.
Ash: Have a pleasant evening. I’ll see you in the morning.
This time, I think he’s actually done.
I crawl under the covers, feeling like I might be able to sleep. The rain is light now, and as I drift off, it lets up completely.
“Interesting weather we had last night,”Rowan says from his perch as I stare into the empty fridge.
I need to go grocery shopping. I have a lifetime supply of tea but no food.
