If I didn’t know better, I’d say my neighbor was deliberately trying to provoke my libido.But unfortunately for us both, Idoknow better.If not even a soapy, post-surfing shower could entice him, nothing will.I’ve had to close that chapter and move on to the one where I focus on all the other stuff in my life.
Does it make me sad?Of course.Is there anything I can do to change it?Unfortunately, no.
Which sucksso damn bad, because all that man-muscle glistening in the sun is making my head spin.And it’s not just the way he looks; it’s everything else about him too… how hard he works, how smart he is.His quiet version of kindness that isn’t boastful.
If he changes his mind, all he has to do is walk across the gap between our houses and say so.
I let my hand fall to the stack of mail that’s been piling up, carrying it over to the table along with my steaming “Coffee = Life” mug.I’m usually full of energy after work, but today, I’m dragging.The espresso machine at Mugs is on the fritz and it looks like I’m going to have to order a new one.Not a huge deal, since I have an emergency fund for this sort of thing, but the fact that it’s going to take four days to get here is a bit of a problem.
The first two envelopes contain bills that aren’t due until the end of the month, so I tuck those into my folder where I keep my ever-growing “To Do” list.
The moment I open the thing, my plans for Mugs’ expansion float out, falling to the floor.The piece of notebook paper with frayed edges might not look like much to the untrained eye, but to me, this represents everything I’ve worked so hard to accomplish.
Back when I was in high school, Mugs was an ice cream parlor, and in the four years since I bought the building, I’ve taken it from dull and dilapidated to beach-chic.Originally, I thought I could eat into the parking lot to add an outdoor space, but we’re so busy and need every single spot we have.So last year, I spent the bulk of my savings on the sliver of land right next door.
More parkinganda beautiful sitting area for folks to enjoy their coffee and the view.
Eventually.
All I need now is someone to take on the job of building the pergola I have in mind.
The floor creaks and Rick appears from the hallway, his hair a mess and about three-days’ worth of stubble covering his jaw.“Morning,” he croaks, shuffling to the cupboard to retrieve a mug and filling it to the brim with the coffee I brewed.
“Hey, Rick.”
He cups the mug with both hands, breathing in the rich, dark roast.“What’s that you have there?”He lifts his chin at the paper still in my hands.
“Nothing.”Even as I tuck the page back into the folder, he moves forward, reaching for the whole thing.
I clutch the folder to my chest, my smile brittle.What am I supposed to do now?I should tell him it’s something personal.Something private like… medical records.Yeah.That’s what I should say.“Medical records?”
Why did I say it with an inflection at the end, like I was asking a question?Dammit.I hate lying, and clearly I’m no good at it because Rick is frowning and gesturing for the damn folder.
He wants to see it?Fine.Maybe he’ll only notice the bills and offer to pay them.
HA!Man, I’m funny.It’s a wonder I’m still single.
I’d love to say my gaze doesn’t stray immediately to the window, but I’m weak, and when I catch a glimpse of Ethan bare-chested with that circular saw, my mouth goes drier than the sand on the dunes.
Rick snatches the folder right out of my hand, flipping it open without my permission.
The wrinkles across his brow deepen, and his lips turn down.“Is this for your place?”
Feign ignorance.It’s your last chance to avoid a very awkward conversation.
“Is what for my place?”
He flashes me the paper.
“Oh, that.Yeah.It’s just an idea I had, but I’m probably not going to do it.I need a new espresso machine, and that’s pretty pricey.”
He slurps his coffee, splashing a little on the edge of the page.“This is just like a pergola, right?”
“Yeah.”Except way cooler, thank you very much.
“Wouldn’t cost much,” he says.“I could do it for you, so all you’d have to pay for is the materials.”More slurping ensues.
Hold on.Is he offering to actually help?“Really?”
