Page 26 of Coming Clean

Jeremy decided they neededa new topic of conversation. “Is Sabrina here?”

“No, she’s sick. Shewatched her friend’s kids a few nights ago and they apparently gaveher the stomach flu.”

“Ugh. Nothing worse thanthat.”

Connor nodded. “She soundedmiserable. But I was able to work quickly since we cleanedthoroughly last time. I’ll be out of your way soon.”

“You’re not in my way. Ilike having you here. I mean… um… I can just work in the kitchenunless you need to work in there.”

“Jeremy, you’re paying meto clean your house. I’ll work around you.”

“Okay.” This was normal.People did this all the time. So why did it feel sostrange?

Jeremy was too embarrassedto say anything else, so he retreated to the kitchen and put onsome water for tea before settling himself at the table in thebreakfast nook. When the kettle whistled he realized that sincehe’d sat down, he’d done nothing but stare at his laptop screen andreplay his conversation with Connor.

He was pouring tea whenConnor walked into the kitchen. “You want some?” he asked. “Or Icould make a pot of coffee instead.”

Connor smiled but there wasa hint of surprise on his face, like he wouldn’t have expected tobe asked. “I’m fine. Thanks.”

“I don’t mind. I’ve gotbeer too.”

Jeremy thought Connor mightsay yes for a few seconds. Instead he said, “That’s tempting, but Ishould finish up.”

Jeremy pretended to work asConnor bustled around him but he couldn’t actually get anythingdone. His body buzzed, too aware of Connor’s presence to doanything but watch him.

“I’m all done,” Connor saidseveral minutes later. “I just need to put my equipment in the carand take out the trash.”

“Stay and have a beer.”Jeremy said, hating how desperate he sounded.

Connor looked up frompacking supplies into his bag. “I…”

“If you’ve got another job,or….”

“I’ve got time, but pleasedon’t feel obligated to—”

“No obligation. I enjoyedspending time with you last weekend.” And I would enjoy doing a hell of a lot more.

“You did?”

Did he really not know?“I’ve got Gaelic Ale and Ninja Porter, or if you’d like somethingelse—”

“Ninja Porter isgreat.”

Jeremy grabbed a can andhanded it to Connor, who popped the top and took a long swallow. Hecouldn’t help watching Connor’s Adam’s apple slide up and down ashe drank.

Connor took another sip,and sat the beer down on the counter. Jeremy looked away, realizinghe was still staring, fantasizing about leaving teeth marks onConnor’s neck. “So um… how long have you had the cleaningbusiness?” Lame, but at least it would fill the silence. Why had itbeen so much easier to talk during the play?

“A little over ayear.”

“It seems like you’re doingwell. I mean, you do a great job here, and from what Rita said itsounds like you have a lot of clients.”

Connor nodded. “We’reholding our own.”

Silence descended againuntil Jeremy came up with another question. “How did you decide togo into this business? I mean….” He wasn’t sure what else to saythat didn’t sound insulting or at least stereotypical.

“You want to know how aMarine can be okay with cleaning other people’s houses?”

“Not exactly, I’m… Okay,I’m curious. It’s unexpected.”