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Kitty laughs from the living room. “Should I grab some from my apartment?”
“No, no. They’re here somewhere. I bought some new ones last week.” I continue to hunt through boxes and bags.
“So,” I call from the kitchen, breathing a sigh of relief as I finally find the glasses. “What do you do for a living?” I quickly open the wine and pour us each a glass. Sitting next to her on the couch, I pass one over to her.
“I’m a nurse at County. How about you?”
“I work at the library in town.” She nods and takes a swig of her drink. Her phone vibrates in her pocket, and she slides it out with her free hand. Staring at the screen, she groans before putting it back in her pocket. “Everything okay?” I ask, not wanting to pry.
“Yeah, just my dickhead ex saying he’s left his jacket at my place. He can wait.” She takes another drink. “Enough about me and my sad excuse for a love life. What about you? Please tell me your love life is better than mine, that you have an amazing man in your life, and not all men are douches?”
“Afraid not. The only men in my life are my dad and brother.” I shake my head and take a mouthful of wine. “I think I win the crappy love life contest.”
“So, you have a brother… is he hot?”
“Eww… he’s my brother. He used to pick his nose and eat it. I’m not sure that qualifies as being hot.”
She bursts out laughing and leans back on the sofa. “Yeah, you’ve kind of put me off him.”
“Seriously, he’s a great guy. A couple of years older than me, but he’s away a lot. He’s a Marine and deployed at the moment.” Her eyes widen, and I roll mine. “What is it with women and men in uniform?”
“You’re kidding, right? Men in uniform are hot!”
“I guess.” I shrug my shoulders, not wanting her to think I’m weird. I’ve never had a boyfriend. Well, not one who wasn’t in middle school. After I came back from Cedar Falls, I rarely went out. Guys were the last thing on my mind.
“This is a great apartment.” She stands from the sofa and walks to the large window overlooking midtown, the Savannah River in the distance. “You have a great view. My apartment is on the other side of the block. I can’t see the river. You’ll have to come over for takeout and a movie sometime?”
“That sounds great. I’d love to.” Our conversation is interrupted when the intercom sounds. “I bet that’s Jess,” I tell her, standing and crossing the room to buzz her in.
“I’ll get going if you have company.” She finishes her wine and walks toward the kitchen, placing her glass on the counter.
“We’ll get a date arranged for that movie night. Thanks for the drink.” I walk her the short distance to the apartment door and hold it open.
“Great to meet you, Kitty, and thanks for the wine.”
“Sorry, I drank half of it!”
“Hey, here’s Jess,” I say as the elevator doors open, and Jess walks toward us, a bottle of wine in her hand. “Why don’t I introduce you? Maybe the three of us could go out sometime?”
“Sure. Sounds good.”
“Hey, Jess.” I step into the hallway and pull her into a hug. “This is Kitty. She lives across the hall. She brought a bottle of wine over to welcome me to the building.”
“Hey,” Jess says with a smile.
“Good to meet you. You too, Hallie. I’ll leave you to it. Have a good night.” She offers her hand up in a wave and walks the short distance to her apartment.
I wave back, tugging Jess inside and closing the door.
“She seems nice,” Jess says, placing the bottle of wine she’s brought on the breakfast bar and slipping off her jacket.
“Yeah, she is. Come on, I’ll show you around.”
After a quick tour of the apartment, we’re back in the kitchen, deciding which pizza to order.
“I can’t believe you’ve finally moved out. How are you feeling?” Jess asks, sipping on the glass of wine I’ve poured her.
“Honestly? I’m good. A little apprehensive, but it’s time. I’m ready to get on with my life.”
