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Why did he say things like that, making it completely un-romantic?she wondered, feeling incredibly confused.
One moment she thought he was attracted to her, and the next she was getting smoke signals that were literally opposite in meaning. Maybe he was married or in a relationship? Perhaps she was reading everything wrong and making too much of this?
“Sure,” she replied. “First cup of coffee here is my treat.”
“Together? Do you like coffee?”
“I do.”
“Cool.”
She looked at him peculiarly, again, realizing that he was either not interested or perhaps the worst flirt in the world. What other guy would ask a girl to coffee and then utter ‘cool’when she finally agreed?
Reyna tried not to ogle him as he hefted up the gallons of paint easily by the handles with only one hand, tucking the other materials under his other arm, like it was nothing. She unlocked the door, allowing him in, and fought back a smile as he practically shooed her off.
“I’ve got this… don’t worry,” he smiled easily. “See you around lunchtime.”
“Do you need me to point out what to paint in here?”
“Everything but the ceiling, floor, and the counter, right?”
“Yes… but…”
“Go,” he urged, nodding as he knelt down to spread out the trays and put a foam insert onto the roller. “I’ve got this…”
“Thank you.”
“Let’s just get your money’s worth out of me, eh?”
Reyna guiltily turned and walked out of the café, realizing that it was really nice to have someone helping her. It almost felt like that Kyle had her back and was tackling more than needed – but why? She sincerely couldn’t figure him out, nor was he easy to read like other guys. They all made their feelings and advances known – but Kyle was different in so many ways.
He seemed to be genuinely nice, not a lecherous creep. He was unfailingly kind, giving of his time obviously because of the auction, and trying to befriend her.
Climbing into her SUV, she wished she could see how the tan paint would look from the street, but the yellowed newspaper hiding the interior was blocking her view.
… Of thepaint, of course,she thought with a smirk.
Starting the car, she drove off.
* * *
Hours later,feeling much better, Reyna pulled up in front of the café and hesitated for a moment. She’d picked up a nice hot lunch for the two of them in Tyler that had been near the Home Depot where she’d picked up and purchased her things.
The lamp was breathtakingly beautiful with all these little crystals that could be hung around the scrolled metal edges that looked like wrought iron – and thankfully was not. She wouldn’t have been able to lift it alone, if it was! There were also two beautiful sconces to match, and she’d bought them as well to put here, if there was a place for them… if not, she would have an electrician come and install them.
Her mother seemed to be lucid this morning, chatting happily and informing her that they were playing bingo tonight over dinner. Reyna promised to come back by later this evening to check on her. It was completely forgotten what had happened last night, and she was relieved.
The box containing the new toilet was massive in size and she would never be able to lift it by herself. Grabbing the bag containing their lunch, she hefted her purse onto her shoulder and got out of the SUV, leaving everything else.
“Hey Kyle… I’m back…” she began easily, opening the glass door to the café and freezing in place as she stared in horror.
He was standing there, holding a paint brush as he finished painting along the trim near one of the windows. Gone was all the filthy, dingy streaked paint that had been splattered or stained over the years.
Everything was blue!
Not justblue… but almost a bright, ostentatioussky bluethat made her wince.
Where were the soft shades of tan? She’d asked the man to mix the paint, opting for the expensive one-coat stuff in a shade called ‘Sahara Morning’– a very pale, washed-out tan that would be neutral in color.
