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“Okay, come on, don’t make me drag it out of you, love. I will refill our drinks, and you’ll tell me everything.” As I went to get us refills, over my shoulder, I added, “He better be good to you, is all I have to say.”
“Oh honey, he is.”
I returned with our drinks, sat facing him again, and allowed him to fill me in. We talked for another hour, then made our plates, and sat down to eat.
“I’m thinking of getting a table for the lanai. I love sitting outside and think it would be nice to add that piece so we can enjoy the outdoors while eating.”
“That sounds like a great idea. Want me to go with you to look for something? We have all evening.”
I thought about it for a moment and agreed; there was no time like the present. We finished eating, cleaned up, and headed out on a mission.
“My realtor friend, Jackie, texted me earlier. She said you canceled the meeting with her today?” Elliot questioned.
“Yeah, sorry. I’m not sure I’m ready or want to sell Mom’s house.”
He looked over at me with a tilted head, showing interest. “Does this mean you might stay put for a while?”
“I’m thinking about it. I’ve been on the go for three years now. I think I’m ready to settle down. I’m burnt out and physically spent.”
He loved hearing this but hoped it was for the right reasons, not my neighbor, he said. Then, “What about modeling?”
“I can always commute for a shoot and then return instead of staying until another shoot comes along.”
He nodded again and was about to pry, but clearly decided to leave well enough alone for the moment. As I could read his thoughts, he closed his mouth and grabbed my hand, leading me into another store.
Parker
Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood. Ralph Waldo Emerson
For most of the morning and afternoon, I was a restless ball of energy ready to burst, like a water balloon. I paced back and forth, waiting for Kayla to get there. She was due any minute, when suddenly the front door opened. She entered with a smile, drinks, and a dessert in her arms. Thrilled for the distraction, I walked over to unload her arms and gave her a peck on the cheek.
“Hi, sorry I was a little late. I had to run over to the shop for a few.” Kayla owned her beauty shop and had twelve rooms to allow the other hairdressers some privacy with their clients. She had told Parks she was suspicious one of the girls was skimming money off the top, causing her to lose money in the process.
“Is everything okay over at the Cutting Edge?” I said as I handed her a drink.
“Yes, I finally let Heather go. She wasn’t happy about it; that’s why I had to run over there. She refused to give the shop keys back to anyone but me.”
Understanding a tough situation, I gave her a quick hug and took her hand, leading her to the lanai, where we sat and talked.
“What’s your new neighbor like?” Kayla asked as she sat down and wore a sly smile, knowing I had the hots for Olivia. Shehadn’t met her yet and was curious who this lady was who had her best friend all fired up.
“She’s nice. She showed up for my sister’s party. We danced and chatted for a while. No big deal.” I relayed the night of the party with a matter-of-fact tone, then ran my hands through my hair and looked out at the water. The sky was turning all shades of orange as the sun began to set. Kayla got up and stood beside me, tapping my shoulder with hers as if to say, I hear what you’re saying, but there’s more. With a sigh, I turned and sat on the outdoor couch, patting the seat next to me, inviting her to take a seat. “Go lay down, Simba.”
After she came and sat next to me, I began talking about how physically attracted to Liv I was, but it was different, and she might be selling her house. While I told my story, I looked at the ground, and Kayla instantly knew I was in over my head already; another shoulder bump said it all.
“Okay, so when are you going to ask her out?”
“Didn’t you just hear me? She might be selling her house. Then what? She travels a lot for modeling and has been in the Keys or Miami for the better part of the last three years. Where does that leave time for a relationship to form?”
“You have to give it a shot. If you don’t, you’ll never know. Besides, you travel for work; is that any different?”
“No, I guess it’s not; at least I have a home base, though.”
“True.”
As I started the grill, Kayla got us another drink and fed Simba. We ate burgers and chips while talking nonstop. I had forgotten how much I missed her and enjoyed her relaxedcompany. She was always the jokester, easy to talk to, and fun to be around.
“Umm, Parker, when are you getting a haircut? It’s starting to look pretty rough.” She laughed. I tried to look hurt and insulted, holding back a laugh, and I put my hand on my heart.
