“It was more than that. I’m telling you. We had a connection.”
“One that landed her in jail.”
I groan. “You guys are the worst friends ever.”
I have tried very hard to forget about that part. I definitely shouldn’t have told them. They had a good laugh at my expense.
As the conversation moves on to other topics, I keep thinking about Hannah. Did she get my apology DM? She hasn’t replied, which leads me to believe she’s still pissed. I pull out my phone and open up her social media account. Yes, I am lightly stalking her socials. It took no time to find her. Hannah and gymnast in a search string led me to her almost instantly. I didn’t let myself do a full deep dive. I merely followed her and then sent her a message. That was twenty-four hours ago, and she hasn’t followed me back or read the message.
I type out a long-winded apology, in case the first two weren’t sufficient. Then delete it. No, this will be better in person. We’re living next door to each other. She can’t avoid me forever.
The following night, otherwise known as forty-eight hours with no response from Hannah, Shep and D-Low come over to hang out.
“What are we feeling?” D-Low asks, holding his phone in both hands. “Pizza or Thai?”
“Pizza,” I say at the same time Shep says, “Thai.”
We share a smile.
“I’m good with either,” I say, then stand to grab another round of beers. “You be the tiebreaker, D-Low.”
“Done,” he says as I’m coming back into the living room.
I hand out the cold beers and then take mine to the window. Hannah’s Jeep is in the driveway, and the light is on, so I know she’s in there.
“Do you think I should go over and say hi?” I ask, glancing back at them for support.
D-Low’s lips twist into a smirk. “Do I think you should go stalk your hot neighbor?” He folds his hands in his lap and leans back like he’s carefully considering it. “Depends.”
“On?”
“Well, if we’re talking about the potential entertainment value then absolutely. Every time you talk to this chick it’s a disaster.”
I flip him off.
He chuckles. “But if you think a little light stalking is going to win her over, I’d urge you to reconsider.”
With a groan, I take my seat on the couch again.
“You’re really spun up over this chick,” Shep notes.
“I know. I know. I can’t explain it.” I run my hands over my head. “I felt a spark. A connection.”
The guys are quiet and from their expressions I think they might be starting to understand. Hannah isn’t just some gorgeous girl next door. For the first time in as long as I can remember I left a conversation with a woman eager for more. I wasn’t thinking about hooking up or anything else. I just wanted to get to know her. I still do.
“If you really feel that way, then maybe you should try to talk to her again,” Shep says.
“What’s one more rejection in the span of what…three days?” D-Low asks. “Where are we at? Three? Four?”
I’ve lost track. Which is maybe his point.
“Fine. You’re right. I’m bordering on creepy at this point.”
“Bordering?” D-Low mutters.
I sigh loudly.
“Maybe I should go instead. I might have better luck.” D-Low’s grin is full of playful mischief. I still consider punching him.
