“It’s better than okay. Why?”
“You never call. I got worried.”
“I’m sorry. I never want to bother you. Well, until today.” I giggle.
“You’re never a bother. Is there something you need?”
“Yes. We were gifted a new mobile home.” I start to chastise him, honestly believing he was somehow in on this, but decide against it. “They’re coming to remove the old one on Saturday. I’m working each day until then and don’t want to take any more time away from Salty Jo’s. I’ve missed too much time with all of Grandpa’s admissions to the hospital lately. But any chance you could help me lug a few boxes?”
“Of course. I’m so sorry to hear about Pops, Ellie. Jo filled me in when I stopped by the other day for coffee, and you weren’t there.”
The corners of my mouth lift, knowing he stopped by until I register he was there for coffee. Not me. I’d thought our date was perfect. I’ve chastised myself for letting it get physical, knowing he’s leaving, but only briefly. It was the hottest night of my life. I’ll never forget it.
“What time should I come by?”
“I’m headed back to Salty Jo’s. I should be here by six. I feel terrible asking you after you’ve spent the whole day in the sun working. But I wasn’t sure who else to call.” The line goes quiet for a bit, and I’m suddenly regretting asking him.
“I’ll go home, take a quick shower, and make sure the day nurse can stay a little longer with Mom. I’ll take tomorrow off and finish whatever we can’t do tonight.”
“Oh, Matt, I don’t want to put you out like that.”
“You aren’t. I might not be able to stay long tonight, but I need the day off tomorrow. I’m exhausted and have a few things I need to do anyway. We’ll have you all moved in by tomorrow evening.”
“Thank you.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing you, Ellie. I’ve missed you.”
My hand flies to my chest. He has no idea how much I needed to hear that. “Me too.”
* * *
It’s been a long day juggling the delivery of our new home, visiting Pops, trying to put in at least a short shift at Salty Jo’s, and now beginning the moving process. But I’m buzzing with energy I didn’t think I’d have. I’m jittery at the thought of seeing Matthew again.
I pull up the drive and see Matt standing next to our new digs. I pull around his truck so he can easily leave whenever he needs to return to his mother and hop out of my truck to join him.
“Hi. Thanks for coming.”
“I’m happy to do it. This is great, El.”
“I know. I’m so excited.” I walk over and give him a hug, and I’m surprised when it feels strained on his part. He said he’d missed me. Was he just trying to throw me a bone after not seeing each other since our one and only date?
“So, let’s get started. I don’t have much time. I could only convince the nurse to stay an extra hour.”
“Oh.” I can’t mask my disappointment. But he didn’t have to come at all.
“I’ll be back tomorrow. I’m sure I’ll get everything knocked out before you’re off work.”
“Are you sure? That’s an awful lot to ask.”
He reaches for my hand and gives it a squeeze. “I’m sure.” He’s smiling at me, but it doesn’t meet his eyes. Is this a pity move? Something feels off.
“Well, we were blessed with new furniture, so the old stuff will need to be pulled out so I can take it to Goodwill. Or the dump.” I laugh. There’s no sense in letting embarrassment get the best of me. It is what it is. And he’s fully aware of the state of my place. Matt follows me inside, and I point out the things that need to be moved next door and those I’ve labeled for donation or disposal.
We continue to work quickly over the next hour until Matt looks at his watch.
“I’m sorry, Ellie. I’m going to have to head out. I’ll be back tomorrow. Just leave the key under that rock or something. Okay?”
“Okay.” My heart clenches. God, I really don’t want him to go. Walking beside him to his truck, I think of something. “Hey, what are you doing this weekend? I get to bring Pops home on Sunday. But I’d love to cook you dinner in the new place Saturday evening. To say thank you.” My stomach is in my throat but drops as I see the frown develop on his face.
