Because that’s exactly what I was. A stalker. Sitting in my car, watching her house. Following her to the park. Engineeringa “chance” meeting so I could befriend her and get access to her keycard.
Using her, like an asshole.
“I…” I start, then stop. My jaw clenches. “I meant being close to water helps me relax. Not necessarily nature.”
Her eyebrows lift. “Oh…okay…water?”
“Yep, that’s why I went to sit by the lake.”
More lies.
I fucking hate this.
“Oh.” She nods slowly. “Okay, yeah. That makes sense. I guess water has a calming effect on people.”
“Exactly.”
She’s quiet for a moment, then smiles. “Well, I’m glad you were there that day. It was nice running into you.”
Her smile is so genuine.
And I’m standing here lying to her face.
I wish I could tell her the truth. Wish I could explain everything.
But I can’t.
So I swallow the truth and nod. “Yeah. It was.”
“It’s a pity I had to work, or I would have gone for coffee with you. Talking about work, what’s next on the list?” Wren asks.
I grab the notepad, grateful for the distraction. “Looks like we need to replace some of the rotted molding.”
“Hello, young folk.” Falkor appears in the doorway, fully dressed in khaki pants and a button-up shirt. He’s holding a piece of paper in one hand and his car keys in the other. “Well, don’t you two look like a proper little work crew,” he says with a warm smile.
“We’re making good progress,” I tell him.
“I can see that.” Falkor surveys the room, his eyes lingering on the freshly painted walls, the straightened pictures, therepaired cabinet. “The place hasn’t looked this good in years. Luna would be so pleased.”
Wren wipes her hands on her shorts. “We’re happy to help.”
“Which brings me to why I’m here.” Falkor waves the paper. “I’m heading out to do some shopping. Thought I’d grab the things you two mentioned you needed. I made a list. I thought I would double-check with you so that I don’t miss anything.”
“That would be great,” I say.
“Let me see…” He looks down at the list. “From the hardware store, we’ll need wood glue, wood screws. Then there’s—”
“Quarter-inch and three-quarter inch wood screws, please, Falkor,” I interject. “For the cabinet work.”
“Right, right.” He makes a note. “Then there’s sandpaper… What grit?”
“Get a variety pack,” I suggest.
“Perfect.” He continues down his list. “Paintbrushes, drop cloths, wood filler. Is that all?”
Wren steps forward. “Actually, could you add picture-hanging strips to that? The heavy-duty kind? There are a few more frames I’d like to put up, and I don’t want to put more holes in the walls if we don’t have to.”
“Excellent idea.” Falkor nods. “Anything else from the hardware store?”
