I didn’t think about it too much, just got out of the car and started walking.
Then I realized I had no idea which apartment she lived in. I couldn’t very well go and start knocking on all the doors until I found her.
An older woman was heading into the building and I called out to her.
“Excuse me, ma’am.” I jogged to catch up to her. She looked startled at the sight of a man running towards her. She gripped her keys her hand and held the bag of groceries against her chest.
I held my hands out to try and put her at ease. “I’m looking for someone who lives here and I realized I have no idea what flat she’s in.” I gave her my nicest smile. The one that could charm a nun according to my mum.
“Oh, who is it? I’ve lived here for years, I know everyone.” The woman seemed to relax a little. The smile worked every time. Except on Morgan. She was strangely immune to it.
“Her name is Morgan Carter—”
“The pretty American girl,” the woman cut in.
I nodded. “That’s her.”
“She’s in 102. Just down the hall there. Nice girl too. Keeps to herself.” She seemed to be struggling with her bags.
“Here, let me help you with that,” I offered, moving to take the bag from her hands but she stepped back.
“No, that’s fine. You go on.” Clearly my smile only worked so far. She wasn’t going to let me follow her to where she lived, even if I was only trying to be polite.
“Thanks so much,” I said and headed down the hallway. I found 102 easily enough and knocked on the door.
Then waited.
And waited some more.
I could hear music on the other side so I knew she was home.
Then the door flew open and Morgan stood there in nothing but a robe, her dark hair wet and falling over her shoulders and down her back. She frowned. “What are you doing here?”
She didn’t open the door any wider. She blocked me from getting inside. She seemed wary. On guard.
“I’m here to see you obviously.” I tried the smile on her.
It didn’t work.
“Why? I thought you’d get the point when I never met you after the game.”
I held my hand over my heart. “Ouch. That hurt.”
She rolled her eyes. “I sincerely doubt it. I don’t think your ego allows you to feel things like emotional pain.”
“Now come on, you don’t know me. I may be a very sensitive soul.” I put my hand on the doorjamb and leaned in. “Let me come in. I promise I’m very good company.”
She sighed and hesitated.
“Look, I’ve had a shit evening. I just want to talk. Maybe hang out for a little bit,” I told her sincerely.
“But why show up here then?” she asked, seeming confused.
Why had I shown up at this woman’s door? A complete stranger.
“I’m not entirely sure,” I answered honestly.
Morgan smiled. I liked the look of it on her.
