Saturday passed in a blur of errands and time spent with Katie at aerobics, which Justine had dearly needed. Out of breath and out of shape, she added a walk around the neighborhood as the sun set, enjoying the wonder of Fremont in the pre-summer warmth. Seattle could promise a cold breeze at any time of the year, even in late May, but the weather had held, and she made use of it as she passed by the thinning crowd as storefronts on Fremont Way readied for the night life.
She made a note to try Dreamland Bar & Diner and remembered last night’s driver mention Stampede, a cocktail club. Then she recalled exactly who she was and why she hated bars, the nightlife, and dating in general. Yeah, that would be anoon the nightlife and dating scene for a while.
She hadn’t been lying to Xavier earlier. Though she secretly found himmorethan attractive, she didn’t want to sex him up. At present, she wasn’t looking for more than a friend. She’d been burned not long ago by a boyfriend she could never satisfy. And dealing with an ultra demanding boss at work and her father at any given moment, she just didn’t have it in her to have to please one more man.
Justine enjoyed her walk home, the trees and bushes now a vibrant green, bulbs springing to life into rich color, and the sweet smell of life breezing past, carrying the scent of barbecue and beer from a nearby restaurant.
She let herself into the TCA complex and headed for the inner courtyard—the outdoor area enclosed by a security door and walls, yet open above and through a few windows to qualify as a true outdoor space.
The building from the outside looked like a long, boxy rectangle. But inside, on the first floor, there was a cute brick courtyard with a water fountain, picnic tables and chairs, and a bevy of plants making it a wonderful relaxation spot.
She headed for the fountain and spotted a young boy sitting on a nearby bench, playing on his phone. She’d only met two tenants, not counting Xavier, upon first moving in. Kai, her third floor neighbor, and this boy, who lived on the first floor.
He saw her and stared.
After an awkward pause, she waved and said, “Hi. Hope I’m not intruding.”
His bright grin was infectious, his warm brown eyes sparkling. “Nope. I’m just messing around on my phone.” He tucked it away and patted the bench next to him. “There’s plenty of room right here.”
She decided to take him up on his offer and sat, a little surprised he didn’t seem to mind her being so close.
“Are you the new girl?”
She nodded. “I’m Justine Ferrera. I’m living in my aunt’s apartment for a little while.”
“Oh, you’re related to Rosie. She’s nice. Always gives me cookies when I visit.” He flashed her a charming grin. “I’m in high school.”
“That’s nice.” Huh. She’d have pegged him as much younger.
“Yeah, school gets out in a few more weeks.” He nodded, staring at her so hard she wondered if she had a smudge on her face. “How old are you?”
A blunt question, but she answered, “Me? I’m twenty-nine.”
“Cool. I like older women.”
Huh?
“There’s a free concert at Seattle Center next weekend. Wanna go?”
She didn’t know what to say.
Fortunately, a frazzled man who looked around her own age approached, taking the boy’s attention. “Sam, give it a rest.”
“What?” Sam scowled. “I’m being nice and neighborly, like you said.”
The man sighed as he turned to her. “Hi there. I’m Adam, Sam’s uncle. I hope he’s not bothering you.”
She stood and shook his hand. “Not at all. We were just talking.”
“I asked her out, Uncle Adam. She hasn’t said yes yet, though.”
Justine felt her cheeks heat.
Adam blinked. “Were you going to sayyes?”
She turned to Sam and shook her head. “Sorry, but I’m busy with family stuff for the next few weekends. And I have a feeling I’d get into trouble if I tried dating a high schooler.”
Adam pinched the bridge of his nose. “He’s in eighth grade.”
