“It is absolutely true. Words can mean anything. It is actions that really speak.”
I nodded and bit my lip to keep from smiling, staying silent.
“If you would rather figure things out physically, I’m good with that. Very, very good from what I hear …”
I couldn’t help but laugh. While I was absolutely sure that, on some level, he was serious, his carefree way and lighthearted tone put me at ease.
“Yes. Let’s get physical immediately,” I said, watching his eyes darken. “Let’s take some measurements, and I’ll let you get back to your day.” I set my bag down and grabbed a notepad and my measuring tape.
“There are dozens of innuendos that could be taken from that. But,” he said, growing serious as I flashed him a warning look, “I will refrain from making any comments.”
I led him to the main room, and he chuckled as he followed. I wished that I had remembered my digital laser.
“Okay, grab this end of the tape and walk down there.”
“How long have you done this type of work?” He moved gracefully to the other wall, holding the tape against it.
“I grew up helping my dad do this kind of thing. I worked for him before I moved to Boston, where I worked in real estate, too. Really, I’ve done this my whole life.”
“What sent you to Boston?”
My throat constricted. “I moved there with my husband. I’ve just been back here a few days, actually.”
“You aren’t married now, right? Or did I misunderstand something?”
“No, I’m not married anymore.” My voice gave more away than I intended, earning me a suspicious look from Cane. I noted the measurements and started toward the other room, his footsteps close behind me.
“Are you all right? I didn’t mean to pry.”
The genuineness in his voice took me by surprise. “Yeah, I’m good. Things happen, you know?”
“This explains a lot.” He held the tape against the far wall, and I scratched down the number.
I looked down at the notepad for a moment longer than necessary, trying to get ahold of my rioting thoughts. I didn’t want to discuss this with anyone, but especially not a client. Regardless of this more genuine-seeming nature than the night before, he was still a client. Nothing more, nothing less.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I huffed, giving in.
He held a hand up in defense. “I didn’t mean anything. Just that you seem … pissed off.”
“Well, maybe that’s what ended my marriage. Maybe I’m hard to deal with.”
“Well, youarehard to deal with.” He leaned against the wall, crossing one ankle in front of the other. “But what I really think happened is that guy did a number on you. Just saying.”
“Yeah, well, I don’t really want to talk about it.Just saying.” I made a few notes in my notebook, avoiding his pointed stare.
“I could form a better opinion about that if you weren’t so damn hard to figure out.”
My face jerked to his to see a teasing look. I shook my head, walking back into the office and putting my things inside my bag. “Thank you for your help today.”
“Thank you for coming by on such short notice. Let me know if you need anything else.”
He stroked his chin with his thumb. “I think we made a good team, even though you came in here with a bit of an attitude this morning.”
I winced. The sound of him calling me out embarrassed me. “I’m sorry about that. I just wasn’t sure what was going on when you were sitting there all smug.”
“Words are hard for you, too. We should have started off with the physical. I knew it.” He snapped his fingers in the air.
I shook my head, making my way to the front door. I needed to get out of there quickly. He was being nice—and that wasn’t playing fair.
