“That’s good. Otherwise, it would be awkward.”
Closing my laptop screen, I allow my thoughts to float in and out of my head. “Nah, we’re good. Or rather we both appear content. I’m still trying to comprehend the best way to discuss what I might envision for the road ahead, but still…” A deep breath fills my lungs. “It’s like my enjoyment is scraping along reality and they are both trying to win a fight.”
Oliver stares at me blankly. “That’s a positive?”
I shrug my shoulder, with my smile still glued to my face. “I haven’t figured that out, either. Right now, I’m just going to head home.” Glancing at my watch, I check the time. “I should make it back around nine.”
“The benefit of living on the same street is that we can share the ride back. If you are nice then I’ll let the driver drop you off first.” He’s messing with me, and since it’s not even seven, I don’t bother with a rebuff. “But seriously, I’m going to drop my stuff off then hit Foxy Rox for a decent coffee and breakfast then the gym. There is a hot new yoga instructor, and if I plan my timing right then I’ll run into her.”
“Bachelor life. Enjoy it.” It doesn’t appeal to me anymore.
He thanks the attendant for another water, and I shake my head to her to assure that I don’t need anything.
Except Esme.
Oliver sips his drink. “Did the contractor start on her house?” he asks innocently, trying to make small talk. We were so busy during the last week that any downtime we had was reserved for sleep.
Scratching my cheek, I don’t seem to enjoy the answer. “Yeah, but there are so many hiccups. Esme hasn’t really checked up since she’s been in bed sick.” Maybe I should pick up medicine supplies on my way back.
“I’m curious what it will all look like in the end. Maybe these two houses getting a remodel will increase the property value on Everhope Road.”
I turn my head to him with my face screwed. “You have some audacity. That’s what you think of?”
His eyes widen. “Come on, I don’t have an emotional connection like you, and I’m a business guy. It’s a reasonable point to think about.”
My head gently bounces side to side, as perhaps he has a point.
“Have you sent Mrs. Tiller thank-you flowers or a fruit basket or something? She created this forced living-together situation that you’ve got going on. You landed a girlfriend.”
I scoff a laugh. “I would like to think that we were heading that way before the flames.” Good old Mrs. Tiller just unbeknownst gave us a big shove in the right direction.
Direction.
That word again.
The clear-as-day answer seems to be hidden in a clue. Instead of a murder mystery party, it’s plain, everyday life.
Esme has messed with my powers to keep it together under uncertain times. All cards are off the table when it comes to her. Unraveling her would probably be my biggest win yet.
We’re both idiots
“What was that?”
Shit. Again, forgot Oliver is here, and apparently, I thought aloud.
“Nothing. Esme and I just have to hash out a few details.” If we have to argue this then maybe that’s our way.
But she needs to know that I don’t want her to go anywhere.
I intend on laying it on the table so we will at least be on the same page.
Walking into my house,it’s quiet. I’m grateful that Esme is a clean freak like me, so everything is in place except the coffee table which tends to have either a laptop or other papers. She taunts me for my little workspace, but she’s guilty too for working there early in the morning.
I didn’t text Esme since she’s expecting me tomorrow, and the element of surprise is us.
I leave my bag and laptop at the bottom of the stairs, intending to grab them later. Her keys are in the bowl by the door and her car’s out front, which means she’s here.
Gently stepping up the stairs, I quietly make my way to the bedroom where the door is ajar. Peeking through, I can see that Esme is asleep. It causes me to half smile to myself. I don’t worry about making noise as she seems to be a in a deep sleep. Taking a moment, I admire the view of Esme lying in bed on her stomach with her cheek smudging against the pillow and her hair in a messy bun. She’s in one of my shirts, that’s a bonus.
