She set his glass on the table, then lifted hers in a toast. “Here’s to that. But we’re all getting older.”
He clinked his glass against hers. “Then maybe the good news is that you’re not alone. If you fall down, you have roommates to help you up.”
She gave him a genuine smile. “That is good news. How are they doing?”
“Okay. Laurel’s all moved in and looks happy as a clam.”
“And Windy?”
“She’s got that artistic temperament. Wants everything perfect. So much so that despite the sauna up there, she wouldn’t even let me get her portable AC unit going for her. She has to figure out the perfect spot first.”
“I’m glad to hear she has AC. I was worried about that.” She sipped her water.
“Yeah. And that’s why I’m hanging around. Plus, I wanted to ask if I could make a hole in the wall for its exhaust air. I’ll make it look good. And you’ll still be able to close it in winter.”
“Sure, that’s fine. I couldn’t imagine anyone living up there on a hot day with no AC.”
“The rest of your house seems comfortable.”
“We got a heat pump with AC several years ago,” she said, taking another sip of water. “Just one of the investments we made into this money pit.”
“Money pit?”
“Well, there were a lot of things that needed attention before we knew what was ahead with Paul’s illness and medical expenses. I guess if we’d known, we’d have done things differently.”
He seemed to consider this. “I have a feeling Paul was glad for the fixes. It made this a better place for you.”
“Maybe.”
“I know if Anne had survived me, I’d have wanted to leave her comfortable.”
Even if that left her in deep debt?Instead of saying that, she asked a question. “Anne was your wife?”
He simply nodded, toying with the flowers she’d arranged in a green vase. “Pretty.” He attempted to straighten a drooping sunflower.
Taking the hint that he didn’t want to talk about his wife, she picked up the flyer she’d laid on the breakfast counter. “I met a member of this Irish folk band today.”
“Irish folk?” He sounded interested.
“Yes. And Celtic.” She handed him the flyer.
“Cool.” He nodded. “Wanna go?”
“Go?”
“And hear them perform.” He pointed to a line. “They’re playing at O’Malley’s tonight at 7:30.”
“Oh, right. I actually had lunch there today.” She ran a finger around the moisture outside of her glass, trying to gather her thoughts. Was he just being friendly or was he asking her on a date? “To be honest, I’m pretty worn out. And I have to get plants from the nursery in the morning. I bought them and realized I didn’t have room in my SUV. And besides that, I have my new housemates. I thought I should fix them dinner tonight.”
“In other words, no?”
“Thank you for asking.” She smiled. “Another time?” That was no sooner out of her mouth than she wished it wasn’t. What about Laurel?
But his face had already lit up. “Great. I’ll hold you to it,” he said. “You mentioned plants at the nursery. I don’t know if you noticed, but I do happen to have a pickup.”
“Which you’ve been putting to good use today. I’m sure Windy and Laurel appreciate it.”
“I couldn’t have done it without Max’s help.”
