Shaking my head, I practically shouted, “No, no. Come in. Let’s get started.” I desperately needed the distraction.
A few days later, on Friday night, I was rushing around my house, grabbing toys and books and putting them in place because Vicky was coming over to discuss some design ideas with me. She had emailed me a few options for the living room earlier in the week. MJ and I had picked out a gray upholstered L-shaped sectional that ended up being made of an incredibly soft fabric. She and I fought over the chaise after the sectional arrived two days ago. There were also two matching wide chairs, one large enough for two people, where MJ and I now read together before bed.
It didn’t surprise me at all that Vicky listened and chose exactly what I’d want from my brief description. It was as if she understood without me having to explain it. She seemed to notice small details others might have missed. Like how my daughter loved what she called “fuzzy” pillows. So, when the furniture arrived, there was a separate box with six perfectly matched fuzzy throw pillows, along with a note.
“MJ, here are your new pillows for the sofa. I hope you love them!” -Vicky
She squealed when the box was ripped open and she saw two sets of three different pillows in various shapes and shades of gray and yellow. Well, goldenrod, to be exact, according to MJ. She couldn’t believe that Vicky had remembered her saying it was her new favorite color.
Straightening them out as I checked my watch for the twentieth time since I got home from work, I praised myself for insisting that we meet here instead of at my office.
Vicky discovered that our office buildings weren’t very far apart downtown and offered to visit me there after work. Pushing away the thoughts of her intimidating brother pummeling me for wanting to spend my time with her in a more relaxed setting, I reminded myself once again that this was just a job for her.
When the doorbell rang, all those normal thoughts melted like cotton candy at a kid’s party. Suddenly, I felt like I was back in high school with sweaty pits and palms. Quickly checking both, I fluffed the pillows again. That wasn’t something I thought I’d ever do.
“Don’t be ridiculous, you idiot. This isn’t a date.”
I really needed to stop talking to myself. Vicky was here to show me her plans for MJ’s room. Nothing more.
Deep breath in and out. Okay, now I’m prepared.
Taking one last look around the house, I strode to the door and wrenched it open.
Oh, boy. I was wrong. I wassonot prepared.
Vicky stood in my doorway, laptop bag slung over her shoulder, herphone in hand, and a smile on her face. She wore a wrap dress, similar to the one she had worn to her brother’s wedding in Positano, but this one was emerald-green. It had a deep V-neck but not scandalous. Around her neck, covering the empty space, was a gold necklace with a large brown stone pendant. Long, thin earrings, resembling wind chimes, dangled from her ears.
I had no idea when I started paying attention to women’s fashion, but here I was, admiring her outfit like I was on one of those reality fashion shows.
Her smile grew wider as she watched me, one eyebrow raised in amusement.
Oh no. Was I staring? I was staring, wasn’t I? Say something!
“You’re here!” I exclaimed.
Yeah, it’s official. I’m an idiot.
“Hi. Yes, I am,” she answered, blinking at the assault on her ears, her head tilting back a bit. When she shifted her feet, I looked down and saw she was in heels. I had to fight the urge to bite my fist. She shifted her laptop bag, which was perched on her shoulder, higher. I lunged for it, thinking it might be heavy. She instinctively pulled back in surprise, her heel catching on the welcome mat my mom had put there a few days ago.
Apparently, turning into Superman, I tossed the bag over my shoulder while simultaneously grabbing onto her wrist with my other hand just before she fell back. I must’ve pulled a little too hard because we landed chest to chest, both of us breathing heavily from the near fall.
Yeah, that’s why you sound like an asthmatic, Miles. Sure.
Her perfume, the one I caught a whiff of at the wedding, filled my space, and it was all I could do not to bury my nose in her neck, which was now just inches from my face.
That wouldn’t be awkward, would it?
“Vicky, I’m so so sorry,” I finally managed to croak out. I took a step back, my mind protesting wildly.
“It, it’s alright. Um, hi,” she said awkwardly, making me chuckle at how ridiculous this was. She snickered, and before we could stop ourselves, we were both laughing so hard that she was wiping away tears from her eyes.
“Wow, can’t take me anywhere. Here. Please come in before I do anything else that would embarrass me. Again.” I stepped back into the house, holding the door open for her.
“You have no idea how much I needed that laugh. It’s been a tough week at work. Thank you. I feel so much better now,” she said, slipping out of her heels once inside and leaving them at the door.
Turning to me, she asked, “Sorry, this okay? I don’t think I could take them a minute longer.”
Seeing her so suddenly at ease with me revealed how much I wanted that. Her long lashes blinked once as she looked up at me to confirm her request.
