Or, at least, I used to be.
This small task is exhausting and mentally taxing. Each step feels wrong, like my foot lands a half-second too late or my legs are made of jelly.
I reach up to drape the lights around the inside corner, and my balance wavers, just enough to make my stomach drop. I steady myself on the wall, jaw clenched so tight my teeth ache.
“Careful,” Piper says lightly. “You’re not twenty anymore.”
I force a smirk. “News to me.”
She rolls her eyes, passing more of the lights up.
I reach for another hook. My arms burn faster than they should, dead weights and worthless. Sweat prickles along my spine.
When I shift my weight to step down, my left foot seems to disappear under me. I can’t feel it at all. For one terrifying second, I think I’m going to fall on my ass. But then a strong hand lands on my lower back, steadying me. I know the touch without even needing to see his face.
“Easy,” Fletcher says.
I pull away from him, cheeks flaming. “I’m fine.”
“Yeah, but sometimes these small ladders are pieces of shit.” He taps the ladder as if to emphasize his point.
I know what he’s doing—drawing Piper’s attention to the ladder and not me—but still shame washes over me like a cold blanket. Suddenly, I am hyperaware of every step. Every movement. Once again, it’s like a damn spotlight is on me.
If Fletcher hadn’t been there…
More determined than ever, I snag the lights and climb to attach them to the last two hooks. I can feel Fletcher’s eyes on me the entire time, no doubt remembering the fall down the stairs at my apartment.
I avoid his eyes as I climb down.
Piper claps. “Oh, it looks so great. Thanks, Vince.”
“Anytime,” I lie, passing the ladder off to her. Oliver takes over and they continue along the wall so I can stay by the door.
I take a deep breath. The usually dark alcove is less dark now with the lights hung everywhere, yet the ambience is somehow soothing.
Fletcher’s eyes are full of worry. I can feel the question, or accusation, or plea to be safe burning on his lips, yet he keeps them all to himself.
I take a drink from my water bottle, then reach out to brush the drywall from his beard. “You’re a mess.”
He seems surprised by the gesture, running his hand through his facial hair. “Am I? All part of the job, I guess.”
I flick my eyes toward Piper and Oliver, laughing as they fumble with the lights. “Still, though. You should be careful of what you wear to work.”
He looks down suddenly, as if he’s worried he has a hole in the crotch or something.
I laugh. “I just mean, you shouldn’t wear those jeans around me.”
He seems even more confused.
I lean in. “Piper caught me staring at you.”
Fletcher’s eyes light up. “Oh, yeah?”
“Totally called me out on it.”
He brushes his hands over his pants. “These aren’t even my good pair.”
I chuckle. The guy could wear neon corduroy for all I care. I’d still find him hot.
