She looked at me and gave me that lopsided smile. “That’s okay, I know it sounds weird to other people. It’s just something I need right now.”
“No, no, I’m not judging. I may not be in your place, but I get it. It works for you, I guess, that’s all that matters.” I closed the box with tape and stood up, stretching my back.
“We’re all set here,” I said, checking my phone. “The van’s here. I’ll grab the keys.”
I’d only been gone five minutes, but as I reached the third floor, chaos greeted me. A parrot was flapping around, screeching, “Whatcha got there? Whatcha got there?” while a tiny kitten darted after it down the hallway. Amidst the commotion, I heard Hazel’s voice coming from another apartment. Following the sound, I saw an elderly woman standing next to Hazel, who was bent over a couch, trying to move it.
“Hey, hey! What’s going on here?” I called out, stepping inside.
“Oh, Luke, meet my lovely neighbor Mrs. Green,” Hazel said, standing upright, looking slightly flushed.
“Hello, young man.” A wrinkled hand stretched out to me. I took the hand and kissed it the old-fashioned way.
“Well, hello, Mrs. Green. I’m Luke. Nice to meet you. Would you be so kind as to explain what’s happening in the hall—and here?” I gestured toward Hazel.
Mrs. Green sighed. “It’s all my fault. My cat, Archibald, got stuck behind the couch. I tried moving it, but it wedged between the corner and the wall. When I opened the door to get help, Archibald ran out. And then Carrot got out, too.”
“Carrot?” I asked.
“Yes, my parrot,” she explained, visibly distressed.
“No worries. I’ll handle this. Starting with the couch, whichyoushouldn’t be moving, Hazel,” I said, giving her a stern look and motioning her aside.
“Hey, I’m no sissy. I can do it. Besides, you were downstairs, and this Archibald-Carrot situation is urgent,” Hazel shot back, her tone distressed but barely hiding a playful smile.
“Of course, you’re not a sissy. I just mean you’ve got enough physical work today. Let me help.” I bumped her side lightly with my hip, moving her aside. It took me all of three seconds to put the couch back, but another ten minutes for the three of us to get Archibald and Carrot inside the apartment.
“Thank you, dears. Perhaps I could pay some—?”
“Out of the question, Mrs. Green,” Hazel cut in before she could finish. “Luke and I were happy to help.”
Distracted by the flush on Hazel’s cheeks, I barely registered her words. “Yes, of course. No problem,” I said, smiling.
“Well then, let me treat you both to some fresh cookies from the oven.”
Hazel gave me a mischievous look. “Her cookies are some of the best I’ve had. Hard to say no. Do we have a few minutes?”
“Well, if they’re that good, we have to try them,” I relented.
We were sitting at Mary’s table, and I listened to their conversation while devouring what were indeed some of the best cookies I’d ever tasted—chocolate with caramel filling. If we didn’t climb a ton of stairs today, I’d need an evening cardio session to burn off all the carbs.
“It’s sad you’re leaving the building, dear,” Mary said wistfully.
“I’ll miss you too, Mrs. Green, but you have my number. Call anytime. I’ll be on a trip for two weeks, but after that—I’ll be back,” Hazel laughed, quoting the Terminator as she sipped the last of her cocoa.
“How lovely! Where are you going?”
“Portugal,” I answered for her since her mouth was stuffed with cookies.
“Oh, that’s wonderful. The sun will do you good, dear,” Mary said, smiling as she offered me another cup of cocoa.
“Thank you, Mrs. Green,” Hazel replied, then glanced at me before checking her watch. “I think we should get going. Lots to do.” She stood up. “Would you mind if I used your bathroom?”
“Go ahead, dear.”
As Hazel disappeared around the corner, Mrs. Green leaned closer, whispering.
“As sad as I am to see her go, I’m glad she’s leaving. Hazel says it’s because her lease is up, but I think it’s about that man.”
