I glance at the pile of crocheted garments she has given me. She clearly hasn’t seen a teenage boy in years, because the sizes she makes them would only fit an eight-year-old. But I keep them nonetheless. I know I should donate the apparel to someone who could fit in them, but I can’t bring myself to part from them.
She made each one, by hand, for me. They’re the most thoughtful gifts anyone’s ever given me. I treasure them beyond belief.
The one crocheted item I can use is the blanket she made me for our third Christmas. It’s different shades of green. There are some parts that are patterned, but others where she gave up on it. Then parts where she tried again. The greens clearly weren’t meant to be different colors, but she ran out of yarn in different spots unexpectedly. It’s by no means expertly made, but it’s made by her.For me.And that’s better than any store-bought gift.
I only wish I could give her more. But I’m aware enough to know random gifts showing up would only raise her hackles and make her believe she has a stalker. That’d be terrifying for her. She doesn’t realize I’d never let that happen. I’d never let any man in her life… I mean, not if they still unsettle her.
When my alarm goes off, I sit up from the drying puzzle. It’s time to work on my newest design. Syndicate Enterprise requires a new code for a high-profile client. This one is a little tricky, but nothing I can’t handle.
I love the challenge. It’s what I live for. So, I get to work.
…
“The lizard is in her nest,” a robotic voice sounds through my office, bringing a smile to my face.
This is the best part of my day, and the reason I work from home so often.
Despite the thousands of times I’ve heard the message, my heart still races. Instinctively, my gaze is pulled to my monitors mounted on the wall across from my desk. And sure enough, my beautiful angel is displayed stepping out of her car.
My blinds lower and the telescopes that line the windows adjust to capture her home. She barely goes out to her backyard enough for them to be justified, but I couldn’t risk not getting an up-close glimpse of her if the opportunity presents itself.
I check my watch:six thirty-seven. Right on time.
As she goes up her driveway and enters her house, different angles capture her. She’s in the same green coat as this morning, and it’s stunning against her shiny locks.
I absorb her every move, not willing to miss a second. As she dances through her living room, I catch her talking to her pets and wish it were me. Wish I were there to hear about her day. But I resign myself to turning up the volume on the television.
“Tom asked me about dating again today,” her lovely voice lilts through my office, causing my breath to catch… until I register what she said. “Betty put him up to it. They should know better. None of the Boston men like me.”
My heart breaks for her. She doesn’t see how alluring she is. She doesn’t know how wrong she is. Far too many of these Bostonian men have shown an interest in her. I’ve had to chase each and every one of them away.
“I told him that if Betty has any single bingo buddies looking for a reptile-loving girl, to send them my way.”
Like hell she will.
“Anyway, enough of that nonsense. What have y’all been doing all day?” she coos to her scaly friends.
Sitting back, I enjoy my favorite show. I stay glued to my office couch until she eventually goes to bed. Only then do I part from the room.
I check the weather for the morning, and my heart sinks that it won’t be snowing. Guess tomorrow I’ll have to keep my distance, I lie to myself.
Chapter 3
Lizzy
My breath fogs the air ahead of me. Each exhale leaves its mark, followed by a sharp, frozen inhale.
Despite the years of being a northerner, the freezing temperatures still affect me. Which is why I’m currently running in sweatpants with leggings underneath and multiple layers on top, including mittens and a scarf.
But the cold is no excuse to break my schedule. Marathon training is rigorous, but that won’t discourage me.
Running was something I picked up after the move here. At first, it was to clear my mind, but now, I feel free when I run. There’s a trail at the park across from my house that I’ve trained on for several half marathons.
I never considered running a full marathon until a few months ago when several ads and training videos popped up on my phone. I took them as a sign. Granted, this was after I did some light research on marathons, so it made sense. The more they popped up, the more eager I became.
But those weren’t the only signs. Information on equipment I need, hydration and electrolyte schedules, stretches, and strength training all continue to be shown to me.It’s like the universe, or my guardian angel, has been guiding me through the process.
There are a few more months until the race I signed up for. I’m looking forward to the race, though some days, like today, I wish I had a partner.
