Page 10 of A Simple Love

Her words warmed my heart. “Thank you.”

“You’re an actor now.”

“Yes.”

“Well, I’ll be. Someone famous in the store.” She glanced around and dropped her voice. “I won’t breathe a word.”

I chuckled. “I’ll put in a good word for your grandson. I can’t promise anything…”

“How wonderful. His name is Timmy Woods.”

“I’ll see what I can do.”

“I’m Ginny, by the way.”

“Oliver.”

She nodded. “I remember.”

“Thanks for, ah, everything. Being so kind,” I added.

She beamed at me, and I left the store, somehow uplifted by the interaction.

Then I headed back to Kassie’s house, wondering if there was any way I could start a dialogue with her and clear the air.

But her car was gone when I got there, so I headed upstairs, unpacked the groceries, and decided to have a nap.

I was exhausted.

I woke a few hours later and rolled off the bed. It was a great mattress—firm and supportive. And the linens were soft and thick. Kassie obviously took great care of the place.

With a sigh, I pulled out a salad and heated up a slice of lasagna I’d chosen at the store. It was decent and I was hungry, having not eaten anything but the pie all day.

I’d love another pie, but I had a feeling I shouldn’t ask.

She might slam the door on my foot next time.

I rinsed my dishes while looking out the window. The fenced yard was a good size, and the flowers and trees were well cared for. A gazebo in the far corner contained a grill, plus a table and chairs. Beside the house was a fenced-off, private area with another smaller grill and a tiny table, as well as a hot tub, which I assumed was for Kassie’s personal use only.

I went outside, letting myself into the backyard. It was well-kept and spacious. Kassie’s private area was shaded, the fence high. I avoided that space and headed to the gazebo.

The chairs around the table looked comfortable, and I sat down, relaxing into the thick, cushioned seat. I shut my eyes, enjoying the quiet.

A short while later, a noise made me open my eyes and sit up straight. Kassie was standing at the edge of the gazebo, a book in hand, a glass of wine in the other.

“Sorry,” I muttered. “I probably shouldn’t be here. I was just getting some air.”

“No, it’s fine. I’ll sit on my deck.”

I stood, shaking my head. “I don’t want to disturb you or chase you out of your own gazebo, Kassie. I was going to go for a run, but I decided to sit a bit.”

“You, ah, run?”

“As often as I can. I’m hoping it’s more often here.” I inhaled the fresh air. “No one recognized me today except for Ginny at the grocery store, so I might have more freedom to run outside. I prefer it to the gym.”

“Any luck at the Y?” she asked, sitting down. “Or too shabby for you?”

“It was fine,” I snapped. “I’m not a snob.”