Page 24 of All The Ways to Miss You

He appears interested, but I don’t have an answer that makes sense. It has great bones, and it’ll be adorable when renovated. I consider it a diamond in the rough. Compared to the other homes on the street, it’s the smallest and also the gloomiest. Typically, a developer would swoop in, buy it, and knock it down to build a mansion beside the others. Only a nutcase like me would believe it’s worth saving.

“Not sure. I’ve always been drawn to it.”

When he studies me with curiosity, I explain, “I’m buying it with my next big commission. I run past it almost every night.”

“Haunted,” he mouths.

Without a hint of a breeze, the gate at the sidewalk swings open on its own with a whiny creak. My heart stops beating, and I glance at Evan with wide eyes and an open mouth. Maybe he’s right.

I believe it until I look down and find his toe wedged against the hinge of the gate. He played a trick on me.

Knowing he’s been caught, he tosses his head back and laughs. I smack him on the shoulder, but the sound of his happiness warms me from the inside until I give in and giggle too.

I step into the small overgrown yard. He follows, inspecting the details.

“This place is a dump.” He hooks his hands on his hips.

“I know, I know. I’m not supposed to be emotionally attached. Every piece of property is about the deal, but it’s too late. I love this place. When I renovate it, it’ll be perfect.”

“Is it even for sale?” He looks around, seeming to search for a sign.

“I’ve been talking to the owner for months, and he’s considering my offer.”

Evan steps behind me, and his lips touch my ear. Tingles spread over my neck from the contact. It’s all I can do not to close my eyes before he whispers, “Did you tell him you don’t wear panties under your skirt, too? Might help.”

“No.” I protest with a giggle and turn to face him. His devilish smile baits me, making my traitorous heart flutter. I step back, even though I want to step forward into his arms. “Ozzy is ninety years old and lives in a nursing home. He’s sentimental about the house. He and his wife lived here from the day they were married.”

“So how’d you change his mind?”

“I visit him.”

“And?” He tilts his head.

I roll my eyes. “I take him chocolates.”

“Such a manipulator.”

“I think Ozzy’s the one who’s manipulated me. He’s pretty charming.”

“So I have competition?”

“You’re not even my friend yet.” I grin and dart around him, running down the street.

Evan’s words must have slipped out before he considered them, because he’s made it clear nothing would come of us. Maybe he’s joking.

He sprints to catch up and falls into pace at my side. We’re silent as we run. After another mile on the Lakefront path, we arrive at my favorite spot.

The other week, I was here with Aggie, drunk on champagne and celebrating her breakup. Its location is secluded, so I don’t always feel safe, but I attribute that to my past. With what happened, I may never be at ease. Though tonight, with Evan by my side, I’m secure.

With my hands on my hips and my chest rising and falling, I watch the city with its glimmering shapes and chaotic energy.

“Worn out already?” he asks.

“Please, I could run circles around you. It’s just every time I come here, I have to stop.”

He joins me, taking in the city lights. “I stop here too. Best view of the city.”

We linger for a few moments before we jog over a pedestrian bridge that crosses over Lake Shore Drive and into Lincoln Park. During the day, the park teems with soccer leagues, city dwellers lounging over picnics, and dogs playing catch with their owners. Tonight, it’s empty and quiet.