Chapter Twelve

W ith a thanks to her neighbor, Kasey entered Amanda’s back door. “Hello!”

No answer.

Concerned, he walked through the immaculate kitchen and down the hall. Light from the bathroom splashed onto the hallway concrete floor.

Suddenly, Amanda belted out, “If you don’t know me...”

Once at the bathroom, he peeked around the corner to find her carefully placing a piece of tile on the mosaic.

“Don’t quit your day job!” he yelled.

Amanda jumped and swiftly spun around while tugging the earphones from her head. She hit a button on the tablet sitting on the closed toilet. “What the hell? Are you trying to give me a heart attack?” Then she scowled. “Thank you for that unsolicited opinion.”

“Well, I had to tell you in case you thought you had a career in singing.”

She set the earphones, glue, and tiles on the bathroom counter. “How did you get in here?”

“You haven’t answered my calls or texts. I got worried and drove over. I knocked and rang the bell. When you didn’t answer, I asked Mrs. G to let me in so I could check on you.” He’d told Amanda how he’d met Mrs. G the day she was sick.

“Yes, about Mrs. G. I tried to convince her we weren’t a couple.” Her scowl became an all-out frown. “I could tell she didn’t believe me. What did you say to her?”

He shrugged. “The truth. You weren’t feeling well, and I cooked soup for you. We spoke for half an hour. She’s a fan.”

“I can’t believe she unlocked my door for you.”

“All you had to do was answer your phone.”

“It went for a swim last night.”

He tried not to laugh. “A swim?”

“In the tub with me and hasn’t worked since. I have it in a bag of rice trying to dry it out.”

Eyes on the mosaic behind her, he saw she’d added several tiles. “It looks fantastic.”

“Thanks. The part you did really helped. I appreciate it.”

The peace he’d felt while working on it washed over him again. “I enjoyed it.” He scanned her body, from the top of her head to the tips of her pink-painted toenails.

“I’m a mess.” She crossed her arms. “This is me on Saturday mornings before I’ve showered.”

She was anything but a mess. Her short, black hair was slightly mussed, like he’d just run his fingers through it. She wore a green tank top and cut-off shorts. Honestly, she couldn’t look better if she’d just stepped out of a salon. Instead of saying that, he said, “You’re cranky.”

“Only when people barge in uninvited.”

Barking sounded outside.

Her brows furrowed.

“Edward’s in the back yard scaring squirrels away.”

“You’re trying to use a sweet dog to make me forget you invaded my privacy?” she accused.

“I also want to take you to lunch.”

She stared at him for a second, as if lost in thought. He wondered what was going through her head. Then she nodded. “Let me take a quick shower.”

~

A manda shut the bathroom door and leaned back against it, frustrated with herself. No had been on the tip of her tongue when he mentioned wanting to take her to lunch. She couldn’t make herself say it. He looked too expectant, too playful, too gorgeous. Her traitorous heart had ruled in that moment of decision. How was she going to stop her growing feelings for him?

Eager to spend time with him, she showered quickly, dried her hair, made her face, and dressed. Kasey took her to a diner that looked like a throwback to the fifties. Shiny chrome gleamed everywhere, from the counter with stools to the tables and chairs. Plastic white tablecloths draped across every table. The workers were dressed in white and wore pointy white hats.

Kasey pulled out her chair and sat across from her.

Laminated menus were trapped between a napkin holder and salt and pepper shakers on the table. She reached for one at the same time he did and their hands brushed. His warm skin kissed hers.

They looked at each other.

“Kasey,” a female called.

They broke eye contact and turned toward the voice.

An older waitress, red hair in a bun, shuffled to their table. “It’s wonderful to see you.”

He stood and bussed the woman’s cheek. “Ms. Bonnet, how are you?”

“Always working.” She smiled.

“Ms. Bonnet, this is Amanda Crane. She’s a counselor at Goodson High School.” He returned to his seat.

“Welcome, Amanda. What can I get you?”

“Do you trust me to order for you?” Kasey asked.

Instinctively, she knew she could trust the man with anything. Which was silly since she hadn’t known him long. Even so, in her heart, she knew. “I do.”

“Two number fives.”

The woman wrote on her notepad. “To drink?”

“Punch,” he added.

“I’ll put the order in.” Ms. Bonnet hurriedly made their drinks and set them on the table.

Amanda took a sip, surprised to find the punch carbonated. “This is terrific.”

While they waited, Kasey told her about his last two weeks. She cackled at his account of the penguins and was impressed when he told her about his excursions on the glaciers.

“Have you ever seen a glacier?” He lifted his glass to his lips.

“Not in nature. I attended a Titanic exhibit at a museum with my parents. The exhibition displayed a block of ice, described as a glacier, much like what would’ve been in the water the night of the wreck. They invited us to put a hand on the ice to see how long we could keep it there. I lasted longer than my folks, but not very long at all.”

“I didn’t find it unbearably cold in Argentina. And I think the only reason Antarctica was so cold is because I stayed in the water too long.”

“For which that penguin thanks you.”

He smiled. That smile did things to her insides, made her feel warm and soft.

Ms. Bonnet served their food. Amanda glared at a chicken fried steak that covered the entire plate. Another plate held an order of curly fries. “I’ll never be able to eat all this.”

“We have to-go bags.” Ms. Bonnet winked before she sailed through the swinging door that led to the kitchen.

Fried to perfection, the steak was crunchy and meaty with white gravy on the side. She only ate a fourth of it and two fries before she was stuffed. “I’ll have food for a week.”

Kasey had eaten half of his food. “Marisol will finish this off.”

“You should’ve brought her.”

“She stayed at a friend’s house last night and hadn’t returned when I left.”

How wonderful Marisol had sleepover friends. A childhood longing yawned inside of Amanda.

~

T he next week turned into a whirlwind.

Amanda and Kasey brought Marisol to the zoo on Sunday. He convinced the zoo administrator to let them accompany a zookeeper while she fed the monkeys. Although they couldn’t touch the primates, Marisol saw them up close. She excitedly spouted facts about each.

On Monday, he stopped by Amanda’s school carrying a box with salad and breadsticks they ate in her office. Once she made it home from school and changed into yoga pants and a t-shirt, her doorbell rang. She opened it to find Kasey holding a bag of Chinese food, and Edward by his side. Her first urge told her to put her arms around Kasey’s neck. Her second screamed for her to insist he leave.

She didn’t do either. She loved seeing him, being with him. He kept her entertained and showered her with attention.

But she needed stability. A man who would simply stay.

Not wanting him to sense the battle raging inside her, she smiled and opened the door wider.

When she got home from work on Tuesday, her grass had been mowed and there were fresh flowers planted between the bushes in her flowerbed. Mrs. G came out of her house and hurried over. “Kasey came at ten this morning with a mower, weed-eater, and blower. He’s a great guy.”

“Yes. He is.” As Amanda entered her house, she texted Kasey, Thanks for mowing my grass and planting the colorful flowers. What do I owe you?

Nothing. I needed something to do. An hour later, he arrived with a meat lover’s pizza, two decks of cards, and a cribbage board. She watched a video on the rules, and they played. At eight-thirty, he left saying he respected that she had to wake up early the next day.

Wednesday afternoon, when she arrived home, he stood in her yard with a sprayer in his hand.

“What are you doing?” She closed the door of her car.

“When I mowed yesterday, I saw you had ant beds. I’m treating them.”

“I wish you wouldn’t do that.”

“You’re welcome,” he returned sarcastically.

“Do you know what you’re doing?”

“Killing ants?”

“You’re moving them. Last time I put out ant killer it didn’t kill them, they just found a way into my house. It took me three weeks to find every little tiny hole they squeezed through and caulk it. So, I’m calling you when ants invade my house.”

He tried to look contrite. “I’ll be ready to caulk.”

“You better practice.” She lifted her purse strap onto her shoulder. “We still on for the movies?”

“You bet.” They saw an action film. Everywhere they went, people recognized Kasey and wanted pics with him. He was always courteous, telling stories about episodes of his show people inquired about.

She was doing her damnedest to find something wrong with the man and failing.

That night when she arrived home, she checked her phone messages. Barry had called. She swiped his name and waited.

“Hey, Mandy.” He’d given her the nickname and was the only person who called her that.

“Hi, Amanda,” Luna hollered in the background. Amanda and Luna had become friends while Barry was stationed in Connecticut. Luna was also in The Navy. Luna and Barry started dating two years after Amanda filed for divorce.

“Hi back.”

“Is it true?” Luna excitedly asked. “Are you dating Hunter Kase?”

A spike of panic, and an aching wish it was true, rushed through her.

“Star Breeze ran a spot today with a picture of you guys together, speculating you were his rebound girl.” Luna loved social media.

“We’re just friends.”

“I think you should go for it.”

Barry murmured something Amanda couldn’t hear. Then Luna said, “Amanda, I’ve got to go to the store. Talk to you later.”

“Bye.”

After the sound of shuffling, Barry quietly spoke. “How are you?”

It was a blessing she and Barry had remained friends. They talked at least once a month. He’d been her teacher’s assistant her first semester in college. They instantly hit it off, and in a world where she was suddenly alone, he’d quickly become her friend, confidant, and boyfriend. “Fine. You?”

“Busy, as always. I leave for Haiti tomorrow. I wanted to talk to you today in case I can’t on Friday.”

Her heart squeezed. It was crazy how she saw the date multiple times a day on her computer and her phone, but the upcoming day hadn’t registered. Kasey had been more of a distraction than she realized. A welcome one. “I’ll be fine, Barry. I’ve spent it alone before.”

“I know, but we’ve always talked on the phone. I’ll try to check in and answer if you call, I’m just worried about cell service.”

“I understand. Don’t worry about me.”

“Okay. What’s really going on with you and Hunter Kase?”

“I met Kasey at Quinn and Dre’s wedding.” Barry and Luna had met the couple when they visited Amanda during the Christmas holidays. “He was still with Harper then. Since the breakup, we’ve been hanging out when he’s in town. He’s a nice guy. We’re having fun. It can’t be more than that.” She felt sharp pain like a dagger pricked her chest. “He travels too much.”

“Sounds familiar.” Barry knew if she decided to get serious with a man again, he’d have to be present in her life day in and day out.

~

T hursday evening, Kasey showed up with a sack from the local grocery store. He’d brought Edward again. The dog appeared to be happiest while chasing squirrels. Kasey went outside to cook steaks on her pit while Amanda microwaved potatoes and toasted the French bread. She pulled out the ingredients to make a salad. She picked up the iceberg lettuce, lifted it over her head, and forcefully threw it to the ground.

“What did that lettuce do to you?” Kasey entered through the door.

“I’m getting the core out.” She broke through the plastic wrapper and lifted the center part to show him how easily it popped out. “How do you extract your core?”

He grinned a sexy grin. “Ms. Crane, that’s a very personal question.”

She laughed and threw the core at him.

He caught it with a chuckle and snatched a pair of tongs from her drawer.

They ate on the patio as the sun set.

“That was delicious.” She fed the last of her steak to Edward.

“My dad insisted we boys know how to use a pit.” He held the back door for her as they carried their dishes into the kitchen.

“I bet I’ve gained ten pounds this week.”

He set the dishes on the counter and turned toward her. His eyes journeyed up and down her body. “You’re perfect, Amanda.”

Heat flamed through her.

Grabbing dish after dish, he rinsed them and put them in the dishwasher. He dried his hands on a paper towel. “Do you mind if I work on the mosaic for a while?”

Surprised, she said, “I’d love the help.”

Drinks in hand, they walked to the bathroom. They sat on the floor and began to fill in the flowers at the bottom.

“What’s the group reading for book club this month?” he questioned.

“ First Sight . You heard of it?”

“No.”

“Me neither. The jacket says it’s a time-travel saga. Two people see each other and experience love at first sight then they’re somehow separated by space and time. It’s not a romance, so I’m guessing they don’t end up together.” She took a sip of her cola. “Curious question, do you believe in love at first sight?”

“Hell to the no.” He carefully placed three green tiles for a flower stem. “Why would anyone believe simply looking at someone you know, this is the person for me, the be-all and end-all ?”

“I’ve heard stories of instant connection.”

“Instant connection, I get,” he clarified. “Instant attraction, instant lust, sure. Instant love? No way. Love isn’t in a look.”

“I agree. It’s in the everyday things, the little things.” Love is cleaning the dishes, like he’d just done. Cooking, like he’d just done. Intently listening to someone, giving them undivided attention, like he’d been doing every time they were together. Those thoughts flooded her mind like an assault.

I can’t let this go on. “Being present is a way of showing love.”

He turned toward her.

“Kasey, I enjoy spending time with you. You know I do.”

His gaze narrowed.

“But this is beginning to feel like more than friendship, and I can’t have more than a friendship with you.” A nagging thump started in her ears, giving her a headache and threatening to become a full-blown migraine. “Your work schedule reminds me too much of my ex-husband’s. Which is not your fault. None of this has anything to do with you. It’s my shit.”

He tilted his head to the side. “Problem is, I’m having those same more-than-friendship feelings toward you.”

Her emotions soared at his admission, then took a nose dive. She tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. “You’re still rebounding from Harper.”

“No, I was over that pretty quick.” He took a breath. “Can’t we try long distance?”

She shook her head. “I like to think I’m independent. And I am, truly. Except, when I think of being in a relationship. I want it to be with someone who has my back. Who’s by my side. I’ve never had someone I could rely on. That’s what I want.”

He turned his body to face hers and leaned over. Cupping her cheeks in his hands, he gently pressed his lips to hers.

Her equilibrium spiraled. She grasped his shoulders to steady herself. She’d been married and thought she’d experienced every kind of kiss. Wrong . This one felt different than any other, like an exploration. He was exquisitely gentle, tenderly discovering what she liked.

She let him lead at first, then kissed him back, easily losing herself in his scent, his touch, his taste. The kiss became playful, both of them teasing each other. It was unbelievable how in sync they were.

Finally, he pulled back, breaking contact, and stared into her eyes. His hands still cradled her face. “I thought, Surely, her lips can’t possibly taste as good as she smells. I’ve never been more wrong. Now I want you more than ever.”

She sadly smiled. “Back at you.”

“What can I do to convince you I’ll have your back? I took care of you when you were sick. I talked to your students. I’ve seen you as much as possible this week.”

“And it’s been the best week,” she assured him. “It’s just, what happens when I’ve lived through a horrible day and want to crawl into your arms for comfort and you’re halfway across the world?”

“You call me,” he insisted.

“You’ll be filming or asleep.”

“You can wake me anytime. Or even better, summer starts soon, travel with me.”

“I’m working summer school.”

“I’m sure it doesn’t last the whole summer.”

She used her strongest voice. “I can’t start a relationship with you.”

“You already have.”

“Then I have to end it.”

“Honey, that kiss said differently.”

“You should leave.” She hated every word coming from her mouth. She wouldn’t explain the rest of her arguments against them getting together, no need to tell him everything. “Please.”

He softly pressed his lips to hers again, released her, and stood.

As he walked away, her eyes filled with tears and her throat painfully swelled. Why did protecting herself hurt so much?

~

A t Kasey’s sharp whistle , Edward came running and jumped into the truck cab. Kasey got inside, started the vehicle, and backed down Amanda’s drive. He stopped before he reached the street. The truck’s headlights illuminated her tiny house. The blue siding needed repairs in spots, yet the white shutters looked new. The stone flowerbed was filled with shrubs and his newly planted flowers. It looked like a happy little house.

I’ve never had someone I can rely on. What did she mean by that? What about her parents while they were living? Was it just her marriage that made her so against seeing him or had something else happened in her past that she wouldn’t give him a chance?

He liked to think of himself as a nice guy. Loyal to a fault, he loved kids and his family. Of course, he was intense, couldn’t keep still, and his mind raced. Even knowing that, she said she liked him, and kissed him like she wanted him.

That was little consolation now.

Ugh , he had to stop thinking about her.

He drove around town. At the age of sixteen, after he passed his driver’s test, he’d always make an excuse or offer to run errands for his mother and father to get in the car and go. Leave the house. Just like in those days, he took in the town. This stretch of the feeder road, next to the highway, hadn’t changed much. A few of the strip malls had new businesses, while most were the same. He approached Marshall’s Hardware Store and checked the truck clock. The store should be open for another hour. He turned into the parking lot.

Every time he came back to the store, he gave thanks nothing tragic happened the day of the shooting. He hopped out of the truck, Edward beside him. An electronic bing-bong sounded when he pushed open the glass front door. The store hadn’t changed since he’d worked here. Mr. Marshall didn’t believe in moving things. He always stressed it was important for regular customers to know items would be in the same place every time they shopped.

Edward, who’d been here many times, headed to the storeroom.

A man carrying a plunger and a jug of Drano froze when he saw Kasey. “Hunter Kase?”

He pointed to the things in the man’s hand. “Looks like you might be having problems.”

“Stupid sink where the air conditioner drains from the attic is clogged. It does it repeatedly.”

“Have you tried putting bleach down it once a week? Mr. Marshall suggested it to customers when I worked for him.”

“You worked here?”

“Best employee I ever had!” Mr. Marshall exclaimed from behind Kasey.

He spun to see the man.

Tall and muscular, with brown hair and a brown beard, Mr. Marshall clapped Kasey’s shoulder. “What brings you by?”

“I was in the neighborhood.” He turned to the customer. “Are you ready to check out?”

“Not yet.”

“Jacob,” Mr. Marshall called.

A young guy in a red Marshall’s Hardware shirt hustled over.

“Great to see you again, Jacob.” Kasey held out his hand.

“You-you-you too, sir.” He enthusiastically pumped Kasey’s hand.

“I’m not old enough to be a sir.”

Jacob glanced at Mr. Marshall. “You called me?”

“Please help this man. Kasey and I will be in the back.”

Kasey followed his old boss. As stupid as it was, like every time he came here, a sting of apprehension hissed in his mind. The storeroom remained the same as well. The only change was a huge dog lying on a dog bed by the back door. Edward and the black mastiff sniffed each other.

“Terrible piece from the Star Breeze about your breakup.” Mr. Marshall talked straight, which Kasey appreciated.

“Harper did it for the show. Cut like a knife though.” Kasey snatched a water bottle from the fridge knowing Mr. Marshall would expect him to help himself.

“You see Mike this trip?”

He’d not seen any of his friends. He’d been too busy with Amanda. “Not yet. How is he?”

“ Tiny’s keeps him busy. He won’t even hire someone to do the books. Thinks he has to do it by himself.” The older man sighed. “And although I believe he’s going to give himself an ulcer or a heart attack, I’m proud of him.”

Kasey smiled.

“What’s next for you?” Mr. Marshall cracked his knuckles.

“I leave for Italy on Monday.” A picture on the wall caught his attention. Mr. Marshall stood in a wrestling ring with a championship belt and buckle around his waist. “Why did you give up professional wrestling?”

“Priorities. I got married and Mike was born a year later. When Gloria called me squealing about Mike taking his first step, I put in my resignation. A hardware shop isn’t glamorous, but it provided a stable life for us. Still does.”

“Did you ever miss it?”

“Not really. I traded wrestling for something more important. Time with my wife and son.”

“Wine is sunlight, held together by water.” ~ Galileo Galilei