Chapter 4
Fourth of July dawned overcast and muggy. Fog danced around the neighborhood uninvited. Taking my coffee into my office I sat at my computer to check my mail. Holidays were generally quiet in cyber space; everyone had plans and is busy. Later I would join my kids and grandkids at my grandson’s house for a cookout. We’d probably just sit in his yard to watch the fireworks that the city sponsored less than a quarter mile away. We wouldn’t be able to see the ground displays but it wasn’t worth battling the crowd for that when we could see the big ones from where we were.
After checking my mail, I brought up my Microsoft program and began toying with a new storyline for another book. I thought I’d try my hand at writing a romance novel although with my track record I wasn’t so sure I qualified to write one with a happy ending. Happy endings didn’t seem to be in the cards for me.
By early afternoon stiffness was sitting in and so was hunger. I needed to start getting myself ready for the day. Glancing out the window I was surprised to see the sun shining; I’d been so preoccupied I hadn’t noticed. Once I finished showering, dressing and applying my makeup and styling my hair, I tidied up the house and turned my attention toward food. Pulling a skillet from the oven I glanced out my backdoor and noticed my neighbor’s car in his driveway.
Sighing with apprehension I shook my head; I fully expected to come home later that night to a party in full swing. I’d deal with it but for now I looked forward to spending the evening with my family.
Early in the evening I headed for my grandsons stopping at the store to pick up something for dessert. I didn’t do much baking anymore…it was easier to buy something than overheat the house with the oven going.
It was a wonderful evening! We caught up on family news and laughed and stuffed ourselves with too much food. Settling in, we “oohed and aahed” over the fireworks then began to clean up and say our goodbyes.
Driving home, my apprehension returned as I expected to have a good day end in irritation as I was sure the neighbor would punctuate a peaceful night with smoke and blaring music. Turning into the alley, it appeared quiet. His car was parked in his driveway and there were soft lights glowing inside his privacy fence.
Snuggling my car up to my house, I turned off the motor and just sat for a minute mulling over my bit of good luck. Although I could hear fireworks around the neighborhood, all was quiet on the home front.
Sighing with that good feeling of being tired after a pleasant day I opened my car door and crawled out.
My daughter had sent home with me a couple boxes heavy with books but first I’d unlock my door and carry in the extra food they’d loaded me down with then retrieve those boxes.
Returning to open my trunk I thought to myself that sometimes having a man is a good thing…such as carrying heavy boxes. I wasn’t sure I could lift them from my trunk and I was prepared to have to divide them up into other boxes just so I could get them out of my car.
Struggling to lift the first box, suddenly I glimpsed movement out of the corner of my eye and a shadow fell across the inside of my trunk. Startled, I lost my grip on the box which caught the edge of the trunk and tipped to spill its content, not in the trunk but all around my feet!!
Furious, I threw the box in the trunk and turned to glare at the man from across the alley. It didn’t help to see a twinkle in his eyes and a smile play around his lips. Through gritted teeth I growled, “Thanks a lot!” Grabbing the box I slammed it on the ground and began picking up scattered books.
Kneeling down he began to help and I heard him softly say, “I’m sorry hun, I didn’t mean to startle you. I saw you struggling with something in your trunk and I just wanted to help.”
Still fuming I grabbed a book and before I could throw it in the box, he reached out and took it in his fingers. Now we both held it and he wouldn’t let go. Forced to look at him eye to eye, I’m sure fire was burning in mine. But his were soft and showed his sincerity. Taken aback, I was briefly frozen in confusion. Those eyes held me spellbound; dark as midnight in a face so handsome it took my breath away.
“I’m really sorry hun…won’t you let me help you?” I realized I’d been holding my breath and I let it out with a sigh and it effectively released my anger like hot air from a balloon. Gazing into those eyes I couldn’t help but smile and said, “Sure. I’m sorry too…I sorta have a quick temper in case you hadn’t noticed.” He just chuckled and nodded.
Quietly we gathered up the books and he easily lifted the box off the ground saying, “I’ll come back for the other one.” I held the door open for him then led him to my office and showed him where to set them. He then retrieved the second box. Setting it down he turned and looked around, noticing my bookcases filled to overflowing. “I take it you like reading.” It was more of a statement than a question.
Continued in comments....
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| A Stone's Throw Away...pt. 4 (story) |
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