“She picked me up. I just got back, and I’m starving. You don’t know this about me, but I make the best grilled cheese sandwiches you’ll ever taste. Come and join us. Skeeter would like to see you again.”
Maileah sighed and shook her head. “How can I resist that? I’ll be there shortly.”
After returning home, he hurried into the kitchen. Hehad yet to do much decorating, other than buying a retro red dining set that he thought looked good with the black-and-white linoleum tiles. Many people on the street had updated their kitchens, but he needed to be home longer to bother.
Skeeter sat at the table eating an apple. “So, did you see her?”
“Stop playing matchmaker. Do we have stuff for grilled cheese?”
She gestured toward the refrigerator. “There’s leftover pizza if you’re hungry.”
“No, I promised Maileah a grilled cheese sandwich. Did you get any food?”
A smile touched Skeeter’s lips. “I bought some sourdough bread and deli cheese for sandwiches.”
He washed his hands at the sink. “What kind?”
“Havarti, muenster. Some salami, too.”
Sailor checked a mental list. “That might work. Come on, help me get the place cleaned up.”
“Oh, no. All this is your mess, bro.” She took a leisurely bite of her apple.
“Please? Just throw everything in the pantry.” When his sister looked at him with a funny grin, he said, “Never mind.”
He shook water from his hands. Opening the pantry door, he shoved mail and papers inside and tossed in a hoodie and sneakers.
“This is interesting,” Skeeter said, observing him with her chin in her hand.
“I’m just being neighborly.” He opened the refrigerator. “You have one slice of cheese left. How am I supposed to make grilled cheese sandwiches with that?”
She grinned. “I must have missed your culinary shopping list.”
Sailor sighed and grabbed the keys on the hook by the door. “I’ll go to the store. If she comes over, can you entertain her until I return?”
Skeeter tossed her apple core into the trash and plucked the keys from his hand. “I’ll do it.”
“You don’t know what I need.”
“I have a good idea. But text me if you’re going to put truffles or something exotic on them.”
“Wait.” He scribbled a few items on a piece of paper. “Now get out of here.”
Skeeter laughed. “Did I hear a please in that?”
“Please get out of my house. And hurry.” He passed a hand over his face. Why was he acting like a complete fool?
He only wanted to make a good impression. Besides, Maileah was dating Todd. No, he only wanted to welcome her to the neighborhood.
While he waited for Skeeter to return, he brought out the utensils and plates he would need.
Through the window, he saw Maileah walking toward his house. He noticed she had changed into a turquoise sundress that showed off her sun-kissed shoulders.
Drawing a breath, he gave her time to climb the steps before opening the front door.
15
“Welcome,” Sailor said, opening the door. His easy manner made Maileah smile. “You changed.”
