He turns to me as we walk down the hall. “The meeting was boring. No, I’m excited to have a houseguest.”
That should have been my first clue as to what I was in for.
We drive to the edge of Fallwell Cove. It’s a nice area, but nothing like the rich north part of town where I expected Joseph to live. He pulls into the driveway of a gray two-story, craftsman-style home that seems large for a single man.
Then a pit forms in my stomach. Did Lucy live here with him once? There are red flowers along the driveway, but nothing about this house really screams a woman’s touch. But do I even know what Lucy’s touch would look like?
“Big house for one guy,” I venture as we walk up the porch steps.
He shrugs. “My dad owns it and lets me stay here.”
“That’s nice, since it’s so close to the university.”
He unlocks the door. “It is, but it’s also his way of keeping me close to him.”
Once inside, Joseph offers to cook dinner.
“Sure, that would be great. I can’t remember the last time I had a home-cooked meal.”
I sit at the dining room table, trying to remember. It was a few months ago when Thunder invited all of us guys to his place. He smoked ribs and whipped up a few sides. I smile at the memory. It was damn good.
“I hope you like cheese,” Joseph says.
“Love it.”
“White or yellow?” Joseph asks.
“What?” I must have missed something he said.
“White or yellow cheese?”
I’ve never been asked that. “I guess yellow is my favorite. I’m a big fan of cheddar.”
Joseph grins. “Me too.”
He returns to the kitchen, and I take in the home. The dining room opens to the living room. Both are fully furnished with high-end items. Even the chair I’m sitting in feels like something from a nice restaurant with all its fancy fabric.
“Did you decorate this place?” I know I shouldn’t ask, but I’m curious. Is this Lucy’s style?
Joseph laughs from the kitchen. “No, my mom did. The place came furnished.”
Oh. Okay. Well, now I didn’t feel so bad for hating it. A few minutes later, Joseph walks to the dining room table carrying two bowls and two spoons. Then he sets the bowl down in front of me. I stare at it for a beat.
“Is this mac and cheese?”
Joseph smiles. “Yes, it is. I’m so happy you said yellow cheese. I like that one best.”
He scoops a spoonful into his mouth, leaving a smear of yellow across his lips.
Had I known this was what he meant when he said he’d cook for me, I’d have insisted on ordering us a pizza. Or two. I’m a big guy and a little bowl of mac and cheese isn’t going to do it.
After dinner, Joseph is still talking. The man doesn’t shut up—and one thing I’ve learned, helovesto talk about himself. Brags about everything and anything. At least it covers the sound of my growling stomach.
I now understand why he was excited to have a houseguest. Part of me wonders if Joseph created the letter to have someone here to brag to all night. Because of his tick, I know most of it is lies.
Two hours after dinner, I’m ready for bed, but this man has endless energy. And words. He says so many words.
Thankfully, his phone rings.
