“Thank you.” I sink into the other chair.
“Una looks like she’s doing well, you know. Her spirits are good, which is an encouraging sign.”
“That’s good to hear.”
“Three weeks between cycles?”
I nod. “Four cycles in total. At least that’s the plan right now.”
“So, the first week of July.” She makes a note. “I’ll give you my number in case you need anything.”
“That’s really nice of you…”
“Hey, ambulances dispatch from Havelock. I’m often the one wishing they could have been closer sooner.” We exchange numbers and I kick off my shoes, tucking up my feet beneath me. I’m already looking forward to Monday and a day in my studio.
Cameron seems disinclined to leave and I wonder if she’s lonely. She compliments me on the trailer and invites me to stop by her house sometime. We talk about the café and how I know Merrie. She tells me about the plan to watch the construction and I enjoy how she had to persuade the other women to agree. I realize it’s been a long time since I’ve had women friends of my own age. I talk with Hannah, Lila’s mom, but our circumstances are so different that we don’t have much common ground beyond our daughters. Cameron tells me about their Wednesday night meetings and I suggest that they book in at the café one week.
“Wednesdays are always slower,” I say. “So, it would still be pretty private.”
“Maybe you and Merrie should join us,” she says. “We’re always looking for converts.”
“That might be fun.”
“Oh, it would definitely be fun.” She casts me a mischievous grin, then gets to her feet and stretches. “Early morning tomorrow. I’m on at four.”
“Ouch, that is early.”
“I always figure I might as well stay up all night, maybe have sex, but no luck on that tonight.” She waits for me to be surprised then winks. “Nice guy. Great kid. I’m officially jealous.” Then she waves goodnight and strolls away, disappearing into the shadows as she walks home.
I’m trying to remember the last time anyone even joked about being jealous of me. Coming home to Empire certainly has brought changes.
Finally alone, I pull out my phone and call Mike to thank him. He answers right away and I curl up in my chair, more than happy to have his voice rumbling in my ear.
“You should know that it didn’t take fifteen minutes,” he murmurs, not sounding displeased about that. I ask and he sends me a link to The Empire Chronicle. The picture makes me gasp aloud.
Mike chuckles. “Sierra told me about it, so the secret’s out.”
“I’m sorry you left tonight,” I say and I hear the smile in his voice.
“I like that you sound disappointed.”
We review our respective schedules and he invites me to stop over Sunday night after I take Sierra to Havelock.
I don’t need to be asked twice.
31
MIKE
“Tell me about tomatoes,” Sylvia invites.
She showed up at seven, just as promised, after taking Sierra to the bus and making sure Una had a good dinner. Best of all, she walked in the door of the house, backed me into the wall and kissed me like she’d eat me alive. Sylvia’s happy the way she is when she’s had a good day sketching and I love when she’s happy. It’s only reasonable to celebrate that with her.
I’ve been thinking about her all weekend, but have barely seen her since that kiss on Friday. Texting and calls are inadequate, but we’ll get used to it. I worked full-out on the greenhouse this weekend, getting it set up – which means I caught glimpses of Sylvia both days.
Was there a kiss on the stairs? More than one? I’ll never tell.
First, I laid the brick floor Saturday morning before it got too hot, then took a break to pick up planters, growth medium and seeds. The greenhouse has officiallybecome the local pet project thanks to Noah’s article. I had call after call from local firms, offering me supplies and contributions. I like the sense of community that’s resulting – we are all in competition in one way, but we’re neighbours, too, and pulling together on this just feels good.
