Page 32 of No Kisses for the Neighbor Next Door

“Yes, you’re right.” The whizzes and bangs, rockets and Catherine Wheels lift my flagging spirits. Barry’s Basement Bourbon soothes my anxious mind.

My phone beeps. It’s a message from Cam.

Emergency out of town. I’ll call tomorrow. X.

I read the words and process the information, but my focus is on the X. I send a kiss right back.

At the library the next day, everyone is talking about the Spring Fair. I am congratulated on the doggy dress-up competition. People tell me how much they enjoyed it and how they are going to enter next year.

“I already have a great idea,” says Kevin, clearing the last of the books that made up the tobacco display. “Although I don’t have a dog lined up yet.” He carries the armful of literature, swiftly depositing books on shelves in the relevant aisles.

“You still have time.”

Kevin shelves the last of the books then joins me in front of the display area. We stand together looking at the empty table and wall space, each nutting out possibilities for the next display, trying to decide on what could follow tobacco, which was a huge success. It was so successful, we might need to factor it into the library calendar along with Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Independence Day, Halloween, and Thanksgiving.

“Why don’t we do dogs?” suggests Kevin.

“Too general. Not enough social significance. We also need a local flavor that people can relate to.”

“Alright. Let me think.” Kevin moves away down an aisle to peruse titles for inspiration.

Lydia comes in looking radiant as usual. I don’t know how she does it. I feel like a wreck. My eyes are open only because of layers of mascara. I was so tired when I arrived home after the fair, I had a bath and went straight to bed. But I didn’t sleep much. I just lay awake, staring at the ceiling, thinking about Cam. Wondering where he was and if he was okay.

“Can I tempt you out for an early lunch?” Lydia says linking an arm into mine.

“That would be wonderful. We need help with a new display. You’re always good at coming up with ideas. We’re stuck, aren’t we, Kevin?”

Kevin waves from the distance.

I mime drinking coffee and he gives me a thumbs up. I grab my bag from the office and follow Lydia out. We walk to The Half Moon Café and sit at a table in the window.

“Still nothing from our handsome hero?” asks Lydia.

“No. Well, just a text this morning to say he made it home safe.”

“Good. That’s good.”

“And he said he wanted to stop by the library this afternoon when he drops off the key at the real estate agents.”

“Oh. That’s not so good. He’s leaving today? Wow. I had no idea it would be this soon.”

“Yep. He needs to report to the city station tomorrow. So that, as they say, is that.”

“Not necessarily.”

“What do you mean? I live here. Cam lives there. Lydia.” I shake my head then gaze out of the window. “It’s a total non-starter.”

“Well, he’s obviously quite smitten with you. Couldn’t you work something out? Meet up at weekends? Halfway?”

“Ahhh, no. I mean. That might work for a while, but the fact remains, we are living, not only in two separate places, but two completely different worlds.” My mind turns to the cool, stylish loft apartment I imagine Cam sharing with his cool, stylish bachelor buddies.

“But you are going to see him before he leaves, yes?”

“Well, no. I told him it would probably be better if he just left. And he agreed.”

“That seems harsh. Don’t you want to see him at all?”

“Of course I do. But then, the idea of watching him drive away would be so, so bad. I’d rather not put myself through that trauma.”

---