Page 47 of Love Like Lightning

I don’t tell him how much I actually do understand, but I’m glad too. For the first time since he proposed the idea, I feel like maybe we can be friends without our past interfering. More than that, I want to.

Turns out, I really like being around Henry too.

20

Gianna

Cam’s given me the rest of the afternoon off, and I’m going to take advantage and explore a little more of the town while I have the time. After the first few weeks pass on a new project, work typically picks up quite a bit.

After my afternoon with Henry a couple of days ago, I’ve been itching to see more of the town he loves so much. I almost texted him on the off chance he has the afternoon free but thought better of it.

Just because we’re going to be friends now doesn’t mean we have to hang out anytime we’re both free.

I’ve done the Main Street leg of town, taking the time to pop into the various storefronts and check out some of the local shopping. I was eyeing a cute dark purple sweater dress at one of the boutiques, but couldn’t pull the trigger. I don’t need it and definitely don’t have anywhere to wear it.

Now, I’m strolling down one of the more residential streets off of Main, taking in the quaint visual of the houses set against the mountains.

I didn’t realize how different Colorado was, how stunning it could be. Landing in Denver wasn’t exactly the most picturesque this state can be. I also didn’t realize how happy I could feel away from Boston. Just being up here in the mountains and seeing what my backyard could look like is giving me a lot to think about. It almost feels like home here. Not that it is, or ever would be.

I don’t think I’d move here. My whole life is back east, and I don’t know what I’d do being so far from home. So far from my family, everything I’ve grown up with.

Just as I turn the corner onto a quiet stretch, a car drives by me and parks right on the street in front of a cute green home. Actually, it seems to be a duplex of sorts. Hearing the engine cut, I take a closer look at the truck and realize that it’s Henry’s.

I stop short and watch him climb out of the driver's side, carrying his small black backpack. He’s wearing what I’ve started to recognize as his daily uniform. He’s got on another pair of well-fitted jeans, a black Henley, and his work boots. It's classically simple but somehow perfectly him. I spot what’s probably oil or dirt smudged across one cheek, and the sight of it makes me smile like a goof.

For a brief moment, I wonder if I should just turn and start walking quickly in the direction I came. That’s probably not a normal reaction when you run into a friend. Maybe this house is one of his jobs and he won’t have time to chat, so I should just go. I wouldn’t want to interrupt him during his workday.

I move to turn on my heels but don’t get a chance.

“Gia?” Henry’s low voice calls out to me, and when I look up, he’s walking toward me.

“Hey…”

“What’re you doing here?” He comes to a stop in front of me, and by the looks of him, he’s been working hard today. His backpack is slung over one shoulder, and his eyes look tired.

“What are you doing here?” The question flies out of my mouth before my brain thinks about it long enough to realize it’s completely uncalled for. “I mean, I’m just out for a walk exploring.”

We’re standing just in front of this house now, right at the sweet white fence that circles the property. A frigid gust of wind makes me shiver, and on an inhale, I make note that it smells like snow. I almost whip out my phone to check whether it’s going to be a dusting or something more severe but manage not to.

“This is actually where I live.” He’s giving me his full attention, and I’m far too exposed, even decked out in a jacket and scarf.

“Oh.” It’s a lame response, but it’s the best I can muster when he’s got me pinned with his eyes.

“Henry! Come on over for some tea. It’s getting cold, and you know how Betty gets. Invite your friend in too.”

Yanking my eyes from Henry, I look toward the house and see that one of the front doors is open. A tall man with a wide smile and dark brown skin is leaning out the front and waving. Out of the corner of my eye, Henry waves back, and I follow suit, even though I have no idea who that man is.

“I’ll be in. Just gotta shower quick!” Henry drops his hand and looks back to me with a smile. “Interested in some tea?”

I gape at him, almost wondering out loud if tea is code for something. “Like hot tea?”

“Yeah, Hank and Betty are pretty into it. I usually go over for a cup in the afternoon. No pressure or anything, but it’s usually pretty good, and it’ll warm you up a bit.”

At the mention of getting warm, I focus long enough to feel just how chilly it’s become since I left the bed and breakfast. Actually, it’s more of what I don’t feel. Namely, my nose.

“Tea would be nice, actually.” This is what friends do. They have tea together.

He unlatches the gate of the fence and holds it open for me to pass through. He strides ahead, and I follow him up the steps of the porch. Hank went back inside, so it’s just us.

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