Page 7 of The Only Time

It’s very country chic, though I doubt Layla’s brother would appreciate me using such a feminine way of describing the place.

Everything is in neutral colors with precisely placed green plants, giving a subtle pop of color. I never considered the possibility that Eric could be gay. There’s no way any straight man has this good of taste. Honestly, it would be a breath of fresh air if he were gay.

I wouldn’t have to worry about walking around in my underwear if I wanted a late-night snack.

Speaking of snacks, the kitchen is unbelievable. The white brick continues throughout as the backsplash, paired with plain white cabinets, creating such a clean look. The best part, though, is a light wood treated countertop sitting on top of the island in the middle of the room. It’s massive and my brain begins to think of all the meals I could cook in here.

Being Italian, and growing up in Cleveland’s own Little Italy, my dishes are more Italian inspired. But I could see buying some southern cookbooks and beginning a new journey of food pairings with some of our finest wine.

“Wow,” I say on a breath of awe. “This kitchen is just…wow.”

Layla looks around. “I know. Eric doesn’t really cook though. A shame, isn’t it? What a waste.”

“That’s a sin of the highest order. You shouldn’t be allowed to own a kitchen this nice without being required to cook in it at all times.”

She smiles brightly. “I’m so glad you’re here. Maybe you can talk some sense into him.”

“Who are we talking sense into?” Josh joins us at the island. “I put your stuff in your room upstairs.”

“That’s really sweet of you,” I reply graciously. “Thank you so much.”

He shrugs his shoulders. “It’s the least I can do since you’re staying with Eric. Good luck.”

My skin breaks out in goosebumps. What the hell does that mean? I look to Layla with eyes wide open.

“Josh, don’t scare her.” She turns to me. “He’s joking. Eric is a great guy. He’s just been stressed at work lately. He likes his alone time.”

Yeah, that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy when I’m about to crash in this man’s home. Awesome. When they described him months ago, I got the impression he was more shy and awkward. Now I don’t know what to think.

Layla opens the fridge and pulls out a glass pitcher. “Want some bourbon peach iced tea?”

“Yes, I may need liquid courage now that Josh just scared the crap out of me. Plus, that sounds delicious.”

Josh looks slightly embarrassed. “I’m sorry. That was supposed to come off as funny. Eric is a great guy. He’s one of my best friends.”

“Yeah, I think I missed the humor in that,” I say as I try to force a smile.

It’s not too late to just head back home. This is starting to feel like a crazy idea.

“Here,” Layla slides a glass to me. “This should take the edge off. I know this is a lot for you. It would be a lot for anyone.”

We all raise our glasses together. “To Josh never trying to become a comedian, since he most certainly would fail miserably,” Layla says loudly.

He rolls his eyes but gives a final salute before taking a sip. I chuckle at how direct they are with each other.

I take a sip then look down at my glass in shock. “Damn, Lay. This drink is awesome. The peach is so fresh.”

She smiles. “Welcome to Georgia, Mia. Where the peaches grow.”

“Come on,” Josh starts. “Let’s give you a tour of the place before she starts on a tangent.”

The house really is beautiful. There are five large bedrooms, all on the top floor. The guest bedroom, my room, is at the end of the long hall, opposite end from Eric’s.

He turned one of the bedrooms into a little reading room. It overlooks the backyard which has views of the trees. I hope he isn’t weird about sharing the room, because I would love to read a good book in here.

The backyard has a huge pool with a stone waterfall cascading into it. It’s October, so I didn’t think I’d be able to use it, but apparently, it’s heated. I’m sure he won’t mind if I use it. From what I hear, he is a workaholic. It’s going to be like I have my own private little getaway.

Just as Layla is pouring us all another drink, I hear a car door shut outside.

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