Page 36 of Error Handling

“The gas should work again.”

I jump.

Christopher came inside unnoticed and is standing next to me.

“Sheesh,” I say. “When you retire from HR you should become a ninja.”

Chris pops his head from the cabinet. “Oh. Thanks, man.” He stands and walks to the stove, tests a burner, and flames erupt. He gives Christopher the thumbs up and goes back to work.

Christopher lingers, his eyes focusing on Chris for a moment before coming to rest on me. I sense he wants a proper goodbye, and he deserves it for crawling under the house. Twice. He’s twice as dirty now to prove it.

“I hope your clothes aren’t ruined,” I say. “I like that shirt.”

He looks down and smooths the fabric over his pecs. “Nothing a little Spray ‘n Wash won’t fix.”

Dolly wiggles at Christopher’s knees, her entire body engaged in an enthusiastic dance. He offers her his hand to lick while Chris bangs on something under the sink.

“Okay, then,” Christopher says finally. “I had a nice time tonight.”

“Me too,” I say softly.

“Don’t stay up too late.”

“I already have. I have a nine o’clock downtown. I’ll be okay though. I can catch a couple of winks on the bus.”

Chris knocks on something under the sink and then hollers in pain.

“Are you okay?” I ask.

He pulls himself from the cabinet and inspects his finger. “It’s alright. Just a little blood.”

“Does it cost my landlord more if you get hurt on the job?”

“No. I have insurance.” His gaze alternates between me and Christopher.

“I have BAND-AIDs,” I say.

“That’s okay. I have a kit in my truck.” He heads that way.

“Um,” Christopher says. He leans in and kisses my cheek as Chris walks by.

I bug my eyes and touch the spot where his lips landed. My eyes were on Chris when Christopher kissed me. Chris’s expressions are muted, so I can’t be sure, but he might have grimaced.

Well played, Christopher, I want to say, but the pleased look on Christopher’s face tells me he already knows it.

When Chris is gone, Christopher leans in closely and says, “Watch out. He likes you.”

And then he plants a kiss on my lips. And I like it. What a night this has been. Is this what I’ve been missing out on my entire life? No wonder my girlfriends started acting so silly when puberty hit.

“He doesn’t like me,” I say.

Christopher gives me the tilted-head don’t-be-so-naïve look.

“Don’t worry,” I say. “He’s insured.”

He laughs. “That solves everything.”

I glance down at Dolly who is lapping up water from the kitchen floor. “I appreciate all your help tonight.”

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