Page 77 of The Friendly Fall

“You could just tell her how you feel, and then be together.”

“Yeah, I can already tell how much of a freaking catastrophe that would be. She uses the wordfriendmore than people around here say ‘bless your heart.’”

“Maybe she uses it ‘cause she’s in denial.”

“Jeez, you sound like my mom,” I mutter, shaking my head. “What should I get the twins for their birthday?” The subject change feels better than continuing to harp on Eliza and myself. The ball is in her court. Not mine.

“I don’t know,” Daniel says with a shrug. “They’re two. Just get them a little tool set or something. Or nothing. We don’t need any more toys at the house. It’s overrun the way it is. Vanessa buys them everything and anything they want.”

I laugh. “I guess it’s a blessing that you have the means todo that.”

“That’s one way to look at it. I just keep hoping we can put that money toward a boat or something.”

The sound of the door chiming keeps me from making a smart remark about Daniel and his desire for a boat—that I know he won’t even use. I turn to see who walked in and catch my breath.

Eliza is standing there, just inside the entrance in a pair of oversized, slouchy overalls with her blonde hair a mess on top of her head. Her natural face is illuminated under the lights of the shop, making the freckles pop across the bridge of her nose.

Jeez, she’s so beautiful.

I rip my eyes away from her, trying to keep my cool. It’s just like the first time we ever met. My stomach is alight with butterflies, and my mind brings back the kiss the night of Thanksgiving.

Even with space…

I still know I want her more than anything.

“Hey Eliza,” Daniel greets her as I stare at my boots. “What brings you to the hardware store on this miserable, cold day?”

“Um…” Her voice trails off, and I glance up, seeing that her eyes are on me. “I need some help.”

“Ope, sounds like something for Nick, here,” Daniel says, squeezing my shoulder. “I need to get on home and see what Vanessa is up to—well, other than diapers and crazy kiddos. Good to see you.” He nods to her as he passes.

“See ya,” we both say in unison.

I swallow hard as she turns her attention back to me. “What can I help you with?” I choke out, my heart stuttering as she smiles softly.

“Well, you know how you said that I could probably figure out those tools in the workshop?” she begins, blowing out a sharp exhale. “That’s what I’m doing, and it’s working out …okay …But I need some help, and some material? The wood stacked in the back isn’t in great shape.”

“What’re you building?” I ask, both impressed and intrigued.

As she steps closer, I see a layer of sawdust across her face, and it makes me smile. It’s a sight to see, and if I didn’t already know her, I’d be head over heels just for that.

“It doesn’t really matter.” She brushes me off. “Butthis.” Eliza holds out the list. “This is what I need.”

I raise my brows as I take the notebook paper from her. “This is a long list. Are you sure you’re up to a project of this magnitude?”

“See, here’s the thing…” She smiles sheepishly. “I, um, am buying enough to potentially maketwo,just in case I mess it up the first time. Not to mention, I’ve been trying to make some, um, practice runs. It’s been rough going.”

I nod. “I could help you if you wanted me to.”

“Oh, no,” she says quickly, brushing me off. “I don’t want—well, I want to do it myself, actually. You could call it like a goal or something.”

I brush off the hurt. “Okay, well, then I guess I’ll help you with your list and send you on your way. Do you have all the tools you need?”

“Huh?”

“Never mind.” I sigh. “Let’s just focus on this handy dandy list you have here.” I read through it, noting that it seems like she pulled it right off Google. However, it’s detailed, which sends a little ray of pride through my chest. “Is this something for your photography stuff?” I ask as I grab a cart and start setting items in it.

“Um, not really, but kind of, I guess.”

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