Page 28 of Over and Above

Eric blushed and shifted again. “Even if it’s late, we’ll have to be…discreet.”

“My lips are sealed.”

Chapter Fifteen

Magnus

We were short a server, the cash drawer didn’t reconcile with the paper receipts on the first count, the vacuum had a clog, and by the time I reached Eric’s, I was almost a full hour behind where I’d hoped to be as the clock crept toward midnight. At least it was a weeknight. And surprisingly, Eric was back in the wooden deck chair outside the kitchen as I parked at his house.

“You stayed up?” I offered him a smile as I loped toward the deck. “I was hoping to be done earlier, but…”

“Life happens.” Eric saluted me with a bottle of beer. “And I told you, my sleep schedule is beyond wonky. I napped earlier, so I’m wide awake. Saved you a beer.”

He offered me a twin to his bottle from the table beside him. Pale ale, a decent local brand, bottle still frosty to the touch. He wasn’t merely out here enjoying the relative cool. He’d waited for me. My chest went full and tight.

“Brought you some smashed potatoes to go with it.” I held out the paper box with a plastic fork on top I’d been holding. “Still warm.”

“Excellent.” He saluted me with the beer again before accepting the box. “Cheers.”

I settled into the chair next to him, dogs sacked out between us, letting the cool breeze work its magic while he ate the snack I’d brought. I had no doubt we were both still interested in some sneaky sex, but neither of us seemed in any rush. Whatever this was had a maturity my past flings had decidedly lacked, and I liked it.

Stretching, I took a long sip of beer. Eric made companionable silence an art form, expression intent like he’d be happy to talk but body language relaxed like he didn’t require conversation either.

“I drove by my house. The scene.” I waved my free hand. Apparently, my brain had chosen to talk about the thing that had been on my mind all day. “Whatever. I swear it looks more forlorn by the day. I managed to get my safe and important documents a few days ago, but the insurance is taking forever to value the loss.”

“Typical. Are you looking to rebuild? Buy somewhere else? Move on?” Eric sounded curious yet nonjudgmental, unlike the other folks bugging me for answers.

“My business is here. My kid is here. That much I know.” I rolled my feet from side to side, taking my time to reason out my current thinking. “Saving as much as possible and using the money to travel more is tempting, but I’m getting old. Solo travel has less appeal these days. And I have the dogs. Rebuilding the house seems daunting. I’m leaning toward buying something different, but the way the insurance process is grinding along, you’re stuck with me for a bit.”

“I don’t mind.” Eric leaned over and patted my leg. “And late summer is a terrible time to buy real estate. Take your time. And if you need a trip to clear your head, the kids and I could watch the dogs.”

“Thanks.”Clear my head.I hadn’t considered a getaway until he said it, but now I wanted even a short trip in the worst way. And I wanted to ask Eric to come with me. I could find another dog sitter, but there weren’t many people whose company I enjoyed more. But a trip together would be a step too far in this friendship and would likely set the gossip mill churning. “Funny how right now, somewhere cooler sounds wonderful, but another few months, and I’ll be wishing for some place warmer.”

Eric nodded thoughtfully. “Guess the lesson is to stay in the moment, be happy with what we’ve got.”

“Yep.” I flipped over my left forearm to reveal mycarpe diemtattoo. “Live for today.”

“I like the lettering on that one. You certainly have quite the collection of ink.” His cheeks darkened like he’d noticed more than the average tattoo enthusiast, which I liked. I wanted him to notice me. And like when he ate, the way he could pick out small details and nuances made me feel truly seen. “Love the shading on that koi fish one of yours.”

“I like getting new tats in cities I visit, but it’s also another form of stress relief. I should get in the chair soon, clear the clutter from my brain like you suggested. Where did you go for yours?” I asked the question lightly, but next to me, Eric stiffened.

“Place in Portland. Not that I don’t trust anyone local, but I didn’t want gossip or to discuss it with someone I know socially or professionally.”

“I can see that.” I went with a more soothing tone, but he stayed tense. “Some things are private. Personal.”

“It’s silly, actually.” Potatoes abandoned, Eric leaned forward, hands on knees. “The whole first year after he passed, I thought about getting a memorial tattoo for Montgomery, but he was never a fan of ink. Not exactly the tribute he would choose.”

“Tattoos are also about the person wearing them,” I said gently. “Or even the experience of getting it.”

“Yeah. It took me a while to get there in my thinking. I still feel silly having done it largely for myself.” Eric rolled back up to sitting, a feline stretch. “But after Montgomery died, I kept dreaming about being in a big maze. So that’s what I got. A maze. A labyrinth. Not to find him again, but a path forward to finding myself.”

He lifted the edge of his shirt, revealing the tattoo I’d only glimpsed in our prior encounter.

“That’s far from silly.” I traced the edge of the labyrinth with my index finger. “It’s profound. And gorgeous.”

“Thanks.” He abruptly dropped his T-shirt and stood. “Another beer?”

“Nah.” I stood as well, glancing at the house behind us. The kitchen was the only light on. “House seems quiet.”

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