Page 11 of Bleeding Hearts

Ipicked up lumber at Lowe’s on my way home, hoping to get a ramp built before Bethany’s arrival. My night at the firehouse was uneventful. We responded to one call, although it was a big one. House fire. Thankfully, everyone, including pets, got out. The house, however, ended up being a complete loss.

When I woke up this morning, there was a text from Bethany.

BETHANY:

Breaking out of this joint sometime this afternoon. This is your warning. I know how you hate surprises.

ME:

Thanks for the heads up. I’ll make sure to stop running around the neighborhood naked after dark.

BETHANY:

That’s okay. I’ll just use the telescope Felix has in the spare and point it at your bedroom window. That way, I can actually see the willy between your tree trunks.

ME:

My window is in the back.

ME:

And I don’t have a willy. I’m not a baby. Maybe if you’re on your best behavior, I’ll show it to you one day.

BETHANY:

Boring.

ME:

Trust me. You won’t be bored.

BETHANY:

Tease.

BETHANY:

In all seriousness, we might need your muscles to help get me in the house. Dillon has to work and might not get off in time. If you can’t or don’t want to carry my ass in, I understand. Just thought if you could, that would be better than trusting Finn to do it. Love him, but after I grounded him for shooting paintballs with Nicky at the beach and getting a ticket, he might drop me.

ME:

You just want me to show you a fireman’s hold.

BETHANY:

Guilty.

Our text exchanges began following my surprise dinnerdatewith her. I don’t know why I thought I could get away with going above and beyond. After I dropped that unsolicited kiss on her soft lips, I couldn’t stop the thoughts bombarding my head. Her accident reminded me of how precious life is. It was like someone shook some sense into me, making me realize I needed to stop dwelling on my past and start appreciating the woman right in front of me.

So that’s what I’ve been trying to do. It may be pointless. I know she’s not interested in settling down. I’ve been her neighbor for three years and have never witnessed a male visitor stopping by. It’s why I questioned who Dillon was when I saw him with Alicia. If Bethany dated, she kept that part of her life far away from her boys.

A few jealous neighbors have spread rumors about her and her friend Jodi. The bus stop a popular spot for those women to share gossip. The stories were speculation, originating from bored housewives with too much free time. Cindy was their leader, and if anyone had dirt that needed spread, it was her. Anything she said I disregarded, the very reason herswingerscomment pissed me off. She was butt hurt for not getting an invitation to the parties that happened twice a year—the first day of summer vacation and New Year’s Eve. Last year, I got an invitation but ended up having to work.

Finn’s been helping me all morning. We measured the door leading into the house from the garage first to make sure it was wide enough for her wheelchair to get through. Then we used Felix’s brain to figure out the slope. The ramp’s gentle slope was crucial for her safe entry and exit of the house.

When he picks up the nail gun, I remind him, “Glasses.”

He lowers them. “Sorry. Middle of the blue chalk line, right?”

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