Page 63 of Elevator Pitch

“That same night. I live in this building.”

She hums a response and doesn’t falter.

I remember the reason I’m here and ask, “Um. Is Selah here by chance?”

“Selah isn’t here. She left for Portland on Saturday. Business trip. I’m house sitting and babysitting Peach. We never did introductions, but by the looks of you—I’ll call you big sexy.” She states, leaning against the doorframe and crossing her feet.

“Excuse me?”

“You heard me. Mr.Call me Grey if you’re nasty.I am nasty, but I think big sexy is more fitting. Is that a problem?” she asks, but Iget the idea that she couldn’t care less what I have to say about it. It clicks for me, then.

The fearless one.

If you ever meet her and she decides she likes you, she won't let you leave until you are friends.

If she doesn’t like you, you’ll leave on a stretcher.

This must be Audrey.

Selah’s best friend is planning my ex-wife's wedding.

I fix my stance and respond.

“I don’t mind that at all. You must be Audrey.”

I stretch my lips into a smile, reaching out my hand to greet her with a shake.

“As I live and breathe,” she says with a soft smile.

She shakes my hand firmly, maintaining eye contact.

This handshake plans weddings?

“What’ve you got there? Something for me?”

She peeks around me with a squint to get a better look at what I’m carrying.

“Well, it was for Selah, but since she’s not here, would you like to have it? It’s iced coffee and cinnamon rolls.”

She perks up. “Don’t mind if I do,” she exclaims.

I hand her the box, and she says, “would you like to come in and eat with me?” She opens the door wider.

“Umm.”

“Oh. Come on. I don’t bite. Well, I do, but I wouldn’t bite you,” she cackles.

I contemplate for a moment, and she chides, “I’ll put in a good word with Selah.”

As if that was all it takes, I find my feet moving as I cross the threshold into Selah’s humble abode.

I’m removing my shoes as she shuts the door behind her and says, “Just so you know, coffee and sweets won’t get you the same result with me.”

I snort.

“I can assure you what happened the other day wasn’tplanned. It just happened and I’m grateful it did.” I open the curtains to let the sun in before I stride over to the island for a seat. She stands across from me, watching me closely.

I’m finding it hard to focus being back here without Selah. I fight off images from the other day as I stare at all the surfaces I satisfied her on. I shake my head to free the thoughts before it becomes obvious what I’m imagining.

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