Page 49 of Falling for You Again

“I guess you can’t ask your uncle either.”

I shake my head.

“Let me know where I can help. Happy to lend you the money if it doesn’t work out with the bank.”

“You’ve done enough for me already but thank you.”

“I don’t mind.” He picks at the beer label.

I knock my foot against his. “Sexually frustrated?” I ask, referring to the urban myth about peeling labels off beer bottles.

He laughs, his cheeks darkening. The doorbell rings.

“Saved by the bell.” He can’t answer the door fast enough, making me giggle.

We eat on the floor, our legs and shoulders brushing like they did yesterday at the bookstore. “How did your sister and Murphy meet?” I ask, making conversation.

“Murphy and Fallon grew up with us, but Charlie always liked Murphy, whereas Fallon and I never felt anything romantic between us.”

“Wait. Are Murphy and Fallon siblings?”

Aaron nods.

“Wow. Your parents really do want to keep it all in the family.”

“Their grandfather owned a construction company that did historical renovations. He used to be my parents’ top junk supplier.”

“Junk?”

“Old knobs and cabinet handles. Cast-iron tubs. Copper pipes. Things they could upcycle after a demo. That’s how my dad got started. He used to own a restoration store near your uncle’s shop.”

That, I knew.

We finish our meal and I start to help Aaron clean up when he says, “I’ll get it. I know you want to work.”

“Thank you.” I sit back down.

He takes the food containers and trash to the kitchen and brings me another beer, opening one for himself before retreating to his den.

We work apart for a couple of hours. When I’m not any closer to figuring out the uncategorized entries, but I’m at least able to plug some hypothetical numbers into my business plan, I pack up my things. Exhausted, I go to the kitchen to make myself a chamomile tea. On a whim, I make one for Aaron and take our mugs to the den. Blueberry is sprawled on Aaron’s desk, his belly exposed, Aaron absently stroking the cat’s fur, zoned out, gazing out the window. It’s now dark outside. The only thing I can see is us and the room reflecting back.

“There you are. I was wondering where you went off to. Traitor.” I put Aaron’s mug on the desk.

Aaron snaps upright. “Who, me?”

“The cat. I brought you tea.”

He blinks at the mug and picks it up. “Thank you.”

“You can nudge him off if you don’t want him up there.”

“He’s fine.” He scratches Blueberry’s chin. “We’re becoming buds.”

“I’m not surprised. You’re very likable, Aaron.”

He looks over at me with a tender smile.

“Well,” I say as that seed of attraction blooms larger in my chest. “I’m headed up for bed. I just came in to thank you again for all that you’re doing.” It has evidently taken a toll on him today. “And to say good night.”

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