Page 31 of Say Something
He finished up that last sage wall as I started the navy one, and then promptly declared it was time for pizza. My stomach chose that exact moment to growl, so I couldn’t exactly argue. He called in an order to the local pizza joint—ham and pineapple, my favorite—and left to pick it up after cleaning up his workspace. By the time he returned, I had finished the accent wall and was cleaning up. I was so glad Michael advised me on the paint with the primer in it because it appeared one coat was all I’d need. I’d be happy if I never had to paint again.
I cleared a space on the living room floor, spreading out a clean drop cloth for us to sit on. Danny set down the pizza, two-liter of Sprite, and a plastic bag containing paper plates, cups, and napkins. He’d thought of everything.
After pouring us each some Sprite, Danny held his cup up in a toast. I did the same, tilting my head to the side wondering what he was up to.
“To your new place,” he said. “To new beginnings. I hope you find what you’re looking for, Jessie.”
I felt the familiar sting of tears, but I didn’t let them fall. I wasn’t quite sure what I was looking for...peace, happiness...but I sure hoped I found it, too.
“You too, Danny. You too.”
The conversation stayed light after that. We ate our pizza and shared renovation stories. Mine weren’t nearly as interesting as Danny’s, but he was invested in my words like they were the most brilliant thoughts ever spoken. The common bond was nice, it took the pressure off our history...the past. And as he tucked me into my car at the end of the night, we made vague plans for me to come out and see his house. I wasn’t sure I was ready for that, and he knew it, so he didn’t push it.
“Good night, Jess,” he said. The whisper of his lips against my forehead before he closed the car door felt like an illusion...one I felt all the way down to my toes.
