Page 146 of Love Is an Art
“Then give me back my coupons.”
“No,” he says, grinning, and pulls out handwritten vouchers on slips of paper from his back pocket. “These are worth their weight in gold.”
He reads the text out loud: “One night unlimited singing and guitar-playing by Nick. No complaining by Maddie. Redeemable August.”
He carefully folds his coupons back up and tucks them into his pocket. “I especially like me as the stick figure with this circle mouth and some notes coming out of it,” he says. “Why only August?”
“Because I can stay with Iris. Her boyfriend is on tour.”
Nick clutches his chest. “You’re so cruel.” He picks up the speaker. “Nice meeting you. I need to help with the rest of the stuff. But we are thrilled about this opportunity.” He disappears into the garden.
“Are you sure there’s nothing between you because—”
“That’s just him,” Maddie says. “It’s like flirting is in his rock-star genes.”
“He wasn’t flirting with me,” I say.
“He’s not an idiot,” Maddie says. “The way you and Zeke look at each other … it’s pretty obvious you guys are meant to be together. Anyway, let’s get the rest of the stuff before the van gets a ticket for illegally parking.”
We haul the band’s gear into the garden.
It looks like the summer celebration is in full swing already. Tall, leafy trees shade the gravel pathway where compact tables are set out for the various activities. Behind the tables, purple flowers of the chaste trees envelop the viewer in a soft haze, contrasting beautifully with the red-pink rosebushes.
Lily and Rupert are running an activity where visitors can plant carrot or kale seeds in little cups to take home. Zeke’s friends, Brooke and Ben, are helping out at the refreshments table. Miranda is painting a child’s face, and no other children are lined up. William is seated next to her, tilted slightly toward her.
Taylor brought Mrs. Humming, and she’s sitting with Mrs. Potter, the founder and co-director of the garden.
Taylor and Iris are giving a demonstration of self-defense techniques in another corner of the garden. About twenty people, ranging in all ages, are lined up in front of them. So far, that looks like the most popular offering here, despite Lily’s doubts.
I feel such a sense of pride to be a part of this community created by this garden.
Zeke lets go of my hand to pour us each a cup of coffee from the thermos on the picnic table off to one side.
“I was thinking …” Zeke pauses.
He rubs the back of his neck.Is he nervous? What could he be thinking that he would hesitate to tell me?
He holds my glance and continues, “That I could be your third roommate, sharing your room and paying rent, if that worked. My apartment lease is up this September. If Miranda wouldn’t mind. I’m not so sure you want to live with me all the time. You guys can discuss among yourselves. If your building accepts dogs too. Brit is part of the package.”
I gaze at him, my heart melting. This could be perfect.
“Are you sure?” I ask.
“I am absolutely sure,” Zeke says. “It’s not even a question for me. But I do think it’s a question for you and for Miranda.”
He stares into my eyes, his own earnest, so much love and care shining out of them.
“Yes,” I say softly. And then when it hits me what he’s just suggested, I squeal “yes” and jump into his arms. He stumbles back. My body trembles with happiness. It feels like he’s proposing.
“Well, that’s a yes. I feel like I’m proposing,” he says with a slight laugh, as he pulls me close. “I guess it’s good practice for when I do.”
I hug him tightly. I like that it’s not even a question.
“But don’t you have to ask Miranda?” He looks down at me, smoothing my hair back from my face tenderly.
“Yes, but Miranda and I already discussed last night that you would be the perfect roommate. Well, you and William, but William needs the extra space for an office that his apartment provides. Come!” I pull Zeke over to Miranda. “Miranda, Zeke suggested he room with us!”
Miranda looks up. “Yes!” She is holding a mirror to show the small girl that she now looks like a lion, but as soon as the little girl roars and runs happily to her mom, Miranda jumps up and puts out her hand. “Welcome, new roommate.”
