Page 56 of Hello Handsome
I half expected him to ignore my number and say too much water had gone over the bridge. In fact, the bridge had burned down and was permanently closed to construction. But his voice was warm like a gooey chocolate chip cookie as it played over my phone speaker. “It’s been a while, Aggie.”
“It has,” I echoed, sitting on my couch. “How are you? How’s Ford?” I had watched the Dallas Diamonds game, and he played most of it.
“I’m hanging in there,” Gray answered, a weariness to his voice that made my heart ache. “Ford is on the mend, thank God.”
I smiled at that. “I’m glad to hear it.”
“God, it’s good to hear your voice,” he said, almost to himself.
The words had my brain short-circuiting like a phone dropped in water. Too bad you couldn’t stick me in rice and turn me on again. I was still fumbling for something to say when Gray said, “Any chance you’re free this afternoon?”
I glanced at my perfectly clean living room. The only thing waiting for me right now was a movie I’d seen a dozen times already. “What did you have in mind?”
“I need to go furniture shopping. I’d love for you to come along.”
A pleased smile crossed my lips. That wasn’t a quick glass of tea at the diner–it was a trip out of town and a meal, at least. “Are you sure?” I asked. “I might have terrible taste.”
“I mean, I’m your friend, so it’s quite possible.”
I had to laugh at that. It felt good that he called himself my friend and gave me hope that maybe we’d have a way forward. “I’d love to tag along... When were you planning on going?”
“Um... I’m kind of parked outside.”
My eyes widened, and I got up, parting the curtains to look. Sure enough, Gray was giving me a guilty smile through the windshield. I chuckled at him. “You really are here.”
“Sure am,” he replied. “I was just passing through town when you called. You in?”
“Let me put on my shoes,” I said.
“I’ll be here.”
I smiled to myself as I hung up and frantically changed out of my sweatpants and into something a little more flattering. I dashed some mascara through my lashes and spritzed on some hairspray to tame my flyways. Then I was out the door.
He got out of his truck to open the door for me, and I gave him a grateful smile. He was such a gentleman with me. That, at least, hadn’t changed.
I realized I’d been so eager to spend time with him, I hadn’t mentioned my evening plans. “Before I get in, I should let you know I need to be back by seven.” I grabbed the seat belt and clicked it into place.
“Got a hot date?” he teased.
And when I hesitated, a wounded look flickered over his features fast enough to make me wonder if I’d really seen it in the first place.
“No problem,” he said with a forced smile and then closed the truck door.
I decided to pretend he was telling the truth.
When he got in on his side, I asked, “So what type of furniture are we looking for?”
He put the truck in gear and pulled out of the driveway. “I need a new bedroom set. Figured I could check out the outlet in Roderdale and see what they have.”
“A new bedroom set?” I asked. I remembered bringing him chicken noodle soup a couple years ago when he had the flu, and the furniture in his bedroom seemed really nice.
There was something I couldn’t quite read in his eyes as he said, “It was time for a change.” He glanced my way, a tight smile on his lips that didn’t quite reach his sad eyes. “I’m taking your advice and trying to move forward.”
Something about those words made my heart clench tightly. Maybe it was just me being listened to. Or maybe it was empathy for him because surely this was hard. But realistically, it was hope that maybe there was a path forward for us.
Either way, I said, “Thank you for bringing me along. I’m sure we’ll find you something great.”
“I’m glad you’re here.” He reached across the seat, squeezing my hand for a moment before reaching for the wheel again. Even without his touch, my hand felt warm. I almost had to look at it to make sure he hadn’t left a burn behind.
