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Total silence stands between us like it’s the third person in the conversation. My eyes wander to the floor as I clear my throat several awkward times.

“Aw, c’mon, let me have my fun,” he coaxes.

I regain my composure quickly. Slade’s trying to make me feel better. Nothing more. “Blu’s an accountant. He’d just hang up on you. He wouldn’t find it amusing either, he doesn’t know how to have a lick of fun.”

Did I just say that out loud? I sure did. Is Blu really uptight, or am I just mad at him, feeling hurt and lashing out? I’m not sure.

“He sounds boring with a capital B, Marin.”

I always thought of Blu as safe. Does that equate to boring?

“Did he like to watch the grass grow? Love being in traffic? Looking for a parking space? Waiting for the oven to heat up? Standing in line?”

I suppress the smile that’s dying to appear, thinking of Joss telling me not to laugh or encourage Slade or he’ll go on and on. I see what she means.

Slade places his index fingers on his temples. “I predict you just had a lucky escape, and all shall be revealed soon.”

I can’t help but let out a tiny laugh. Slade certainly doesn’t take himself seriously. What a goofball.

“I succeeded in making you laugh. Mission accomplished.”

“You did. Now let me wallow in peace.” I release a half smile so it doesn’t come off as rude.

“If you need someone to wallow with, knock on my door, okay? I’m sure we can find some mud somewhere to roll around in too.”

“Gross.” Except it sounds alluring when done with Slade. I’ll never admit that thought crossed my mind in a hundred years. I don’t know where it came from.

We’re both dead silent and serious again for a few beats as our eyes latch on to each other for a little too long. Our conversation took a weird turn.

I take a deep breath. “Um, thank you, Slade. I do appreciate everything you’ve done for me. More than you know.”

“You bet. Eat and get some sleep.”

“I will. Thank you.” At least, I’ll try.

“Don’t make me come up here and conduct an intervention,” Slade warns. “The walls are thin in these old houses.”

I’m confused. “What are you saying? That you could hear me last night?” I think I might be mortified.

“My room’s just below this one. I’m sure I’m the only one who heard.” He hits his fist against his chest, right over his heart. “Gotta say, I almost came up here. It was hard to mind my own business.”

I’m speechless. My jaw seems to be hanging open of its own accord. I’m sure the rooms next to mine heard the show as well.

“Hey,” Slade says softly. “No worries. You deserved a good cry. Heartbreaking to hear, though.”

I finally find my voice. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I was being loud.”

“You weren’t.” He knocks on the wall, making a hollow sound reverberate around us. “Thin walls.”

I’m too busy feeling embarrassed to respond.

He looks down. “Hey, like I said last night, you’re not alone. If you need someone, I have pretty good shoulders.”

Yes, he does. He has pretty good everything. I’m single now and I’m allowed to notice. “Thanks, Slade. Appreciate it.” His thoughtful nature leaves me feeling fulfilled.

As I start to close the door, I notice another bag at his feet. Curiosity gets the best of me. “What’s that?” Did he forget to give me something?

“This is for the lady a few doors down. Just some saltines and soda. She has a touch of stomach flu.”

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