Midlife Love Story

“Nah.” I shook my head and pulled some cash from my wallet. “It’s time to kick off these shoes and binge watch something until I fall sleep. Thanks for the delicious drinks, though. You’re my favorite bartender Grady.”

“Your only bartender,” he growled back with a grin.

“You don’t know everywhere I get my drinks, smarty pants.” I left a good tip and walked home, happy that I didn’t twist an ankle or worse after too much alcohol. “Home sweet home.”

This was my place, my solitude, the place where I could be ugly and wear yoga pants while I ate too much popcorn.

Here I could just be me.

Chapter 6

Chase

I spent at least ten minutes on Monday morning staring at the newly installed shelves in my office. Ten minutes was a lot, particularly for a man not given to effusive praise or even much in the way of noticing a woman’s new hairstyle, shoes or even that a close friend had switched girlfriends. But on that Monday morning, I not only noticed the beautiful shelves that had been made to my exact specifications, including a lighter wood in preparation for my transition to a smaller, less historically significant desk.

“Wow.”

Carlotta had come through in a big way, and I was determined to do the same for her when it came to planning my sister’s wedding. I hadn’t done much research on what it took to put on a wedding, or even the questions I needed to ask Pippa, but I would. If for no other reason than to return the huge favor she had done me by getting the shelves installed, and quickly.

A knock sounded on the door, but before I could answer, CJ strolled in with a bounce in her step. “Hey Boss, what’s up?”

“Just admiring my new shelves. Aren’t they great?”

CJ shrugged, her blue gaze narrowed at the still empty shelves. “They’re all right, I guess.”

“All right? They’re beautiful, sturdy and most of all, done without interfering with my work.” Carlotta really was a miracle worker and I needed to thank her. Personally.

“If you hadn’t been so stubborn, Jess would have done a much better job than whoever did this.” Her dismissive wave towards the shelves was unusually spiteful, and I stared at her for a long moment before I shook it off. CJ was young, and probably cared more that I hadn’t used her contact than she let on.

“Well I’m satisfied, and the shelves are done. Now I can stack stuff and get some breathing room in here again.” Without the clutter of books and notepads everywhere, I hoped to increase my daily productivity.

CJ turned slowly from the bookshelf, a smile on her face. “I can help.”

I shook my head. “Thanks, but that’s not necessary. If I put everything away, then I’ll know where it is when I need it.”

She twisted her red lips into a pout. “That’s what you have me for, to do insignificant things like this for you.” There was something odd about her voice, something I couldn’t quite name, and didn’t bother trying.

“And you do plenty of that, but this I can do for myself.” I had an assistant because if I had to answer every call and email that came my way, I’d never actually get any work done. “I think I’ll do that first, while you catch up on the emails.”

“You want coffee? Or maybe you’re more in the mood for tea?”

“I’m good CJ, thanks.” I gave my shelves one final look and returned to my desk, waiting for CJ to make her exit. When she was gone, I settled comfortably in my seat and picked up my phone, tapping a number that was becoming more familiar with each passing day.

The phone rang twice before a slightly husky, very melodic voice answered. “Hello, Mr. Mayor.”

I chuckled and felt my body slowly relax under her playful tone. “You can call me Chase, you know Carlotta.”

There it was again, that secret laugh of hers. “I know your name Chase, but being elected mayor is a big deal and you deserve to hear the title as much as you can. But,” she drew the word out long its very own song, “if it makes you feel better, I’ll call you Mayor Chase.”

“If you really must.” She laughed again and I felt my own smile brighten. “I called to tell you that the shelves are done, and they look fantastic. My office almost feels like a brand-new room, there’s so much room on the floor, lots of free space.”

“Does that mean you’ll be doing your morning yoga sessions in your office now?”

“Yoga? Hardly.” I preferred combat sports, something that made me sweat and get rid of some of the daily stress that had a tendency to build up if left unchecked. “I still can’t believe you got this done so quickly. How?”

“The sheer force of my will,” she said around another feminine laugh. “The truth is that craftspeople love to work, and my vendors love me because I reward good work with more work. I’m just happy that you’re happy.”

“I am beyond happy Carlotta, and I feel like thank you is an inadequate response.” I could send her flowers or a basket, but that felt like something you’d do for an aunt who helped you land a job interview. “How about dinner?” The line fell silent for so long I wondered if she’d hung up to avoid the embarrassing rejection, or if I’d shocked her into unconsciousness.