Her Big Neighbor

“No, I think we’ve covered most of the places that I really cared about.”

I nod. “Good. Then stay out of my way,” I say lightly. It’s mostly a joke. But I’m determined.

And I think I get more done in one day than we’ve gotten done since I’ve been back. I do feel a little bit like I’ve turned into a human whirlwind, but I don’t mind. This is the most purpose that I’ve felt in forever.

I’m shocked when I look up and find that it’s five. I could keep going, but my stomach is growling and I’m finally running out of steam. I finished another room, and I’m closing in on the last one. After that, there’s the actual cleaning. Making sure there’s no smudges on the walls and clearing out all the dust we’ve disturbed by going through everything.

Mom hangs up the phone as I step into the kitchen. I didn’t even realize how hungry I was. “Progress?”

“Yes indeed. Confirmed the catering and the flowers. Followed up on some iffy invitations too. I think we’re in a much better place than this morning.”

“That’s good.”

She stands and comes over to me, putting a hand on my shoulder before I can open the refrigerator. “Hey, I wanted to tell you that it means a lot that you’re doing this. Helping me. I know that I haven’t really said it. But I appreciate it.”

Guilt gnaws at my stomach. My frustration and the fact that I’m hiding things. “It’s not a problem.”

“I still wanted to tell you. You hungry?”

“Starving,” I admit.

She brushes past me to the pantry. “Awesome. I was going to cook some burgers. You game?”

“Yeah, that sounds awesome. I might go take a shower first.” I dove right in to the cleaning this morning and forgot about the shower. The remnants of last night are still on me, plus the buildup of dirt and dust.

The water feels amazing, but it suddenly sinks in just how tired I am. I collapse onto the bed in my towel, just resting for a moment, and I think that I could just fall asleep right now. But I manage to drag myself up just long enough to pull on some pajamas, but the call of my bed is too strong.

My phone buzzes, and I crack my eyes open to check the text. It’s Edward.

Did you survive?

Barely. Exhausted.

Suddenly the phone is ringing in my hand. It’s him. “Hello?” I ask quietly.

“If you’re tired I don’t want to make you type.”

“Mmm. It’s your fault you wore me out last night and then I cleaned all day.”

He laughs. “I’m more than happy to take responsibility for fucking you into oblivion.”

“Mom decided she wanted to cook burgers, but I might be asleep before they’re finished.”

“Should I come over and check on the ceiling?”

I frown. “Why?”

“As an excuse to see you.”

“I’d rather you snuck in my window again and just slept with me.”

The chuckle that comes across the line is low and sensual. “I could do that.”

“I won’t be much fun.”

“I disagree. You’re always fun.”

I can smell the burgers cooking downstairs, and they smell amazing, but I can’t decide whether to struggle out of bed to eat one. “Do I eat or do I sleep?”

“You do whatever you need more. Both if you can.”

“Okay. Will I see you tomorrow?” I ask.

“In the window at the very least.”

There’s no keeping the smile off my face even though he can’t see it. “I love you.”

“I love you. Sleep well, Julia.”

I hang up and set my alarm so I don’t miss seeing him off in the morning, but that’s all I can do. Sleep comes quickly, and not even the delicious scent of what’s cooking downstairs can keep my eyes open.

17

Julia

We manage to get everything ready. I’m still not sure how. But on Friday afternoon, the house is decorated with flowers and balloons and other things that relate to the charity’s mission of supporting schools and teachers. Bouquets of pencils and clipboards, and we’ve created a centerpiece from the cookbooks that we’re donating.

Mom looks amazing too, back in one of her sharp suits with full make-up, she reminds me of the mom I used to know. Someone who was always in control and knew exactly what she wanted and how to get it. She’s been fairly quiet the last few days, though generally in good spirits. But she’s nervous; I can tell. The party today is a big deal, and it will mean a lot for the start of it and the scope under which she can operate. A lot is riding on this.

But the strange thing today, all day today, is I’ve caught her staring out the window towards Edward’s house. Every time it makes my stomach flip with my own set of nerves.

Does she know? Has she figured it out? Is she angry about it and hasn’t figured out how to tell me that she is? I wanted to wait until after the party to bring it up so that nothing would distract her from her focus. But if she’s already thinking about it, I wonder if that was the best choice after all?