“It’s a bit…incongruous.”
“The kid part or the brown bag part?”
“Both.”
We nibble at our sandwiches while engaging in light conversation. Though we don’t hit on any deep subjects, nothing feels superficial. In fact, I’m beginning to feel remarkably comfortable sitting in her tiny kitchen with a glass of cheap wine and a sandwich.
Once the PB&Js are gone, Cherry pops some popcorn in the microwave. She leads the way to the living room, and we sit next to each other on the couch, wine and popcorn easily within reach. Cherry has just finished telling me about her first couple of days at her new job, but my mind is elsewhere.
More precisely, I can’t stop staring at her.
Cherry has perfectly understated, natural beauty. She has only a light amount of makeup around her eyes—just enough to bring them out without looking garish. Her red hair is in perfect contrast with her pale skin, and I love the way it drapes over her shoulders and back when she turns her head. Bright green eyes complete the look, and I can’t stop staring into them every time she turns my way. When she brings her wine glass to her full lips, a shiver runs down my spine. I’d never wanted to be a wine glass so much in my life.
“…in other words, thank you again for recommending me for the job. It really is perfect for me.”
“What? Oh, yes. Of course.” I stop staring at her neck long enough to look up at her eyes, and they hold me captive yet again. “I’m glad it’s working out for you. How are you adjusting to life in Cascade Falls in general?”
“I’m not sure I’ve really thought about it much,” she replies.
“Too soon to tell?”
“I suppose so. Have you always lived here?”
“Pretty much. I spent a lot of time traveling overseas on business trips, but I’ve never lived anywhere else. My family has been here for generations.”
“It must be nice to have your family around,” Cherry says softly. She gazes down at her wine glass, lips pressed together.
I watch her carefully for a moment, seeing the opportunity for what it is.
“You miss your aunt.”
“Yes,” Cherry says quietly. “At least it’s a bit easier being in a different place. Back home, I couldn’t go anywhere without seeing the antique shop and the ‘CLOSED’ sign on the door. I have no idea what I’m going to d
o with the place.”
“Do you think you’ll sell it?”
If I can convince her to put her property up for sale in Accident to buy a place here, she’d be that much more committed to staying put. She wouldn’t actually need to buy a place in town, of course. If all goes according to plan, she’ll just move in with me. It would change her mindset, though, and that’s what I need.
“I’m not sure.” Cherry sighs. “I suppose I should, but there are a lot of memories there.”
“Reid—the guy who owns this building—is a whiz at flipping properties. I’m sure he could offer you some assistance.”
“How do you know him?”
“A cousin.”
“Of course he is,” she mutters under her breath.
The corners of her eyes tighten, and I’m not sure why. Maybe I shouldn’t bring up selling her properties just yet. If I broach a sensitive topic too soon, I could push her away.
“Tell me about your family,” she says abruptly.
“Well, it’s hard to know where to start,” I say, realizing her expression might have had more to do with the mention of a cousin, not real estate. “I’m the youngest of my immediate family. I have a sister who is a year older than me, but she doesn’t act like it, so I’ve always been the one to take care of her. I had an older brother, Micha. He…he passed away last year.”
“I’m so sorry.” She sounds sincere. “Were you close?”
“Very.” I grab my glass of wine and swirl the liquid around before taking a drink. “I didn’t think about it that much before because I always felt like I was trying to live up to his standards, and my father did a lot to push that rivalry, but Micha was always there for me, always looking out for me.”