Her eyes widened as she said, “Please tell me you’re kidding.”
“Completely kidding,” he said with a grin. He reached into his back pocket and grabbed the paint sample out, holding it up for her inspection.
Cora visibly relaxed and said, “Warm beige. I can see that. And you said you found cherrywood furniture?”
“I may go with something lighter. I haven’t entirely decided.”
“Hardwood? Nice. By the way, in light of recent events, did you just want to order in lunch tomorrow? That way you can get started early tomorrow.”
“Would you mind?” he asked. Cora had always been thoughtful. It was one of the things that he had liked so much about her. She thought about other people in a way that most people didn’t.
“It was my idea, Jamie,” she said, drily. “I remember how exciting putting together my office was.”
“What time did you want to plan for? I’ll call in the order.”
He watched her glance down at her watch, saw her eyes widen and heard her mutter, “Crap, crap, crap. I’m gonna be late. I’ll check my schedule and text you later. Congrats on the new office!”
Before he could speak, she gave him a quick hug and scurried out of the office past him.
“Bye,” he said to her retreating figure.
He heard her disembodied farewell as she stepped into the hallway.
Pulling out his phone, he immediately dialed Patty.
On the fourth ring it went to voice mail.
“Are you freaking serious, Patty? You didn’t think it would be weird if I just moved my office in to the same building she works in? Did you not think that was pertinent to mention to me before I signed the papers? Not cool.”
He hung up the phone, sighed, then shoved the phone back into his pocket.
It took another trip to get the remaining painting and cleaning supplies out of the car, but it would be more than worth it to see the end of the filth and green paint. He moved to the window in his office and cracked it to get some fresh air inside, then settled in to work.
By the time it got dark, the office smelled a whole hell of a lot better and he had managed to clean the kitchenette and the bathroom. He shuddered to think about what he’d found in the back of the produce drawer of the refrigerator.
As he headed to his car, his cell phone rang. He considered ignoring it, but checked the caller ID anyway. Patty.
On the third ring, he said, “Just who I wanted to talk to.”
“How’s the new place working out?”
“Had a totally awkward run-in with Cora. Thanks for giving me the heads up. Seriously, Patty? Please don’t meddle.”
He heard a deep sigh and then, “Jamie, I saw the way you were looking at her the other night. Maybe putting yourself in her way more often will help. I know you wouldn’t have gone for it if I’d told you, so I didn’t. I’m sorry you had an awkward run-in, but I’m sure you pinned it all on me.”
“Yes, I did pin it on you. Totally your idea. That was so embarrassing, Patty. She probably thought I was freaking stalking her.”
“My ass, Jamie. She looked at you the exact same way you looked at her. I did it for both of you. You’re welcome.”
Jamie paused, sighed, then said, “Thank you. But seriously. No more meddling, please. If it’s going to work out, we’re going to have to work it out on our own.”
“So you’re liking the new place?”
“Loving it. I opened the windows all afternoon and the smell is almost gone. I think tearing out the carpet will work out just fine. I talked to my new neighbor, the dentist. He’s excited that I won’t be doing any drugs in my unit. I told him he had low expectations.”
Patty snickered. Then, after a pause, said, “I’m sorry if I embarrassed you. I didn’t think it would be that bad. I can call her and apologize if you want.”
“It’s fine. She didn’t seem too freaked out after I explained. Listen, I’m wiped. I’m gonna let you go. Thanks for your help today.”