Page 23 of Here & Now

He deflated some more. “We get a lot of visitors from there.”

“That’s because we have cold weather for nine months of the year.”

He chuckled at her disgruntled expression. “I hear that a lot.”

“Have you ever been there?”

“To the Great Lakes State? Nope, but I’d like to visit someday.”

“Really?”

“You seem surprised.”

“It’s hard to imagine people who live in a tropical paradise wanting to go anywhere else.”

“It’s beautiful here, but there are a lot of great places in the world that I want to see.”

“Well, if you ever make it to the mitten, I’ll show you around.”

“Sounds good.”

During their conversation, he’d repaired the hole, replaced the innertube, and reassembled the tire. He flipped the bike over so it was upright again. “There you go. Good as new.”

“Thanks. I really appreciate you doing this.”

“No problem.”

While he packed up his tools, he noticed her looking at his hands, which had grease marks on them.

“I’ll wash up when I get home.”

“Good thing you live right next door.”

He smiled and nodded. Then he followed her back through the house to the front door, arguing with himself the whole time.

Ask her over for dinner. What’s the point? She’s only going to be here for a short time. She’s pretty and easy to talk to. You’re just asking for trouble…

She opened the door for him since his hands were dirty. Say goodbye and walk away. “What are you doing for dinner?” he blurted out.

“Dinner?” She looked just as surprised as he was.

“I don’t know about you, but I’m starving.”

She blinked a few times, and he prepared to be shot down.

“I could eat,” she said.

It wasn’t a definitive yes, but close enough. “Great! I was planning on grilling a steak—unless you’re a vegetarian, in which case I can make a salad.”

She smiled. “Why not both?”

“Good point.”

“I’ll bring the drinks,” she offered.

“Okay.”

“I have beer, wine, and strawberry daiquiri mix.”