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Before I answer, I look down at my phone at her response.
Pick me up at seven.
“Looks like it,” I say.
“I can’t believe you asked her out. You and Susanna are actually broken up. For real?”
I nod. “I told her we needed a breather, and I meant it. She’s gone to the Caribbean for four weeks, and while she’s gone, I’m going to try to move forward. I figure a casual date with a beautiful and interesting woman is a good place to start.”
“Absolutely. I just didn’t see it coming. Maxi doesn’t seem your type at all.”
“I don’t have a type.”
Do I?
“She’s the opposite of every girl you’ve ever dated. She’s down to earth, has tats and rides a Harley. She’s the anti-Susanna,” he says.
That’s true enough. Maxi is different from other women. I remember the first time I saw her. Garrett and I were having dinner when she came in to fill out an application. She didn’t speak to us or anything, but I recall thinking her exotic beauty was stunning.
“Maybe a big change is exactly what I need,” I say.
“I agree. And I’m proud of you for taking the first step.”
Langford drops me off at home, and I spend the afternoon doing busy work.
I get the lawn mower out and cut two of my six acres. The rest of the land is forest that surrounds the homestead.
Once everything is cut, I weed-eat around the perimeter and landscape.
Graham’s company has begun excavating behind the house in order to install the new swimming pool Susanna wanted. I’m not a fan of home pools. They’re a lot of work to keep clean, and their upkeep is expensive. I’d rather spend my free time doing other things when I’m off work. Besides, there’s a huge pool at my parents’ campground that is maintained exceptionally well and that we can use anytime we please. However, Susanna didn’t want to have to go into town to tan by the pool with strangers, so as usual, I gave in.
I am a fan of the new deck and outdoor kitchen though. I like being able to throw some burgers on the grill and eat outside in the evenings. The view of the mountains from my backyard is magical.
When the sun begins to fall low in the sky, I know it’s time to head inside and get ready for my date.
My phone is on the island, and I see that I have six missed calls from my brother Garrett.
Looks like Weston has been running his mouth.
I ignore the messages and peel off my sweat-soaked clothes.
The shower is full of Susanna’s fruity-smelling products, and I feel a tinge of guilt as I wash away the day’s work.
I decide to box it all up along with all of Susanna’s things when I get home tonight. I can store them in the utility building until she can pick them up.
Baby steps.
My belongings are down the hall in the spare bedroom’s closet even though the master has a huge walk-in. Susanna commandeered the entire space the moment she moved in. I never minded. A huge closet makes her happy, and I couldn’t care less where my things are housed.
Settling on a pair of dark jeans, a white collared linen shirt that I leave untucked, and a pair of tobacco slip-on boat shoes, I quickly dress, run my fingers through my damp hair, and spritz on some cologne.
Instead of my truck keys, I grab the keys to the vintage Dodge Challenger R/T that I have housed in the garage.
It’s a 1969 model, an iconic muscle car with an audacious orange color scheme, rear spoiler, black racing stripes, shaker hood, and double-barrel carburetor. I only take it out for special occasions in order to keep the mileage low, but I figure my first date in forever is special enough. Even if it isn’t real.
When I pull up to Maxi’s rental, she is waiting for me on the front porch.
Her hair is loose and cascading down her back. She’s wearing a tiny lace-lined white linen dress that hugs her body. It’s short, falling only a couple of inches past the curve of her ass. Thin straps that tie behind her neck are the only thing holding the fabric to her. The ink across her shoulder blade is exposed. I’m shocked by how feminine yet edgy it looks. Very different from her normal attire of low-slung jeans, studded belt, tank top, and boots.
