Page 61 of Rigid

“Thank you.”

I’d carefully chosen a dress that was conservative, but not too much so. A floral fabric that was form-fitting, it was the best of both worlds.

I stepped onto the porch. “Is this dress okay? Is it too tight?”

He opened his arms and gave me a hug. As he released me, he leaned back and looked me over. “It’s perfect. You look like a model.”

I brushed my hands along my hips. “Thank you.”

Me reached for the bag I was carrying. “You brought wine?”

“Sparkling grape juice.”

He grinned. “She’ll like that. C’mon.”

I followed him into the house. A faint hint of garlic filled the air, and gave hint to what we’d be eating for dinner. As soon as I entered, I greedily scanned what would soon be my new home.

The open floor plan made the home seem larger than it was, but it wasn’t small by any means. The living room was tastefully decorated, and without an ounce of clutter. A wall separated the kitchen from the living room, but I could see into the kitchen.

Standing in front of the counter, preoccupied with the contents of a large bowl, stood a gorgeous woman who was tall and thin with light brown hair. Dressed in jeans, Chucks, and a tight-fitting tee-shirt, she was breathtaking.

“Is that Eddie?” I whispered.

“The one and only.”

“She’s gorgeous.”

His eyes lit up. “Thank you.”

I instantly filled with excitement about getting to know her better, and befriending her over time. As she carefully placed objects in the bowl, Smokey took me by the hand and led me into the kitchen.

“Eddie,” he said. “This is Sandy.”

As soon as he said Eddie, she turned around. When she noticed me, she smiled, and it was easy for me to see that it was genuine.

I had no idea what to expect from her, and figured it would either go one of two ways. Complete and instantaneous rejection, or excitement.

She would either be pleased that her father had finally found someone worthy of his – and her – attention, or she would feel threatened by his new relationship, and me. Seeing her face led me to believe it was the former.

She wiped her hands on a towel, and then extended her right hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” She looked me up and down. “Your dress is uhhm. It’s beautiful.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” I said. “Thank you. Can I do anything to help?”

She shook her head. “I’m done. Basically.”

She looked at her dad, smiled, and then held his gaze for a moment. “If you want, you could help me get everything set on the table.”

“Sure.” I looked at Smokey, then turned toward her and smiled. “I’d love to.”

Smokey set my bag on the counter. “I’m going to go wash up.”

Oh God.

Don’t leave us alone.

“He likes everything perfect,” she whispered. “See this salad?”

I peered into the bowl she’d been working on when we walked in. Tomato wedges were perfectly placed on top of the various leaves of lettuce around the circumference of the bowl.