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Not used to downtime, Joe was fidgety. His bruises kept him from running or cleaning the house. He’d washed the car, and come inside to watch the midday news. He’d checked his texts frequently. None came from Holly. She’d said she’d let him know how things went this morning with her family.

His phone pinged and he grabbed it up. And smiled.

I got out of there this morning with a minimum of fireworks. I would have let you know earlier but everything got discombobulated at school because I was late.

Joe texted back. Glad u survived the inquisition. But sorry u had to go through that.

I’m not sorry J

Ha!

Have a good day, Joe.

You too. TTYL

Joe put down the phone and thought about last night. It was the most fun he’d had in a long, long time. And those kisses—whew!

Better stop those thoughts unless he wanted to be even more physically uncomfortable all day. He went out to the deck off the condo and sat in his lounge chair. He brought along Firehouse magazine, and couldn’t help thinking about his and Holly’s discussion of reading. Maybe he’d get a copy of The Hunger Games in print.

Deep into the mechanics of saving a jumper on a rooftop, Joe heard voices coming from inside Holly’s house. The decks were partitioned off with eight-feet high cedar fences, but they had slats in them. Normally, that was enough for privacy and peace and quiet, except now, he could hear two people in the kitchen because they were shouting at each other.

“I will not move into some old folks’ home and be one of them! I’m only seventy.” A male voice.

“Your back issues make climbing steps like we had on Maple Street too hard.” A feminine one.

“Then we’ll get a ranch house when the insurance money comes in.”

“The insurance company will pay for us to rent an apartment until they settle the claim.”

“Why? We can live here.”

“After what happened last night?” Now the woman, obviously Holly’s grandmother Ella, raised her voice a notch. “I won’t subject my granddaughter to something like that again.”

“We didn’t do anything. Paul did.”

“The result was the same.”

“No.”

A pause. “I know the real reason you don’t want a social community, Edward. Whatever you did or didn’t do in the past is your guilt talking.”

“I will not move in that Towers place.”

“Maybe I will.”

The conversation ended as abruptly as it started with the slam of the door.

Joe knew he shouldn’t have listened, but once they started talking about last night, he had to hear what they said. Unfortunately, he found out Edward Jordan had a secret he was keeping from Holly.

With no distractions now, Joe finished his article and spent some time in the hot tub, which loosened up his muscles. He checked his phone a zillion times to see if Holly had contacted him again. Physically, he was feeling better by late afternoon when he heard a knock on the front door. On the stoop was Ella Jordan. Was she here to ream him out? Did they even know she spent the night with him? “Hello, Joe.”

“Hi, Ella. Come inside.”

She entered the foyer. She wore plain white pants and a pink shirt. Holly’s favorite color. “I was wondering if I could ask you a favor. If you don’t have to work tonight.”

“I was in an accident on the last shift. Mandatory leave for two whole days.”

“Oh, are you hurt?”

“Sore back. But I’m okay.”

“I’d like to meet your grandparents, and you offered to take me sometime. I’d also want to visit Dutch Towers and look at the place. I called the office and someone is free at three o’clock to show me around. Edward is out playing canasta and having an early dinner at the lodge so I don’t have the car. Do you think you could drive me to Dutch Towers? It would probably take thirty minutes to look at the empty apartment. Then we could visit your grandparents afterward.”

“I’d love to, Ella. Let me call Grandma and Grandpa to make sure they’re home, and we can be on our way.”

Holly’s day passed in a blur. She texted Joe and told him she was fine, then taught the rest of the morning. She worked though lunch but during the kids’ music lesson, she went outside to a picnic table in the back of the school with some tea.

And thought of Joe. How his hands felt on her. How his kisses had overwhelmed her with sensation. How much she’d enjoyed his company outside of those delicious moments.

A vision of Linc intruded. She’d always loved how he’d touched her, too. And she’d loved being with him, doing small things. But that last day came back like a video clip to her mind: he stood under a tree like the one before her. They’d gone on a picnic. His eyes were bleak, but there was something else in them she’d never seen before. Later, she’d wondered if it was revulsion.

I’m sorry, Holly. I keep thinking about your mother with my father. Every time I see you now, I get upset. Every time I hear my mother crying, I cringe. You and I have to end what’s between us.

She'd been stunned, of course. They’d talked about their parents’ affair, and Holly had been grateful for having him to commiserate with. Suddenly, a wave of fear enveloped her. She’s been devastated by his rejection. Could she let Joe into her life and risk that kind of pain again?

Don’t do this, Holly. Joe isn’t Linc. It’s been five years, and you haven’t really let another man into your life. It’s time.

She took several deep breaths. Her alter ego was right. This was stupid. She said she’d date Joe, and she would!

At the end of the day, she came back to her room from seeing the kids on the bus and found Greg waiting for her.

“Hey, Holly.”

“Greg.” He sat in the adult chair Holly kept off to the side and she dropped down behind her desk. “How was the field trip?”

“Good. The kids dug the dinosaur exhibit.”

“What kid doesn’t like dinosaurs?”

“How was your day?”

“Okay.”

“I heard you were late.”

“From who?”

“Millie. When I handed in the paperwork on the field trip, she told me I should check on you. See if you’re okay.”

“This is nuts. She made such a fuss.”

“Holly, have you ever been late once to school?”

“Not that I remember.”

“What did you do, stay up late?”

“Yeah, I got into a movie.”

“Which one?”

“The Hunger Games.”

His face turned serious. “You wouldn’t see the film with me when it came out.”

She shrugged. “I guess I changed my mind. And I got to school an hour late. No harm done, as Cameron was free and took my class.”

“Still, it’s a big deal.”

“Please, Greg. Stop.”

“All right. What are you doing tonight?”

Should she tell him about Joe? It would only be fair. But there was Linc’s face again. Which stopped her. Instead, she hedged. “I promised my grandmother I’d cook for her. Grandpa is out at his weekly card game.” From her peripheral vision, she saw someone come to the door. Grateful for the interruption, she said, “Hey, Lizzie.”

“Hi.” She nodded to Greg. “I can come back.”

“No, come on in.” Holly wanted to end the conversation with Greg. “There’s something I need to talk to you about.”

He stood, always a gentleman. “Call me if you get free.” He smiled, and added, “Or if you want me to come for dinner with Grandma,” then walked out.

Lizzie slipped into his chair. “I heard you were late.”

“Oh, Lord. Why does everybody care about that?”

“It’s a small faculty. They like to gossip. Perfect Holly is never late.”

She got up and closed the door. When she sat back down, she grinned. “Perfect Holly spent the night with Joe Santori.”

“Oh, wow. Tell me everything.”

“The short version is he was in that awful fire on Oak Street yesterday. I got worried and called him. He asked me to come over and take care of him.”

Lizzie’s eyes danced. “And how’d you do that?”

“Not in the way you’re implying.” She filled Lizzie in on the evening.

“Oh, damn. You just slept?”

“Yep, plastered up against him.”

“I’ve seen that body. One a girl could get used to being plastered against.”

Holly laughed.

“So where do you go from here?”

“We’re going to date. Take things slow. See how it goes. Life’s too short to deprive myself of him.”

“You shouldn’t. Did you call him today?”

“We texted once this morning.”

“He didn’t call you?”

“Nope. I might call him now.”

“So what did Greg say about all this?”

“I didn’t tell him. I have to give this some thought. He and I never agreed to be exclusive.”

“Did you and Joe?”

“It’s a little early in the game for that, don’t you think?”

“Maybe. Maybe not. But Holly, it would only be fair to let Greg in on what’s happening.”

The manager of Dutch Towers had shown Joe and Ella around, and then Holly’s grandmother had some questions. “Is the apartment available soon, Mr. Marconi?”

“Why, yes, Mrs. Jordan.” He gestured to the large living room. “The place is all cleaned up and ready to go.”

Ella Jordan looked at Joe. “Do you like it?”

“Yeah, a lot. There’s two more rooms than my grandparents have.”

“Edward and I are used to living in a bigger home.”

Joe walked to the window. “Great view. Look at those trees.” Maples and oaks were getting their leaves now, and in a week would be fully bloomed. “This is a great setting.”

“Do you know about our amenities?” Mr. Marconi asked.

“I looked you up online. I think I’d enjoy the physical fitness classes.” Joe’s friend Chelsea had started those. “The card games. And the weekly dinners.”

“Seems perfect for you.” The man smiled. “It’s the only unit available at this point. The previous tenant went to live with her daughter after she fell. Not here. At the grocery store.”

Joe asked, “Have you had other people look at it?”

“Yes. One couple is coming back later today to look around again. I think they’re very close to renting.”

Ella frowned. “Oh, dear.”

Joe could tell Ella was unsure. He didn’t want to push her into anything. And now, he wished he’d waited till Holly got home to include her on this. He hoped she didn’t get mad at him. “Ella, why don’t we go down the hall to my grandparents’ place to talk more about this?”

“What if I lose it?”

“I’ll tell you what, Mrs. Jordan. Give me a fifty-dollar check, which I won’t cash. I’ll tell the next couple you put a deposit on the unit and I need to call you to see if you still want it. If you don’t, I’ll return the check and let them have the place.”

“Why would you do that for me?”

“Because you’re friends with the Santoris. We adore Moses and Josie.” He looked at Joe. “You’re named after her, Joey.”

“Yes, but—” Ella began.

Joe halted her with a hand on her arm. “We’re good friends with her family. We’ll take the offer.”

When they left, Ella sighed. “Oh, dear, I think we deceived him somewhat.”

“How?” he asked, leading her down the hall to his grandparents’ unit, which was right around the corner. “I’m close to Holly.”

“I can tell she likes you.”

“A lot?”

“Yes, Joe, I think so.”

He touched her shoulder. “Mrs. Jordan, you made my day.”

“I told you before, it’s Ella.”

They reached Joe’s grandparents’ place. He knocked, then entered. Both of them had changed into outing clothes, they called them. “Grandma, you look beautiful in that blue dress.”

“Thank you, dear.”

“And that’s a snazzy shirt, Grandpa.” He turned to Holly’s mother. “This is my friend, Ella Jordan.”

“Hello, Ella.” Grandma beamed. “We met your granddaughter. She’s lovely.”

Moses smiled. “Bellissima donna.” Joe remember calling her that when he first met her and she asked if he spoke Italian. Which seemed like a lifetime ago.

Grandma served coffee and set out anise toast she’d made from scratch.

Ella bit into one. “Hmm, these are delicious.”

“They’re hard on old teeth, Ella.” This from Moses. “Dunk it in your coffee.”

She dunked. And grinned.

Joe got a kick out of watching the three of them get to know each other until his cell rang. Ella looked over at him. “Hello. Yes, Mr. Marconi, she’s right here.”

“Oh!” Ella said and took the phone.

Holly entered the house at five, an hour later than she usually got home. But she wanted to prepare her grandmother’s frittata, and she’d forgotten to buy the sausage.

Frowning because there were no lights on, she set down the groceries, and looked out the sliding doors to the deck. Empty. Maybe Grandma was taking a nap. But her bedroom door was open, Holly found when she went down the hallway. No one in the guest bathroom, either.

Maybe her mother had come over and taken her grandmother out. But they would have left her a note and besides, Grandma knew she was cooking. She took out her cell and punched in her grandmother’s number. She heard it ringing in the bedroom.

Oh, dear. She called up her mother’s contact information, but didn’t phone her. If Grandma wasn’t with her, her mother would worry.

Calm down, Holly. This is as bad as what your father did to you this morning.

With that in mind, she waited another half hour then walked next door to ask Joe if he’d seen her grandma today. The Mustang was gone, but she rang the bell anyway. No answer.

Don’t overreact. Go home and start the frittata.

Holly managed to blank her mind as she browned and drained the sausage, sautéed the onions, and had just added the potatoes when the front door opened. She hurried to the foyer. And found Grandma...and Joe. Had he taken her out for a bit? How sweet.

“Hi, honey,” Grandma said kissing her cheek. “Guess what?”

“What?”

“I rented an apartment at Dutch Towers today.”

Joe could see Holly was trying to control her reaction. She couldn’t. Her features got tight and her mouth thinned. “Does this have something to do with this morning?”

Her grandmother straightened. “Why yes, dear, it does. We’ve been living with you long enough.”

“But you said Dad was the only one upset that I didn’t come home. Irrationally.”

“He was. But I’ve been thinking for some time now that we’ve overstayed our welcome.”

“Shouldn’t I have been in on this decision?”

“No, sweetheart, you’re too generous about things like this.”

Resignation now clouded her eyes. “How did you get Grandpa to agree?”

“He didn’t.”

Uh-oh. Joe had thought maybe he’d changed his mind.

“Because his opinion doesn’t matter.” She turned to Holly. “I’ve wanted to join an elderly community for years now. I miss having people my age in my life. And I’m seventy. I can make my own decisions.”

“What if he doesn’t move with you, Grandma?”

“He will. Meanwhile, he’s planning to go live with Paul.”

Holly sat back in her seat. Now she was sad. Oh, man, had Joe blown this? “Won’t you wait until we can talk to him about this?”

“No, Holly, no more waiting.” She sniffed. “Is that my frittata you’re making?”

“Yes. I’m keeping it warm.”

“Well, I’ll go freshen up for dinner.” Her grandma turned to Joe and hugged him. “Thank you, Joe. I couldn’t have done this without you.”

The look on Holly’s face told him he was in trouble.

Once outside, she was silent as they crossed to his house. Joe felt his temper kindle. He’d done nothing wrong. When they reached his garage, she leaned against the outside. “You shouldn’t have taken my grandmother to Dutch Towers without checking with me.”

“Why? She’s an adult. Like she said, she can make her own decisions.”

“You meddled in something that wasn’t your business.”

“She came over and asked me, Holly.”

Her face flushed. “This is my family.”

“Who I was trying to help.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Look, if we’re going to date, you can’t do these kinds of things.”

His hands went to his hips. Now he was getting pissed. “What kind of things?”

“Taking over in my life. I won’t have it.”

Ordinarily, if a woman treated him like this, Joe would have told her to get lost. He tried to moderate his comeback, but he couldn’t. “Message received. Know one thing, though, Holly. I don’t walk on eggshells around any woman. Especially one who runs as hot and cold as you do. And I don’t need this shit in my life.” Turning on his heel, he strode into his garage, then into the house.