Sailor

 

Still believing I’m too upset to drive, Jake convinces me to leave my car at the school for the weekend. Going along with what he wants isn’t like me.

I have a routine I seldom break, and I trust very few people, but his kindness seems genuine. Maybe it’s his affection toward Maddie that’s blurring my judgment, but I want to believe that’s not the case.

No, I’m praying that’s not the case since we’re pulling up at his condo steps away from Washington Park in Greenwich. We take an elevator to the fifth floor, and once we walk out, I see there’s a door on the right and one on the left.

“Our housekeeper comes on Friday mornings, so you’re in luck.”

After unlocking the door on the left, he steps back for me to enter. As soon as I’m inside and standing in the living room, I glance around the condo. It’s an open concept, giving it an even more spacious appearance.

“This is nice and in a premium location.”

“Yeah, I could never afford it on my own. My roommate took me in like a stray dog.” I look back at him, and he messes with the top of his coarse, dark hair, his skin a hint of pink.

“His room’s upstairs. The guest bedroom is, too. My room is down here.” He points to the left, and I spot a hallway.

Straight ahead of us, behind the living room, is an open kitchen full of grey oak cabinetry and stainless-steel appliances, and to the left is a dining room.

We stroll through it to a sliding glass door, and on the other side of it is a terrace. I cover my chest once we’re standing outside, eyeing the view.

Since it’s early September, the foliage on the trees is still thick, giving the walking paths and benches a canopy of shade. The fading green color of the leaves only hints of the approaching autumn, but the breeze gives away that it won’t be long.

“What a fabulous view of the park. This place is so charming.”

“I grew up in Greenwich. After my mom met my dad, she convinced him to move here from Brooklyn. It’s a running joke in my family.

The artsy chick moves the tough Brooklyn cop to the Village. She has a pottery shop nearby, and they’re pretty jealous I get to live next to the park.”

“I bet.” I look around the terrace, and along with a table and chairs, there’s a covered hot tub on my right.

“It’s almost lunchtime. Are you hungry?”

“I don’t know. My mind is reeling right now. I should probably call the property manager from the apartment complex, my insurance company, and shit…” I glance down at my outfit. “I didn’t even think about clothes. I can’t believe this is the only outfit I own.”

The reality of having no belongings and a home is setting in, and I feel like I need a good cry. My expression must show it since Jake is rubbing the back of his neck and staring off at the park.

“I can’t imagine what you’re feeling, losing everything, but maybe what you need right now is some down time. What do you say we get some lunch delivered?

“I have to pick Maddie up today, and then her dad is swinging by this evening to get her, but other than that, I have no plans.”

“Please don’t feel obligated to spend time with me because of what happened this morning.”

He grins. “I’m beginning to think you don’t want to spend time with me.”

“No, it’s not that. I appreciate it, but you’re going above and beyond, considering you barely know me, so I want to be sure you understand that I don’t expect it.”

“I can already tell you’re important to Maddie, so you’re important to me. She’d insist we help you.”

Thinking about Madeline, I bite my lip.

“I wonder if it’s a good idea for Maddie to see me here since I’m her teacher.”

Jake shakes his head. “Do you always worry this much?” Since his question reminds me of the past, I pull my penguin closer to my chest.

“I guess I do worry a lot. I’ve found that when I don’t think things through, the consequences can be devastating.”

His smile vacates the premises, and I feel bad for making our conversation deeper than it already has been.

“So, what’s your favorite restaurant near here?” I ask. “Now that you mentioned food, I’m hungry.”

A faint smile returns as he motions toward the sliding door. I walk back inside with him and set my purse and penguin in a chair at the dining room table.

“Do you eat meat?” he asks.

“Yep.”

“If I didn’t already like you, I would after that answer. A great burger place is only minutes away.”

“Sounds good.”