Page 30 of Some Things Never Change

Shoua chimed in with a gentle laugh. “Sounds like a great way to enjoy the day.”

“Thanks,” I said.

“Julie, I’m really glad you’re finally flipping furniture again,” said Anthony. “I always think about how much you loved it. Remember how you used to be in our garage until two A.M. every summer during college just working away? Andy and I would have to kick you out every night.”

I laughed so hard I started tearing up as I thought back to those times. “Who could forget how Andy would physically pick me up and take me home while you closed the garage door?”

Anthony let out his hyena laugh and Shoua chuckled as they reminisced along with me. “Good times, to be honest. Let me know if you ever need any tips, tricks, or suggestions, okay?” he said.

“Of course,” I laughed.

“I can’t wait to see how your dresser turns out, Julie,” said Shoua. “Enjoy your day at the beach tomorrow.”

“I will, and thank you,” I said.

My cheeks were hurting from how hard I was smiling. As I ended the call, I couldn’t help but feel how supportive and excited both Shoua and Anthony were for me. I glanced in the mirror at the smile I was still wearing. Maybe Andy was right. I was happier here.

Chapter

Thirteen

When I woke up in my room the next morning, it was still completely dark outside, as expected on winter mornings. I laid in the dark, staring up at the ceiling for what felt like an eternity, and finally checked my phone, only to find out it was just shy of six o’clock. It seemed like my nervousness for my first day in the office was at full throttle. Although I knew things would be fine, my mind couldn’t help but wake me up early.

I went into the kitchen to make myself a cup of hot tea, only to find Andy already up and standing by the kitchen island. We both stared at each other, taking in the sight of one another for a moment. My slow, groggy mind barely registered how he wasn’t in his PJs. Instead, he looked as if he had just come back from the gym.

His lightly tanned skin glistened with a thin film of sweat and his cheeks were dusted in pink. Despite the cold, he was in a gray muscle tank and black shorts, showing off his chiseled chest, brawny arms, and thick legs. He always looked like he was hand-sculpted by Greek gods, but I was far from ogling at his usual good looks and well-formed body. I was trying not to gasp for air like a fish out of water at the way Andy’s curious and intense eyes pinned me down. His gaze danced all over me as if I was a sight to behold when I had just rolled out of bed.

I was suddenly very aware of my probable wild bed head, crusty eyes, and my cold, erect nipples peeking out from under the white Henley long sleeve I wore to sleep. The heater wasn’t on yet and the kitchen was frosty. I immediately folded my arms over my chest as I cleared my throat, and he tore his eyes away from me.

“Why are you up so early?” I asked, blinking groggily under the bright kitchen lights.

Andy arched an eyebrow at me. He took a swig of the large protein shake he had in hand. “I should be asking you that.”

I shrugged, keeping my arms still across my chest. I quickly glazed over his workout garb again without trying to stare at his muscles.

“I woke up before my alarm. You just came back from the gym?”

“Yeah, morning workouts work best for my work schedule.”

He took another swig of his protein shake. I watched as a droplet of sweat ran down his neck and disappeared under the sweat-matted neckline of his shirt. I looked up, and he was still watching me. I gave him a weak smile, knowing he caught me red-handed staring at his damp skin. I hurried past him toward the electric kettle with warm cheeks.

I couldn’t help but feel a little envious of Andy’s ability to maintain such a sculpted body. The thing I liked doing the most when it came to exercising was jogging or walking, but I was lazy and hardly ever stuck to it until my breakup with David. I knew I should get back on that eventually to keep the momentum going.

“I was going to make myself some tea. Would you like some too?”

“Nope. But thanks for the offer.”

Andy walked over to the fridge to grab an apple. We stood there in a cozy silence for a few moments. The only sounds in the air came from the boiling water, the shuffling of feet as we moved around the kitchen, and Andy eating his snack. Although seeing him in the kitchen took me by surprise, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for his company so early in the morning.

As my peppermint tea steeped, I played with the Ferris wheel we built. The Lego version of me was now sitting with Andy, and I let out a small scoff. He must have moved the mini-sized me into his passenger cabin without me noticing it.

“You moved me,” I pointed out.

I continued to turn the knob and the Ferris wheel continued to go around in circles. Andy leaned onto the kitchen island with his very nice arms out in front of him. I seemed to be having a staring problem today, because I tried my best not to gawk at them.

“It was getting lonely looking at the stars by myself,” he said.

I shook my head and sipped my tea.

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