Page 7 of Changing Tides

I feel guilty thinking about how rude I was to her the other day. She is probably dealing with something that I wouldn’t understand. Hopefully I made her day a little better by dropping off some food. I feel a rush of heat crawling up my neck. Now I also feel as if I invaded her privacy, listening to her cry and watching her send text messages.

“Come on, Maggie.” I whistle. “Let's go, girl.” Once inside, I pick up my phone. There’s a message from Danny asking if I want to work for his construction company tomorrow. I text back that yes, I’d love the work. Diapers, after all.

I work for Danny as often as possible but custom woodworking is really where my passion is. I plop down in the wooden Adirondack chair on my deck—it was the first thing I ever built on my own and it’s so special to me. It’s old but every few summers I sand and polish it up to keep it alive and to remind myself that even when things look bleak, they will always get better.

Ellie’s husband Eddie is the one who taught me how to do woodworking. For him it was just a hobby, but I found solace in it. He showed me how to use the tools needed to create the works of art we spent hours creating—cabinets, furniture, and even wall art. Eddie gave me a sense of purpose again. When I was in the woodshop, I didn’t have time to think about anything except what I was doing so I wouldn’t lose a finger. I may have blown my chance at school, but Eddie made me realize I had a talent, and I could have a future doing something entirely unexpected. He worked on projects for people around town and often let me assist him, until one day, he thought I was ready to take on projects myself. He told everyone I was his apprentice and that they could ask me to do jobs for them too. By the time Eddie passed away, I was as good as he was. I was in my mid-twenties, living mortgage free in my parents’ house, and I realized I could make this my job. So, I did.

My phone buzzes. It’s Melanie telling me I left my hat at the bar today and offering to bring it by.

Melanie is a good woman. That’s the issue here. She is so nice, I can’t bring myself to officially let her down. Maybe I should ignore my doubts and give the relationship a chance.

I wouldn’t have to explain any of my past to Melanie, since she was there. She knows who I am, and she likes me anyway.

I rub my hand down my face. Is it better to be lonely, or to be with a woman I have lukewarm feelings for? I could see if Ellie can watch Lucy one day this weekend so I can take Melanie out and get a feel for where her head is at. I’m tired of thinking about it.

I pick my phone up and shoot Melanie a text back.

Me: Thanks. If you don’t mind, I’m pretty tired. Want to bring it by in the morning?

Melanie: Sure, I can do that. I’ll see you then.

I turnmy phone off and head upstairs, peeking at Lucy on the way to my room. She’s sound asleep with her little butt up in the air. I flick on the lights and strip down to my boxers. Maggie hops right up in her spot on my bed. I always swore I’d never let a dog in the bed. She sure showed me who’s boss. I turn off the lights and climb in. It doesn’t take long before I’m dead asleep to the soft sounds of Maggie’s snores.

* * *

Morning comes quicklyand I don’t want to get out of bed when my alarm starts buzzing angrily. I groan and roll over, checking my phone. There’s a text from Melanie confirming that she’ll drop my hat off before I leave for work. I roll my eyes to myself. She could just as easily bring it by later in the morning instead of seven o’clock, but I have a feeling she’s trying to make sure we see each other.

Construction starts early, and Danny will be expecting me so I get Lucy up and ready as quickly as possible. I am trying to avoid Melanie seeing Lucy at all. I know as soon as that girl catches sight of the baby or even more so,mewith the baby, we’re both doomed. Balancing Lucy on my hip with her diaper bag slung over my shoulder, I walk to Ellie’s.

Ellie meets me at her front door and immediately takes Lucy from me. “You’re a little early this morning,” she raises her eyebrows and nods as Melanie’s black Honda Accord pulls up to the curb. “Got company?”

I roll my eyes. I knew she would catch onto that. “What do you do, sit here and just look out the window all day?” I scoff. Ellie doesn’t miss a trick.

Ellie scowls at me. “Hey buddy, neighborhood watch.” She jabs me in the chest with her index finger.

“Melanie is just dropping off my hat that I left at the bar last night.” I hold up my hands defensively.

Ellie’s lips press together. “If you say so,” she says.

I scratch my jaw, hesitating. “There is one thing though that I was thinking about.”

Ellie raises her eyebrows. “Well, go on,” she shakes her head at me with a smirk.

“I wanted to ask you if you’d watch Lucy one night this weekend so I could take Melanie out.” I am holding my breath.

“Take her out?” Ellie mimics. “You better stop playing with that girl,” she warns, narrowing her eyes. “Melanie may not be your soulmate, but she is a nice girl. I know she thinks she can change you, but she probably can’t, so please stop playing with her heart.”

Ellie is serious now, giving me a stern look. She has known all of us since we were kids. She’s always been my parents’ next-door neighbor. When we were teenagers, Leah and I would putz around the yard and the streets with our buddies, and Ellie got to know and love them all.

“I know, Ellie,” I say through gritted teeth. I glance behind me and notice Melanie watching us from her car. “Look, I’m not making the girl any promises. I just want to see where her head is at.”

“You don’t owe me anything, Liam; it’s none ofmybusiness.” Ellie folds her hands over her heart in an inward gesture. “But I am actually not around this weekend. I am going on a little book club retreat to the mountains.”

“Oh. Okay. Well, I didn’t even ask her yet so it’s no big deal.” I exhale and I realize I might be relieved.

Ellie taps her chin thoughtfully. “You know, you could ask Sophie. I don’t think she has a lot of plans while she’s here. Maybe offer to pay her though,” Ellie suggests, winking.

I look at her dubiously, my jaw slack with surprise. “Haven’t you known her for like two days? She could be crazy.” But even as I am saying it, I know it’s not true.

---