Page 32 of From Nowhere

He smiles. “I was thinking about stopping by your house on my way home, if I got out of here on time. But now you’re here, so I don’t have to worry about interrupting your evening plans.”

I think he’s just saying that to be polite since I brought cookies. “You don’t have to say that.”

“I know.” He shrugs. “But it’s true.”

I nod slowly. “Okay. Sure.” I glance down at my shirt. “Well, I’d better sneak into the restroom to clean up a little before I finish my errands.”

“I’ll see you around,” he says, opening the door to the hangar.

“Yeah, see you around.” I hide my dashed hopes behind a smile before sulking toward the restroom.

After doing a little damage control to my stained shirt, I head to my car, replaying my conversation with Ozzy. He wasn’t going to stop by my house, but the opportunity presented itself to say it and not look like he was ghosting me, so he went for it. I can’t blame him.

As I reach for my door handle, something on my windshield catches my eye. Six yellow flowers are attached to it, with the stems tucked behind the wipers, along with a folded note.

I take the note first.

The arrowleaf balsamroot is part of the sunflower family. The root can be made into a respiratory aid tincture. Hope you love them!

Ozzy x

That part of the note is in blue ink, but there’s a PS in black ink.

PS Thanks for the cookies. What an unexpected surprise. Drive safely.

I glance over my shoulder before turning in a slow circle with the note pressed to my chest. He had to have scribbled a quick PS and run everything out here at record-breaking speed. And while I don’t see him anywhere, I can’t help but wonder if he’s hiding somewhere, watching me.

One by one, I carefully retrieve each flower and scan the area for a final time before climbing into my RAV.

Maren: Be still, my heart

I press send and drive my swooning heart home.

Three days and no fires. I work out at the base, read a thriller book that Fitz recommended, and play cards, idly waiting for the first call.

And when no one’s paying attention to me, I text Ozzy.

Maren: What position does Lola play?

Maren: When is her next game?

Maren: What did you tell her about me?

It takes him a while to respond because his job involves steady work.

Ozzy: Pitcher. Tomorrow. Not much.

I chuckle at his thorough reply.

Maren: A man of few words. I respect that level of minimalism

Ozzy: Twiddling your thumbs?

I laugh.

Maren: Boredom is half the job. An existential threat to my profession. Are you on a break?

Ozzy: No. My phone kept vibrating in the pocket of my coveralls, tickling my balls until I felt the need to take a piss.

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