Page 20 of Everything's Better With You
“And I intend to find out about Leslie Payton’s other ways.” He’d imitated her shocked expression and listened as she lectured him about workplace romances and boundaries blah-blah.
Apparently, she’d filled Terrence in as well.
“See you tomorrow,” Marti said as she tugged on Terrence’s sleeve. Terrence, who continued to smile between Joe and Les.
“Ah, here we are.”
Leslie had been fumbling with a wad of keys during this exchange. He waved to the Simmonses and then unlocked the door so Joe could get a look at his new place.
And he coughed.
“Boy, the dust mites sure are productive here in Ayre Valley.” Joe joked to cover up his terror at the massive dust cloud swirling in the dim light. And were those cobwebs?
“No. No, there’s no way. Look, Joe, I’ve got extra bedrooms. Several. You can stay with me.”
“Les, it’s fine. I’m not afraid of a little elbow grease.” Hewasafraid of whatever made those cobwebs. And his stomach turned at the possibility of other creatures who might have made this building home.
“But Joe—”
“I can’t stay with you, Leslie. For several reasons.”
They had yet to talk about whatever was going on or would go on or might possibly occur and the weight of that hung heavy between them.
“Just tonight, then. Until I can get a cleaning crew in here.”
“As long as you point me toward some cleaning supplies, I’ve got this. Oh, and I’ll need to grab some groceries—”
“You’ve got full privileges at the Buzz. They’ve got vegetarian options, though I’m not sure what all you can eat on your regimen. Barry wanted me to tell you.”
“Oh. Okay. That will work until I can get to the store.”
“And I can have the terrible two bring over my Lincoln until we go to get you a car. My friend Tim has a dealership in Leonard. I thought we could start there. When you’re ready.”
That was the one thing Joe had asked Les for, help finding a car.He knew Leslie would help him choose the right vehicle for driving in Midwest conditions.
“That’s great, but I know you’re busy helping Barry—”
“Stop it.” Les smiled and shoved his hands in his pockets. “You’re really here.”
“Yeah.” Joe grinned back and then he sneezed.
“Aw geez, Joe—”
“It’s fine! I swear. Let’s see what I’ve got to work with.”
Joe needed a moment to collect himself so he darted around the living space turning on lights and opening drapes. The windows were up higher, which would give him some privacy as Higdon happened to be smack dab in between both dorms and the path to the Buzz went by right outside his window.
“When do the kids arrive?”
Leslie had moved to the kitchen and was pulling open cabinets, sending more puffs of dust into the air.
“Some are here, and the rest are supposed to come throughout the weekend. We might have to push back the start of school by a couple of days to be sure all the debris is cleaned up, but the dorms will be safe enough and the Buzz is ready for them.” He opened a small closet next to the door. “Aha! Okay, we’ve got surface and glass cleaner and Lysol for the floors and bathroom. There’s an old mop here; let me go hit up the head resident, and see if he’s got some sponges and rags and we can get to work.”
Joe stepped in front of him. “Youstop it.” He winked, having fun using Les’s line. “I know you need to get back to Barry. I don’t need to be supervised. I’ll go introduce myself to my new neighbor and borrow a cup of flour or whatever it is you’re supposed to do with Midwest neighbors.”
Leslie let out a huge sigh and let his shoulders fall. “This is not how I wanted to welcome you, Joe. I hate it a lot.”
Joe stepped closer, brushing his chest against Les’s. “How did you want to welcome me?”
