Page 29 of Worth the Want
“Sad how?” I ask, reaching the side door of the house and sliding it open.
“You try growing up in a family that paints murals and makes everything they touch beautiful.” I consider her words. We may not have had similar childhoods, but being in a family that feels different from you is something I can sympathize with.
“Well, I guess it wouldn’t be fair if you looked like you doandyou could make everything beautiful,” I tease, taking off my shoes by the door.
She smiles at me, tucking some hair behind her ear. It’s shy, and so fucking sweet, and I want to reach out to feel the strands between my fingers.
“How do I look?”
“Don’t act like you don’t know you’re beautiful, Indie.”
Her smile widens, and I’m rewarded with a blush. She dips her head to the shoe rack, eyebrows raising.
“What size shoe do you wear?” she asks, then snaps her head up. “Sorry, you don’t have to answer that. What kind of drinks are we having?”
I laugh; it would seem both of us are having trouble with our filters tonight. “Twelve,” I answer, even though she said I didn’t have to. “And do you have a preference? I was going to have a beer, but I have some wine or whiskey,” I offer.
“A beer sounds great,” she tells me, taking a seat on a stool at the island, then asks, “So…what do you do for work, Knox?”
“I’m a lawyer,” I answer, grabbing two cans from the fridge and handing one to her.
“That sounds exciting.” She pulls back the tab on her beer and takes a drink.
“It can be. Silvethorne is a little slower paced than NewYork, but I find it a bit more rewarding.” I crack open my own can and take a long sip.
“How so?”
“Well, for one, I would say I know 98 percent of my clients personally, so it’s nice to have that personal connection. Knowing the people I’m helping are good ones.”
“That makes sense.”
“It’s really nice to be back home. With my family and friends. This community really cares about its people.” Indie hums in response. “What?” I ask.
“Nothing, it's just that Winnie said the same thing to me. I’m looking forward to being a part of that.” She looks at her hands.
“Yeah? Planning on sticking around for a while then?” There’s probably a little too much hope in my voice. I may not want to admit it, but I do want her around.
“Well, nothere.I’m hoping to beout of your hairas soon as I’m able to.” She throws my earlier words back at me. “But in town? Yes, that’s the plan.”
I nod. “Did I mention that I’m sorry for saying that?”
“I think I got a note or something,” she teases, taking another long drink.
“It wasn’t about you,” I start. “You’ve been nothing but nice and—” I clear my throat. “Well, that was more about me.”
“I see.”
I laugh. “I don’t think you do because I’m not sure I really understand myself.”
“You caught me.” She sighs, making me laugh again.
“I haven’t had a neighbor in a long time, Indie. I haven’t made a friend in even longer,” I admit.Friend. The word feels wrong.
“You’re doing fine, Knox, I should probably get back home though.
“Sure.” I step toward her, reaching behind her head for her hat. Her eyes flick back and forth between my eyes and my mouth, a light blush on her cheeks from the beer or maybe something else. Her big, brown eyes meet mine with curiosity, like she might be okay with me doing something other than getting her hat. I grab it off the hook and set it on her head, adjusting it to fit. “You’re really leaning into the whole namesake thing, aren’t you?” I’m close enough now to feel the breath from her answering chuckle.
“This was a gift from my sister. My parents are big film buffs. They love Harrison Ford, hence the names Indiana and Han,” she explains.
