Page 4 of Michelle
Charlotte claps her hands together in excitement. "Yay! I will head out to the market in the morning. Don't you worry about a thing. Just bring yourself."
I'm not sure this is a good idea, but I really don't have a choice at this point.
NATE
I wasn't sure about this move, but when I saw the woman I'd be living next door to, it suddenly didn't seem like the worst idea. My uncle had mentioned a few things about Michelle, but it wasn't anything that would be of use to me, like if she's single.
My own relationship had fizzled out a few months ago. The idea of relocating was too much for Steph. I don't blame her. Our relationship was already so rocky as it was. I couldn't fault her when she didn't want to uproot her life for me and move across the country. Our break-up was as civil as one could ask for given the circumstance. The only real downside of our break up is not getting to see my Basset Hound, Tobey. He’s technically Steph’s dog, but she agreed to share custody of him with me.
"I think you like our new neighbor," My younger sister, Charlotte, sing songs as we both walk over to the moving van to grab more boxes.
“I just met her.”
“I saw the look in your eye when you shook her hand. I haven’t seen a twinkle like that between two people in a long time.”
I could only wish that was true because I didn't see it. Michelle seemed eager to get away from us the moment Charlotte called me over.
“You shouldn’t have invited her over for dinner.”
“She said yes,” Charlotte defends.
“She was being polite.”
“I think you underestimate my matchmaking abilities.”
“You are a hopeless romantic,” I tease her. “You are always looking for a love story when there isn’t one.”
“Love stories are the best kinds. Why wouldn’t I want to look for one wherever I go?”
“I fear for the man that tries to step into the shoes of all your romance book heroes.” I chuckle. “He’s got his work cut out for him.”
“I’m not looking for me. I’m looking to find love for the rest of the world.”
“Not everyone is looking.”
"That's when love strikes are the best. When the person isn't looking, and love sneaks up on them. I'm just there to help move things along quicker."
I hand Charlotte a box filled with bedding and grab the rest of the boxes for the kitchen to take inside. As I walk up the duplex steps, I catch a glimpse of my beautiful new neighbor in her front window. She's on her phone talking with someone. I watch as she runs her fingers into her chestnut brown hair and through the soft curls at the end.
I couldn’t have imagined that this move would do anything but further my career prospects, but after meeting Michelle, I can’t help but wonder if there could be something more for me here than just a new job—maybe a new love? I can’t get my hopes up. I don’t even know if she is available. If she isn’t, that’s one lucky guy. If she is, I can only hope that my luck is about to change.
