Page 4 of Finding Romance
She holds out her hand and I shake it. Piper. The name suits her. She looks like a little sand piper, tiny and curious.
“Kasen,” I reply.
But then, her previous words hit me and I frown. “Does she need anything?” I ask. I feel like a shit neighbor. I’m hardly ever around. Margie and Cornelia have been great neighbors. They are always looking out for me. If they could reach the top of my aquarium, I’m sure they’d take care of my fish when I’m gone.
“Nah. I just got her sorted. But thanks,” she says. “I should probably get back to looking.”
I glance around. “I’ll look out for it on my way downstairs,” I offer because not only do I feel bad, I’m also completely mesmerized by the beauty in front of me and my protective vibes have just kicked into high gear.
She nods. “Thanks.” She gives me a little wave as I leave.
I make it down to Grayson’s door and knock. He opens it and I step inside and immediately am greeted by a cat.
“What in the hell is that?” I ask as a black kitten rubs up against my leg.
“It’s the Loch Ness Monster.” He gives me a pointed look. “What do you think it is?”
“I mean, you got a cat?” Why has so much changed since I left? I feel like I’ve come back to a different world and it’s sort of freaking me out.
“I found her. And yes, I have a cat. The computer is over here,” he says and points to his laptop.
I sit down and start to go through his computer.
“I owe you a beer,” he says.
“Yeah, yeah,’ I mutter as I type away, looking for the issue which takes all of twenty seconds. One minute later, he’s sorted.
“You coming to happy hour this week?” Gray asks as I get up and head toward his door.
“Probably,” I reply. Honestly, I’m not sure I will. My head is all over the place. I need to take a few days and figure out some shit in my life.
“Cool. Maybe we can hit the gym tomorrow,” Gray adds as I open the door.
“I’ll be there at zero dark thirty,” I reply, fighting a smirk. Gray hates getting up early. He’s a night owl.
“Have fun, then. I’m not getting up until the sun does,” he says as I shut the door. I had been in a shit mood, but between Cornelia’s niece and Gray, I’m not feeling quite as heavy as I make my way back to my apartment and settle into my work.
I look out at the street for the tenth time in as many minutes. I need a coffee and the shit I make isn’t cutting it. The light finally comes on at the café and I see Cam opening up things.
“About bloody time,” I growl to myself as I stretch. I’ve already been to the gym, showered, drank my protein shake, and replied to five emails. My grandmother would be rolling her eyes at my coffee obsession. As much as I love a good cup of tea, I could never give up my coffee.
I pull on a shirt and head downstairs. The morning light is just starting to brighten the sky. I have a feeling it’ll be a pretty sunrise. Maybe I’ll go watch it from the rooftop. I could use a moment to clear my head before I get started with my next project. I step into the café and turn back to see Al coming out of the apartment building and looking around. He shrugs and puts his hat on as he walks toward the park trail.
I notice someone sitting on the bench. Keeping one eye on them, I glance over to see Cam watching me as I press my hands against the counter.
“Usual?” she asks.
I nod with a grunt.
“You meet Cornelia’s niece yet?” she asks, motioning toward the bench.
I frown and look at her. “Have you?”
She nods. “I found her looking for Cornelia’s necklace on the sidewalk this morning. Said she couldn’t sleep and was going to paint. I told her to grab a drink first.”
“What’d she get?” I ask because she must have gotten it quickly since it only takes a minute for me to leave my apartment and come over here.
“Black, cream, three pumps of caramel,” she says as she hands me my coffee. She grins. “Black, cream, three pumps of simple syrup.”
