Page 7 of Wood Lessons
“To be fair, you tumbled into my arms without much warning.How could I resist the temptation?”He grins, revealing the small gap between his teeth.
Many men have...My insecurity pipes up.
“If we’re being honest, you’remyexception.”The assertion startles me, and I study his serious expression.“My life consists of work and home; I don’t really get out much.But when I saw you...”
He runs a hand through his hair, ruffling the short layers.“Something clicked, and I found myself offering these lessons before I could even think through why.”
The fact that my presence compelled him to break his usual routine boosts my ego—especially in light of my own recent confession.This man has all the right words, but is he too good to be true?
“Looks like we’re both stepping out of our comfort zones.”
“Guess so.”We share a look of understanding, a fragile bond of intimacy weaving between us.And optimism sprouts as I consider the possibilities of our growing friendship.
***
LATER, I FIND MYSELFin a crowded bar with my co-worker, Jess.Double-booking my schedule with two separate meet-ups pleased me even as social fatigue began to cloud my brain.
Don’t complain; this is what you wanted.
A social life meant hanging out with people when they were available—even if it was nearing my bedtime.Off-key singing belts from the stage towards the back of the bar as Karaoke Night commences.I don’t plan on signing up but supporting Jess is doable.Maybe one day all of my baby steps will lead me to taking the stage; however, tonight I’d settle for cheering from my seat.
“So, how was your thing today?Didn’t you say you were meeting some guy about wood lessons?What does that even mean?”Jess downs a shot of tequila and grabs another while I sip my cocktail.She’s fielding a ton of free drinks from men, and I’m a little impressed by her haul.
“He’s teaching me the basics of building chairs, tables, and whatever.”
Her nose scrunches while a short laugh bursts out.“And why do you need to learn these skills?Planning a career change?”
I laugh and shake my head, dislodging a curl from my bobby pins.“No, I just thought it’d be a fun opportunity to try something new.”
“Hmm...And what about this Peter?Is he hot?”The music cuts out as the song ends, so her shouted words draw attention to us.I want to sink into the sticky floor as prying eyes focus on our conversation.
Keeping my voice low and even, I lean forward.“Yes, he is, but that’s not why I agreed to the sessions.”
Liar.
“Oh, tell me more.Do you have a picture?”Jess’s excitement is catching, and the tiredness I felt earlier starts to fade at the ability to divulge my feelings and gossip about the man in my life.
He’s not officially your man, though, is he?
But he’s close enough if our kiss counts for anything, and I’m not above milking it.With friends back home dating and getting married, usually, I’m on the other end of these conversations.The switch in roles feels good.
“Of course not!It would’ve been weird to snap a photo, but he’s tall and...”The rest of the night passes with Jess gushing over my good fortune while I bask in the praise.Peter may not be my boyfriend—he may not want more than a short fling, if that—but I’d enjoy this fluttery emotion of a crush until we say our final farewell.
