Page 12 of Finding Alfred
“I want to understand, but I grew up here. I mean literally here.” He raised his hand and looked up at the ceiling. “This house was my uncle’s, and the only place I spent more time growing up was at Brock’s. When he left it to me, it felt natural.”
“I don’t know what that’s like, Jackie. I’ve never been in one place long, and I think that’s why I’m taking this move harder.”
“I don’t understand.”
“My place in the city was fantastic. Exactly how I wanted it. And my job was perfect. I felt settled, at peace.”
“Oh, and now you’re not.”
“No. Not at all. But…” With a huge sigh, I continued, “I will try to do thisgetting-to-know-youthing. But don’t hold out hope. I am not an easy person.”
Jackie wiggled his eyebrows. “Lucky for you, I am.”
I laughed; he was so stinking cute. “Okay. Well, if I’m getting the day off, I want to put it to good use.”
Jackie frowned as if I was going to leave him behind. “What’s your plan?”
“You can help me unpack. Come on. We’ll pick up something for lunch on the way.”
Chapter eleven
We stopped at the Blue Star in town and picked up fried chicken with some fixings and headed over to Alfred’s new place, which was way, way on the other side of town. It was cute, a small cottage with all the storybook arches and gingerbread trim. Hell, it even had a section of latticework on the side of the oversized porch that had overgrown and half-dead roses crawling up it. “This will clean up nice.”
“I’m hoping. It’ll be great, right?”
“I can see you having coffee here in the morning or a glass of wine at night. Maybe fresh roses.” I gestured toward the trellis.
“It’s falling apart. Might have to replace the entire thing.”
“I’ll help.” I wanted to reassure him that I’d be there for him no matter what. I didn’t think he understood that. “It’s what we do here, Al.”
He bit his bottom lip and focused on unlocking the door. Inside was wall-to-wall boxes, and I wondered if he’d actually gotten anything unpacked yet. “This is it.”
“Where should we start?”
He shrugged. “Let’s put the food in the kitchen. Maybe start there?”
We maneuvered around boxes and into the closed-off kitchen. It had been upgraded at some point but still seemed small, even with the arched opening and shiplap walls. There was an eat-in area with a table set beside a window. I scooted behind it and opened the shutters. “That’s better.” Light filled the space but didn’t make it feel much bigger.
Alfred put the food on the counter. “We need to open up some of these to find dishes.” He pointed at the line of boxes that ran the length of the kitchen and stacked against the far wall.
“Let’s do it then.” It looked as if he hadn’t unpacked anything since he’d been here, and it kind of felt sad. And for me, scary. It meant he still wasn’t invested in staying, but I was ready to get busy and change that.
We managed to get through the kitchen, dining room, and even made a small dent in the living room before breaking for lunch. The chicken was a good call, since it kept well. Afterward, Alfred found some towels and we washed up. “Thanks for all your help. I think it would have taken me a damned month to do this much by myself.”
“Pfshh…I’m sure it wouldn’t, but it does help to have someone to work with.” I slung my arm over his shoulder, not expecting anything. I was only being friendly, but Alfred leaned into my side. I turned to look at him, and he kissed me, lips soft againstmine. I wanted more, but I had to let him lead. This was his rodeo. However fast or far he wanted to go, I would be satisfied with it.
He slid his tongue over my lips, and I opened, letting him in, letting him rub his tongue against mine. He pulled away and took his time looking at me. I let him, silently hoping he liked what he saw. I was really a simple guy. My hair was red, and that came with all the freckles everywhere, and my build was average at best. I’d always been the sparky little friend of Brock’s. He was the big beefy guy. But I managed to make up for any shortcomings with my vibrant personality. I never felt small. But did Alfred like that?
“Let’s go sit outside. The back porch is nice.”
I followed him out. He had already set up a patio table and chairs overlooking the huge yard. “There’s more than enough space here for a pool if you want one.”
“I think so. Come on.” We walked across the yard. In the very back was a small copse of trees that blocked the view of a small clearing from every direction, and in the center was an oversized lawn chair that looked more like a reclining love seat. It was definitely built for two. He sat in the chair and leaned back. “Join me.”
I didn’t need to be asked twice. I climbed on beside him, and he immediately snuggled up against me. “Nice.”
“Yeah. I like having this little spot tucked away from everything. Makes me feel alone. Not lonely, but…I’m not getting the right word here.”
