Page 129 of Book and Ladder
Maybe If I weren’t so distracted by thoughts of the host ofBurning Through the Pages,I might’ve paused and peeked out the peephole before flinging the door open to the person knocking this late at night.
But I am distracted. So I end up standing in my entryway, staring at Patrick O’Connell while he stares back at me, seemingly as astonished that I answered as I am.
“I just wanted to make sure you’re okay,” Patrick says
“If I am, it’s no thanks to you or your family.”
“I heard you took a job at the library.”
“News travels fast.”
“How’s it going so far?”
“Did you need something, Patrick? Besides rubbing the fact that I’m now a librarian in training in my face?”
“I … no. It’s nothing. Sorry.” He hooks a thumb toward his door, turns, and strides across the porch.
Mrs. Hellman leans out over her porch railing. “’Bout time you two finally talked!”
“Goodnight, Mrs. Hellman,” I shout.
“Goodnight, Daisy! Goodnight, Patrick!”
Patrick shouts goodnight, all the while staring at me as if he’s trying to solve a puzzle.
I step inside my house and shut the door without another word.
If anyone’s a puzzle, it’s certainly not me.
My apartment smells like freshly popped popcorn. I grab the bag and dump it into a bowl, then I carry it upstairs with me and settle into my bed with my laptop and snack.
M&M:Okay. I’m back.
BTTP:Me too. I mean … I’m here.
M&M:You won’t guess what happened.
BTTP:Do you want me to guess? Or do you want to tell me?
M&M:I’ll tell you. My neighbor dropped by.
BTTP:The neighbor who drives you nuts?
M&M:Understatement of the century. He’s a thorn in my side.
BTTP: Sometimes we don’t always know what a person is going through.
M&M:You probably think I’m just mean. Trust me, I’m not a grudge holder—not as a rule.
BTTP:I don’t think you’re mean. I’m sure if you’re irritated, your neighbor gave you reason. I’m just bringing up the fact that we rarely know the whole backstory behind why someone does what they do. I’m not excusing your neighbor. I’m just saying, maybe you don’t have the whole picture.
I can’t help the sigh that escapes me. The host is not wrong. I’m not opening the door to Patrick. Well, I just did—but not the door to a friendship or whatever it is he’s trying to pursue with me by bringing me coffee and mopping my shop and fixing my water heater. I feel like I do know the whole backstory. But it’s possible I don’t.
M&M:Maybe you’re right. But I think if you knew my neighbor, you’d be on my side on this one.
BTTP: I have no doubt I’d be on your side. You’re reasonable when it comes to forgiving people.
M&M: What makes you say that?
