After the way Michelle had taken off and another restless night with my thoughts, I was looking forward to a new day. I shouldn’t have. Michelle never appeared. I tried to be patient while I scraped the paint from the exterior of the second and first floors, but, by three, I couldn’t stand it anymore. Had I done something wrong?
Setting my brush down, I walked through the new apartment and knocked on her door. I could hear the sounds of her steps as she backed away. There were no signs of panic or fear in her pulse or scent. Why was she avoiding me?
I went back outside and picked up my brush to do the trim around her kitchen windows, my not-so-discreet idea to catch her attention. Only, the apartment was empty.
It was only after I moved to the second floor that I heard her move down the steps to fetch her brothers. They were back upstairs within minutes, once again sequestered away, where they ate dinner quietly by themselves.
Impatient, I almost went up to knock again. But what would I say? She needed to talk to me? I didn’t think making demands would help my case or earn me some of her time and attention, which was all I really wanted.
Instead of racing upstairs and making a fool out of myself, I went for another run and considered what to do next to draw her back out. She seemed to like books. Maybe I could ask if she’d like to go to the library while Winifred worked with Liam and Aden. Having a plan, I turned myself around and went back to lay on Jim’s couch.
I caught a few hours of sleep then showered and was in the hall outside her door at first light. It took a while before I heard anyone move around. They were real quiet about it, which wasn’t usual.
As soon as Michelle opened the door, the boys bolted out and down the stairs. She caught sight of me and froze. Her wide-eyed shock and scent of panic confused me. It was like we were back where we’d started. Why, though?
Before I could say anything, she slammed the door shut, saying something about needing to shower.
I cocked my head and listened to her rapid steps, the slam of the bathroom door, and water running. I idly scratched my neck, frustrated and unsure.
Slowly, I walked to the apartment across the hall and stared at the walls as if they had the answer to what was going on with Michelle. Women needed owner’s manuals. Preferably with step-by-step instructions written in a language I could actually understand.
She’d been fine with me on the porch yesterday until I asked about Blake. If she didn’t want to talk about him, all she needed to do was say so. I would respect her wishes. Avoiding me was just an unnecessary punishment.
While I was standing in the apartment, I heard a noise on the porch. Quietly, I went to investigate and found Michelle outside, getting ready to read.
“Michelle?”
She jumped and turned to stare at me.
“I need to go into town for more paint soon. I was wondering if you wanted to come with me and help pick out the color.”
She didn’t say anything, just kept staring. I tucked my hands into my pockets and waited.
“I’ll pass. I’m more comfortable here,” she said softly.
“Okay.” Disappointment didn’t cover what I felt.
I turned and walked back inside. She didn’t want to spend time with me. She’d made that clear. But I wouldn’t quit. If I talked to her a little here and there, she’d come around. So, I gave her an hour in the sun then decided she needed something to drink. When I stepped out onto the porch, she was on her knees, looking like she was just getting ready to run inside. I pretended not to notice.
“Thirsty?” I asked, holding out a sweating glass of water.
“No. I have to pee.” She stood quickly and was gone again.
A few moments later, I heard her race down the steps and Winifred’s voice as she greeted Michelle.
She could run, but I wasn’t going anywhere.
Taking a deep breath, I went back to work. I’d make this place a home she wouldn’t want to leave, and I’d treat her with respect and patience for as long as it took.
When lunch approached, I went into her apartment and fixed everyone sandwiches. If she didn’t want to spend time with me, fine. But I’d still show her I was here to take care of her.
The boys raced up the stairs and reached the apartment first.
“Emmitt!” Liam said excitedly. “Are you cooking lunch today?”
The boy made me smile despite hearing his sister dragging her feet in the hallway.
“Yep. I thought maybe I’d eat with you guys.”
When she stepped in, I made sure not to look at her.
“How about we carry these sandwiches downstairs and eat on the grass?” I handed each boy a sandwich, took one for myself, and left with the boys.
It seemed to do the trick. She came downstairs and ate in the shade of the porch. She didn’t talk to us, but she didn’t run either… until I stood to go inside.
She’ll come around, Emmitt. Give her time.
I knew Winifred was right, but knowing didn’t make the wait any easier.
****
The next day, it rained in the early morning. The rising heat and humidity made painting the exterior impossible, so while the kids ran through the sprinkler, I went outside to do some yard work.
Michelle was already on her blanket on the lower porch. Not wanting her to run, I kept walking to the garage. The weed eater leaned in the corner. From the looks of the yard, Jim didn’t use it often. Thinking of the kids, I grabbed it and walked out.
“Liam, save some water for me,” I said as I walked past the boys. He tried splashing me, and I grinned. He was a different boy from just a few weeks ago.
At the tree line, I gave the starter a pull and got to work. By the time I managed half of the back side of the yard, sweat was trickling down my spine. I pulled off my shirt and tucked it into the waistband of my shorts, letting the lazy breeze dry my skin. It didn’t help much.
When I finished the back section, I killed the motor and moved to start the long side.
“Emmitt, I think the water’s almost gone,” Aden shouted with a giggle.
I glanced at them, seriously thinking about running with them for just a few minutes, when I caught sight of Michelle. She was sitting on the porch, staring at me with the cutest blush. When she saw me looking, she lifted her book to hide her face.
Confusing.
When I finished, Winifred already had lunch made. We all ate together on the porch, Michelle keeping her distance from me. The boys talked about what they wanted to do when Jim came home. More sprinkler time and possibly some races.
As soon as they were back in the water, I borrowed Winifred’s keys and went to town. Michelle said blue was her favorite color, and I needed a gallon for her bedroom.
While I was in town, I spent some time looking at furniture and ordered a few pieces to pick up at a later date. I hoped she’d like everything and feel at home when I was done. By the time I had what I needed, the sun hung low in the sky.
When I got back, Winifred sat on the porch with the kids. Both were eating a cookie, but Aden didn’t look happy about it.
“What’s up, little man?” I said, ruffling his hair.
“Jim’s not home.”
I glanced at Winifred.
Any concern?
Yes. Quite a bit. Michelle is missing, too. When I asked Jim, he said she’s with him but won’t say where.
I struggled for control. Jim was my brother. I trusted him with my life. There had to be an explanation for why he’d taken Michelle off on his own.
“I’m sure he’ll be home soon.” I sat next to the boys. “Got any big plans for tomorrow?”
They talked through some ideas until Aden was smiling again.
I think I should go look for them.
I agree. I’ll keep the little ones company.
“Would you two like to watch a movie with me?” she asked Liam and Aden.
While they went inside to watch a movie, I quickly cleaned up and changed. Outside, I went to the garage and pulled out my bike. At least Jim had the sense to take the truck.
It wasn’t hard to find them. The black marks out of the driveway told the direction. From there, I followed the faded scent of the truck’s exhaust to the bar Michelle had visited once before.
I was going to kill Jim.
Cars crowded the parking lot and music blasted inside. My ears hurt, and I was still fifty feet away. Rolling my shoulders, I pocketed the bike key and went inside.
Jim wasn’t hard to spot. It worried me, though, that the stool next to him was vacant and there was no sign of Michelle.
“Where is she?” I asked when I stood behind him.
“Finally!” He turned to me. “You took forever. She’s avoiding you because being with you makes her want to share her secrets. Secrets she thinks will give you control over her. But, she’s promised to stop running away from you.” He grinned at me. “You’re welcome.”