“You’re in for a treat. I used to come here when I was your age with my parents. My favorite part is the penguins.”
“Penguins, really? Did you like it?”
“I loved it, and so will you.”
We spend most of the day with Emily attached to my hip. Every chance she gets, her hand is in mine. I figure it’s a security thing and don’t mind. It’s been a while since a male role model has been in her life. I’m glad I can be that person for her.
We linger at the gorilla exhibit for a solid hour, just observing her laugh. It’s hands down her favorite part. When we try to move on to the next one, she mopes. So Tessa and I grab a bench and let her enjoy herself. We chuckle, watching her talk to them like they are best friends, wanting to know if they are hungry, what they play with, and if they all get along in there.
“You know you don’t have to repay me for anything, right?” I sit my cup down on the ground. “You wouldn’t begin to understand all you’ve done for me in just the last few days.”
Her eyes peer into mine. “What do you mean?”
“Before you two came along, I wasn’t my best self. Losing my wife really took a toll on me.” I don’t want to make eye contact with her because sympathy isn’t something I prefer. “Depression has been an issue. Living in that hushed house by myself, regularly being reminded of her everywhere I turn...”
“I can’t imagine.” Her hand settles on top of mine, causing a rush of warmth through my body. “Is there anything I can do?”
My honest answer is to just be around. It’s been nice having someone to talk to and do things with after Carol passed. Yet, how could I ask that? Live with a guy she hardly knows just to help him curve his depression over his deceased wife? That’s just too much of a request. “Keep me company for as long as you can. I know someday, you’ll find a new place, but I’m delighted for you to stick around as long as you need.”
God, I sound so desperate. She probably considers me as this poor broken man who needs mending, but that’s not it.
“I’m ready to go home now,” Emily says, yawning.
The wind has picked up, making the sixty-five-degree weather feel like the fifties. I wrap my jacket around her shoulders, and we head to the car.
Our eyes meet. “Listen, I know that tough times come and go. But for you, they’ve been every day since losing your wife. I won’t say I know how you feel, because I couldn’t possibly... but I’m here for you. Just like you’ve been there for us.”
I hold her gaze, thinking about how great of a woman Tessa is, and there’s still so much to learn about her.
On the drive back, Emily falls asleep. Poor girl. All that walking must have worn her out.
After the short drive home, Emily snuggles up on the couch to watch her Animal Planet special. When I head into the bedroom to change, I see four missed calls. Two from the Realtor and then one from each of my brothers.
“Mark, sorry. I was out. Got any news?”
“Great news, actually. They accepted. Closing on Tuesday.”
“Just let me know the details. See you then.”
I haven’t mentioned this project to Tessa. The sooner the duplexes are ready, the closer it is to them leaving me. After today, I’m not prepared for that. I’m not ready to be alone again.
A knock on the door sounds. “Dinner’s ready.”
Emily and I rush to the dining room, taking our seats, waiting to see what she has come up with this time. I don’t mind keeping the fridge stocked for us, and having a home-cooked meal is well worth the time in the store picking out all kinds of ingredients. One of these days I’ll make her my dad’s famous California pasta.
Is it weird that Tessa and I are getting close? In such a short amount of time, I can already see myself with her. Maybe it’s because we are living together, and the common ground we share. Almost like we have known each other for longer.
“I’ve got some great news I’d like to share.” My chest tightens, and then I begin to second-guess my intentions. I don’t want to tell them because that means they will be moving out, and being in this house without anyone will drive me mad. Yet, that’s not something that should affect her decision to stay or go. I’ll deal with my depression when it comes. Until then, I’ll just enjoy the time I have left.
“Really? What?” she asks, passing me the bowl of salad.
“My brothers and I put an offer in on a set of duplexes. We close next Tuesday.”
Her eyes dart at me. “I didn’t take you for a rental property guy.”
“Not in the slightest. It’s for those like you two... people who lose their homes and have nowhere else to go.”
At that moment, our eyes link, and it’s like we’re talking to each other telepathically.