“That’s great.” I felt completely outclassed and tongue-tied, probably because I was so tired. Alex Monroe was bright-eyed and vivacious. Didn’t she know it was ten o’clock at night?
She wore a gorgeous pale pink business suit with a silky black tank top and fabulous shiny black stiletto heels. How could she be so friendly so late at night? And why was she still wearing high heels? Why wasn’t she wrapped in a ratty old bathrobe? The woman was downright intimidating.
But I had to let that go. This was the good friend of Sergio and Jeremy’s, my darling neighbors who had sublet their loft for the next year while they cavorted in Saint-Tropez. Alex was my new neighbor and I was determined to be friendly, even though I was so tired, I felt punchy.
“Have you met any of the other neighbors yet?” I asked. For a nanosecond, I considered asking her to come in to talk for a few minutes. I felt a bit aloof, carrying on a conversation out in the hall, but I wasn’t quite ready to invite someone I’d just met into my home. Another residual effect of having my space invaded more than once.
“I met Vinnie and Suzie first thing this morning,” she said. “And their adorable Lily, too. And then I ran into Mrs. Chung a little while ago. Everyone’s been so welcoming and helpful.”
I wasn’t about to break the streak, so I smiled gamely. “I’m glad. We all love Sergio and Jeremy, so any friend of theirs is a friend of ours.”
“That’s so sweet of you,” she said earnestly. Damn it, she sounded really sincere. Was there nothing truly hateful about the woman?
“I would ask you in for a glass of wine,” I said apologetically, “but I’m completely beat. I’ve been working all day and I confess I’m not used to it.”
She took a step backward. “I’m so sorry. I won’t keep you. I just wanted to introduce myself.”
“No, no, I’m glad you did. We’ll have you over for that glass of wine as soon as possible.”
“I’ll look forward to it.” Her smile turned thoughtful. “Vinnie said you worked at home. You’re a bookbinder, right?”
“That’s right.” I wasn’t sure how I felt about being the topic of conversation between the neighbors, but I guessed it was unavoidable. “I usually work at home, but I’m doing an outside job right now.” I paused. “That sounds really weird.”
She laughed, and the sound was so natural and friendly that it made me smile. For some reason, it also made me feel okay that Vinnie had been talking about me.
“Where are you working?” she asked.
“I’ve been hired to be the book appraiser on This Old Attic.”
“I love that show!”
“Me, too.” I grinned, pleased by her reaction. “It’s just for three weeks and it’s really fun, but I didn’t realize how drained I would feel by the end of the day.”
“You poor thing. You probably want to crawl into bed. But if you’re up for it tomorrow night, why don’t you stop by my place after work? I’ll make cupcakes.”
“Cupcakes?” I said slowly. “I love cupcakes.”
“Everybody does,” she said, smiling. “I’m hopeless at cooking much else, but I make fantabulous cupcakes. The best you’ve ever tasted.”
“How can I say no?”
“You really can’t.”
“Then I’ll be there.”
“Good. I’ll open a bottle of wine, too.”
I laughed. “Now you’re just pandering.”
She laughed, too, and we stood there grinning at each other for a few more seconds until I realized how goofy I must look.
I shook my head. “I’m obviously tired or I wouldn’t be standing here like a knucklehead. It was great to meet you, Alex. I’ll see you tomorrow night.” I started to walk away, made an instant decision, and turned back. “We’re having a little party Saturday afternoon, very casual, mostly neighbors and friends. If you’re not busy, we’d love it if you’d join us.”
For a brief second she looked bewildered, as if nobody had ever invited her to a party before. I knew that couldn’t possibly be true. Then, just as quickly, the look disappeared and she beamed with pleasure. “I would love to come. Thank you so much.”
“Great.” I turned, then remembered one more thing. “Tomorrow night I’ll be home around this same time. Is that too late?”
She brushed away the question. “No, anytime is fine.”
“Cool.” I waved, then walked into my place and closed the door behind me. And was instantly attacked by a tiny ball of fur that pounced on my shoes.
“Hello, silly thing,” I murmured, reaching down to pick up my adorable new kitten and cuddle her against my neck. I set down my computer case on the floor by my workshop desk and carried the kitten into the living room. On the kitchen bar was an open bottle of wine and two glasses.
“This is a very good sign,” I said to the kitten, then called out, “Is anybody home?”
Derek emerged from his office, also known as our second bedroom. “Hello, darling. How was your day?”