Chapters 11-17 have been rewritten to improve story flow and pacing. [June 27, 2024]

    -----

    The men at the door look related. So related that I''d bet they''re twins.

    "Hi," the one on the left says, with a charming smile. They have close-cropped brown hair and twinkling brown eyes, with popular kid in high school written all over them. They have to be in their mid-twenties now, though.

    "Hi," I respond, with some suspicion. Is this that legendary thing called solicitation? Are they here to sell me something?

    If so, they''re screwed. Selene got to my wallet first.

    "Mrs. Elkins sent us," the guy on the right says, and I turn my gaze to him, relaxing a little.@@@@

    "Oh?" Mrs. Elkins wouldn''t just send someone without warning me.

    Checking my phone, I see a missed text.

    [MRS. ELKINS: Don''t forget that Ben and Franklin are coming to help put up some shelves in the living room. You can send them away if you''re not up to it.]

    Oh, right. I vaguely recall some conversation like that last week. Probably something I should have added to my phone so I wouldn''t be surprised at a time like this.

    "The shelves," I say, glancing back up.

    Both of them smile. They''re identical, though one''s a little more burly and the other wears glasses. "I''m Ben," the one with glasses offers, turning up the wattage of his grin.

    "Franklin," the other supplies, reaching out to shake my hand. He has a wedding ring. The other doesn''t. "My wife is Mrs. Elkin''s grand-niece."

    I''m surprised by my own energy, considering the fever still simmers under my skin. But there''s a buzzing in my veins, a sense of purpose that keeps me going.

    Finally, the shelves are up, and most of the books are in place. I step back, admiring the transformation. What was once a bare living room now feels like a cozy library, ready for rainy day reading sessions.

    "Looks great, doesn''t it?" Franklin grins, wiping his brow.

    "It really does. Thank you both so much." Gratitude swells in my chest. These strangers, now tentative friends, have given me more than just shelves. They''ve helped me build a home.

    As they pack up their tools, Franklin reaches into his pocket. "Oh, before I forget—my wife wanted me to give you this." He hands me a colorful flyer. "We host a weekly barbecue over the summer, kind of a community thing. You''re more than welcome to join us."

    I take the flyer, touched by the gesture. "That''s so kind of you. I''ll definitely try to make it."

    Ben nods, shouldering his toolbox. "It''s a great way to meet people. And the food''s not bad either." He winks, but it''s more friendly than flirty.

    After a round of goodbyes and more thank yous, I close the door behind them. Leaning against it, I let out a long breath. The apartment feels different now. Not just because of the shelves, but because of what they represent. A fresh start, a chance to build something of my own.

    Selene stretches on the couch, blinking at me sleepily. I laugh softly, crossing the room to join her. "Lazy pup. You slept through all the hard work."

    She yawns, nuzzling into my hand as I pet her. For a moment, I let my mind wander. I think of Ben, of his easy smiles and helpful demeanor. In another life, maybe I would have been drawn to him. But now...

    I sigh, shaking my head. Lucas Westwood. Even here, hundreds of miles away, he haunts me. The memory of his touch, his scent, the way he looked at me, is seared into my soul. And the way he looked at me after—

    No. I can''t think about that. I won''t let him ruin this for me, this fragile new life I''m building.

    Romance isn''t in the cards for me, not now. Maybe not ever. And that''s okay.

    Selene whines softly, as if sensing my melancholy. I scratch behind her ears, forcing a smile. "We''ve got each other, right? That''s enough."