“Wow, you’re really pink,” Eli noted.
Despite being flustered, Iris decided to continue drying dishes and keep him company. “Are you selling the house soon? Keshonda said it was your grandma’s place.”
“Sales often don’t happen fast, even after the offer. The process takes time.”
“What will you do when everything is settled?” she asked.
It had been a couple of months already, so he only had a month left on his three-month rental agreement. She’d never bought a house, just inherited this one, but she knew there were usually terms like thirty or sixty days to close. But since he was out of the house already, the buyers could move in right away. Once the papers were signed, he could go.
Damn. He might go.
“I’m not sure yet.”
Yeah, that wasn’t what she wanted to hear. But one kiss didn’t make a relationship.
And she had no clue where to go from here, because if she said something noncommittal, he’d probably sense her disappointment. Yet Iris was fully aware that she had no cause to feel that way. No promises had been made.
Changing the subject seemed like the best idea rather than put weighty expectations on him when he hadn’t suggested they become official after she kissed him. “By the way, my store is doing a lot better. I’ve been using all the techniques and strategies you taught me. Views and orders are way up. Rowan’s helping with the shipments.”
“I knew you’d do amazing,” he said.
And his tone bothered her; there was a finality and a sadness in it, as if he had some bad news to impart, but he hadn’t figured out how yet. Shit, he’s not sick, is he? That…would explain a lot. His reluctance to let people close, the way he chose not to make major decisions or long-term plans… She gazed at him, wide-eyed.
What would I do if that’s true?
And then suddenly, it was crystal clear. It didn’t matter. Not to her. If he had two months, a year, two? Then she’d want to be with him. Life didn’t come with any guarantees, after all. She’d rather be with Eli than look for someone else. Her “mother” would say this was just more of her romantic nonsense, utterly divorced from reality, but that only made Iris more certain.
In that moment, all her doubts disappeared.
“It doesn’t matter,” she told him.
Eli blinked. “What doesn’t? Never mind that for a sec. I have to tell you something.”
Here it comes. Cancer? Bad heart? I’m ready. I can take it.
Just then, Rowan dashed in, waving their hands wildly. “Hey, come up and see. Henry Dale finished installing my desk.”
Iris hadn’t even heard the banging, which proved how distracted she had been. Eli sighed a bit over the interruption, not so loud that Rowan noticed. He dried his hands on the towel and followed them upstairs to see the custom build. Iris was too curious to pass up the invitation, so she went along with them. Sally and Mira were already there, peering into the small room from either side of the doorway.
“Isn’t it cool?” Rowan asked three or four times, getting affirmations from a different housemate each time.
“I love the detail work,” Mira said.
There were fanciful cuts and grooves on the back of the unit, making it look like an art piece, and Henry Dale had painted it in different colors, so it brightened up the plain walls. He demonstrated how to lower and fold up the desktop twice, then Rowan took over. The chair really did get tucked away in the cabinet, leaving no trace once the cabinet was closed.
“You do great work,” Iris said.
Eli agreed. “You should start offering custom builds to those who need special furniture for small spaces.”
“I wouldn’t even know how to start with that,” Henry Dale muttered.
But Iris could see a thoughtful look in the older man’s eyes, so she encouraged him. “If I can run a business, you can.”
“I already did that! I’m retired.”
“You were a general contractor,” Sally said. “This is carpentry. I’m willing to make the cushions for you, as long as you don’t work me too hard. And I’ll need a cut of the profits. Thirty percent seems fair.”
“Thirty percent?! You’re delusional, woman.”
The older couple went off bickering. Iris suspected they’d argue over the venture, but at least it would keep them busy. Rowan slowly sat down at their desk and wriggled a bit, getting comfortable. She took that as the clue to step back. Mira nodded as she closed the door.
“They’ll be lost for hours. I was thinking…”
“What?” Eli asked.
“Rowan’s birthday is coming up, the day before Thanksgiving, and I want to get them a digital drawing tablet. I found one on sale, and I’m planning to get it, no matter what. But I wondered if you’re interested in chipping in?”
“Absolutely,” Eli said at once. “Is a hundred enough?”
“Too much! I only need about half that if everyone kicks in.”
“Then I’ll pay for Iris and me right now.” Before Iris could stop him, he had his wallet out, counting bills.
Mira shot Iris an interested look, as if she had many thoughts and feelings about Eli offering to do that on her behalf. Regardless, Mira accepted the cash. “I…see. Then I just need to talk to Henry Dale and Sally. Thanks for supporting Rowan. They’re really talented.”
“I know,” Iris said.
With that, Mira headed off, leaving Iris to wonder why Eli was so willing to spend money. Was it because he wouldn’t need it for much longer?
Dammit, what was he about to tell me anyway?
* * *
Eli should have immediately followed up after the disruption.
There would never be a “right” time to explain things, but the longer he waited, the more difficult it got to raise the subject. It seemed like such a tiny harmless misunderstanding back then. Now, he could see that Iris was worried about whatever his revelation might be, and he shamelessly chose the coward’s path. It probably wouldn’t make a difference if he waited a week or two, right? If he dumped this on her immediately after they started…dating? Is that the right word? Then it might end before even getting started.
If he tried to build a deeper relationship first, she’d be more inclined to examine events from his point of view. Probably. Hell, he didn’t know anymore. This much he did know—he wasn’t ready for this to end. And the minute he confessed the full story, she might ask him to move out.
I’ll tell her when my rental agreement is up. Another month.
Not nearly long enough to do everything he wanted with Iris, but maybe, if the situation went sideways, those memories would be enough to console him. Hmm. It’ll be almost Christmas. Gamma had never believed in the religious implications, but she liked sparkly trees, penguins in sock hats, and red-cheeked St. Nick with a bulging bag of goodies.
Eli felt more or less the same way.
“You look pensive,” Iris said, worrying her lower lip with her teeth.
“My grandmother invited me to spend Christmas at her place in Albuquerque,” he answered, and it wasn’t a lie, though it was an evasion.
“Are you going?”
Is it my imagination or does she look sad?