Page 16 of Stuck with You
I catch a glimpse of him in the distance. He’s just a tiny line, but for some reason, I know it’s him — the man who makes tables.
I study his shape as he nears. With every step he takes, he becomes more clear. He’s wearing dark cargo pants, and a white long sleeved top, and what’s that on his head? A cowboy hat? Damn, it looks good on him.
Jacob studies him curiously as he inches nearer. Alex throws a hand up in a friendly wave, and I return the gesture, full of barely concealed excitement.
“Hey, Alex,” I call out. I don’t know what possesses me, but I think it might have a little something to do with me trying to make Jacob jealous. I don’t know why I’m playing games. I’m not even sure I am playing games. I’m just trying to show Jacob that there are other fish in the sea and I’m trying to moving on. And maybe he should try too.
“Hey, Corrie,” Alex says. He has a confident sexy voice with a hint of a drawl. I’m so happy he remembered my name properly, with Ming always calling me Connie and all.
“No tool belt today?” I ask in my flirtiest voice.
He laughs and looks down at his worn pants. “Nope. Just taking it easy today…out for a walk.”
“It’s nice out, isn’t it?”
“Beautiful.” He lifts the tip of his hat and shoots Jacob a curious look. He throws out his hand. “I’m Alex. I live a few cottages down.”
Jacob shakes his hand a little too enthusiastically. “Jacob MacMillan,” he says, very business-like. Between the lines, he’s saying, You may be a young good-looking cowboy, but I’m a successful attorney, and drive a Mercedes worth twenty times what your piece of junk pick-up is worth.
Okay, so maybe that’s not exactly what it’s saying, but it’s something like that.
“Nice to meet you, Jacob,” Alex offers, all smiles. Jacob reciprocates, but I can tell he’s just being polite.
Alex turns to me. “I’m so glad I ran into you, Corrie, because if you have the time today, I’d love to show you my studio.”
My heart does a little flip. What?! “Uh… sure, yes. I’m free all day.” Could I possibly sound more desperate? I want to go back in time and be a bit more cool. He’s probably just trying to sell his wares. I’m sure he’s not interested in an old bat like me. He probably has a bouncy, perky girlfriend naked in his bed right now, sipping on a bubble tea.
Jacob’s expression is priceless — he’s not impressed.
“Yes, I’d love to see your work,” I tell Alex, my words measured. “When can you show me?”
His whole face lights up. “Now?”
I bite my lip, mulling it over for a beat. “Sure.”
Meanwhile, Jacob’s mouth is agape in shock. He’s trying to process our conversation. “Uh… what is it that you do, buddy?” he asks. “Are you an artist?”
“I work with reclaimed wood,” he tells him. “I build tables, chairs, benches, barn doors, coat racks… anything really. My stuff is all handmade, rustic, perfect for cottage living.”
Jacob nods slowly. “Interesting…”
I can see his little brain working… he’s up to something.
“I’d love to see it too,” Jacob says, full of enthusiasm. “Can I tag along?”
Oh great… he’s cockblocking me now. Just great!
“Uh… sure.” Alex seems taken aback. “Uh yes… the more the merrier,” he adds, but his words are lacking enthusiasm. I’m delighted by his reaction — if I didn’t know any better, I’d think that Alex is disappointed. Perhaps he wanted me all to himself.
A woman can dream.
