Page 48 of Colton’s Inferno

“Sure do.”

“I’m in the building next door. On the third floor.” As a joke, he said, “We can go to my place and see what kind of old-man documentary is streaming. That way you don’t have to drive home in the rain.”

“I get enough documentaries at home, thank you very much. But maybe we could watch a rom-com or something.”

Was Lucy inviting herself up to his apartment? He wouldn’t be upset if she did. “That works for me.”

“Then, let’s go.”

They stood on the curb and waited for a break in traffic. After jogging to the opposite side of the road, they walked to his building. The front door was equipped with a dead bolt. After pulling a key ring from his pocket, he unfastened the lock. He opened the door, holding it while Lucy entered the building. Another drop of rain fell. And then, another. A distant rumble of thunder rolled through downtown.

The foyer was a square floor, covered in black and white tiles. There were a dozen mail slots on the left and a set of stairs on the right. “Third floor,” he said, beginning to climb. The building consisted of four floors, with four units on each level. Two to the left and two to the right. Aiden’s apartment was on the left and in the front of the building. Using a different key from the same ring, he opened his door. After stepping inside, he flipped a wall switch, and an overhead light illuminated the room.

“I love your place,” said Lucy, stepping out of her shoes and leaving them on a mat by the door. He took off his shoes as well.

Aiden looked around his apartment with fresh eyes, trying to see it all for the first time. Thankfully, he’d picked up before going out to dinner so there wasn’t the usual lived-in clutter. Tall windows filled the living room. The drapes were open, and there was a perfect view of Main Street. The building had been constructed in the early 1900s. Tons of upgrades had been made to the space over the years—new electrical and plumbing. The kitchen and bathroom had been remodeled more than once. But there were still parts of the original, like the windows, wooden floors, and exposed brick walls.

He had a blue sofa and matching chair. An end table with a lamp was tucked into a corner. A large TV hung on the wall, and a gaming system sat on a table that was tucked under the TV.

Lucy moved to the window and looked outside. Rain hit the glass, and watery light shone on her face. With her long braid and silky blue shirt, she looked like a water deity or mermaid. “This is a great view,” she said. “And if you need privacy, you can just close these.” She tugged on his curtains.

Aiden stood behind her and looked out onto the street. The sidewalk was now empty. A fork of lightning split the sky in two. “I would have just put up a sheet on the window,” he said. “But my mom and Kelly insisted on something more.”

She shook her head and laughed. “Funny.”

He’d let her think that he was joking. “I’d give you a tour,” he said. “But this is about it.” Pointing as he spoke, he said, “The kitchen is over there. The bathroom is behind that door. My bedroom is at the back of the apartment.”

“Nice. I like it.”

“Thanks. Can I get you something to drink? Or eat?”

“I’m good.” She dropped onto the sofa.

Aiden grabbed the remote from the table and pointed it at the TV. “I have most of the streaming services.” He never watched romantic comedies. Using the remote, he searched for the genre. A long line of movie posters appeared on the screen. “Let me know if something looks good.” He highlighted the first movie and then, the next.

“What about that one,” she suggested.

“What happens when an uptight man falls for a forgetful and scattered woman?” he said, reading the synopsis. He recognized both the actors. “It works for me.”

“Me, too.”

Aiden pressed Play and sat down next to Lucy. Outside, wind blew the rain until the drops pelted the window. In the distance thunder rumbled. The opening scene started, following a monkey on the streets of New York City. The people on the sidewalks, startled by the monkey, were comical. As was the actress who chased the animal. Lucy laughed. Her smile filled her whole face, and her joy filled the room.

He tried to pay attention to the TV. But Lucy was the only thing he wanted to watch.

Outside, there was a crack. A fork of lightning lit up the sky. Like a camera’s flash, the room filled with bright white light. The scent of ozone hung in the air. A moment later, thunder struck. The walls shook.

“Jeez.” Lucy had to raise her voice to be heard over the wind and the rain. “It’s getting bad outside. Glad I’m not driving in that.”

There was another bolt of lightning. Another rumble of thunder. The lights and TV flickered once. Then, everything went dark.

Lucy sat on Aiden’s sofa. Outside, a storm raged and battered against the window. Inside, it was dark as pitch.

“I think a transformer blew,” said Aiden. “The streetlights are out.”

She could feel more than see him rise from the sofa. A moment later, his shadow was silhouetted against the window.

“Nothing is lit up outside,” he said, his voice seeming to come from everywhere.