It took a split second before I could finally move, trying to force a smile on my face as I finally started going down in the stairs. As the sun finally shone at such an angle that I could get a better look at the man who was standing there. A tall, broad-shouldered, black-haired man stood before me. I collected the last drop of my strength to say hello politely and not show how scared and excited I am.
- Hello Aaron, long time no see.
I smiled at him but my heart pounded in my throat. I haven't seen him in 12 years, only on the internet, where he wasn't very active because of his introvert personality. I think I surprised him enough with my distance, because his eyebrows shot up a bit and he took a few steps towards me, which made me even more embarrassed. He was also confused because he started a movement that indicated an intention to hug, for which I also leaned forward a little, then he stopped and I did too, and finally we both took a deep breath and our movements turned into a very lame half hug. It was bad... very bad. - Why does my good "problem solving" skill leave me at such criticial moments? - It would have been enough for us to experience this embarrassing scene, but of course my sister and her husband also watched it. This is suck… So four of us stood in the hall in awkward silence.
- Long time no see indeed, are you all right? - he broke the silence with the small talk.
- Yes, thank you. - I couldn't really think so it slipped out of me - I never dreamed that I would see you again. – As soon as I said it, I regretted it, what an embarrassing statement.
- Yes, neither do I... I mean… meet with you... here... I mean in the city... yes. - he scratched his neck.
He wasn't at all like he used to be, apart from the fact that he looked much more masculine, it was obvious that the playful boy had become a serious - and gloomy - man, yet I felt that my presence broke his hard-earned balance. Of course, I was terribly curious, so I couldn't resist asking about it.
- Is Mandy here too? - in response to my question, darker circles appeared around his eyes.
- Yes. - he saw my eyes widen and quickly continued - I mean in the city, we renovated and moved into grandfather's old house. But she travels a lot for work.
- It's at a fashion company, right?
- Yes. - he answered briefly, immersed in his thoughts.
I felt it was better not to ask more. My savior that day was Brad, who couldn't bear to watch this embarrassing scene anymore.
- Well, Budy, would you help me put the rest of the stuff into the van while the ladies check the other boxes.
- Of course! - Aaron was relieved, as I was.
As we went out to the garage, I looked at Caty and immediately said:
- Please don't start! – she bit her mouth and put her hands up.
- I didn't even want to say anything!
- Oh, of course... It was still quite embarrassing. I really didn't think I would meet him, I thought they moved to the other side of the world.
- It was like that, but they moved back more than 1.5 years ago. - Caty realized that she shouldn't have said that, I turned to her and my eyes almost flashed lightning.
- And yet why the hell didn't you tell me in the last 1.5 years? - I couldn't stop myself, but I tried to keep my normal tone.
- Exactly for your reaction now. I was afraid that if I told you, you wouldn't consider the job opportunities in the area, and you wouldn't be around me again. I know it sounds selfish, but I was happy for the opportunity to move back and have my sister back. - I took a deep breath because I understood her point of view.
- You can keep secrets so well that even the most experienced FBI interrogators couldn't get them out of you. I rolled my eyes. – You know very well that I worked very hard for this position, I would have definitely applied, but if you had told me then at least I would have been able to prepare for this meeting and not be completely shocked.
- I'm sorry! - she said sincerely.
- It's okay! - I took another deep breath - Show me those boxes, boss. She smiled fully at that.
- Aww, I love you - she hugged me.
- Unfortunately, me too. - I played the offended.
Fortunately, there weren't many boxes left that needed to be looked through, I only considered the smaller part of it important, which the boys put in the van, the rest ended up in the container, mainly old clothes and bedding that are no longer usable. I just pulled out the last box, it was big enough to fit under the shelf. As I struggled, the metal shelf itself fell over, so I quickly took a defensive position. Although the shelf didn't fall on me because Aaron was there in seconds and stopped it - what a suitable moment for a romantic drama, I thought to myself - but I couldn't think for long because the shelf finally let go of the box, which fell on my feet.