that I heard her move down the steps to fetch her brothers. They were back upstairs within minutes, once again sequestered away, where they ate dinner quietly by themselves.
Impatient, I almost went up to knock again. But what would I say? She needed to talk to me? I didn’t think making demands would help my case or earn me some of her time and attention, which was all I really wanted.
Instead of racing upstairs and making a fool out of myself, I went for another run and considered what to do next to draw her back out. She seemed to like books. Maybe I could ask if she’d like to go to the library while Winifred worked with Liam and Aden. Having a plan, I turned myself around and went back to lay on Jim’s couch.
I caught a few hours of sleep then showered and was in the hall outside her door at first light. It took a while before I heard anyone move around. They were real quiet about it, which wasn’t usual.
As soon as Michelle opened the door, the boys bolted out and down the stairs. She caught sight of me and froze. Her wide-eyed shock and scent of panic confused me. It was like we were back where we’d started. Why, though?
Before I could say anything, she slammed the door shut, saying something about needing to shower.
I cocked my head and listened to her rapid steps, the slam of the bathroom door, and water running. I idly scratched my neck, frustrated and unsure.
Slowly, I walked to the apartment across the hall and stared at the walls as if they had the answer to what was going on with Michelle. Women needed owner’s manuals. Preferably with step-by-step instructions written in a language I could actually understand.
She’d been fine with me on the porch yesterday until I asked about Blake. If she didn’t want to talk about him, all she needed to do was say so. I would respect her wishes. Avoiding me was just an unnecessary punishment.
While I was standing in the apartment, I heard a noise on the porch. Quietly, I went to investigate and found Michelle outside, getting ready to read.
“Michelle?”
She jumped and turned to stare at me.
“I need to go into town for more paint soon. I was wondering if you wanted to come with me and help pick out the color.”
She didn’t say anything, just kept staring. I tucked my hands into my pockets and waited.
“I’ll pass. I’m more comfortable here,” she said softly.
“Okay.” Disappointment didn’t cover what I felt.
I turned and walked back inside. She didn’t want to spend time with me. She’d made that clear. But I wouldn’t quit. If I talked to her a little here and there, she’d come around. So, I gave her an hour in the sun then decided she needed something to drink. When I stepped out onto the porch, she was on her knees, looking like she was just getting ready to run inside. I pretended not to notice.
“Thirsty?” I asked, holding out a sweating glass of water.
“No. I have to pee.” She stood quickly and was gone again.
A few moments later, I heard her race down the steps and Winifred’s voice as she greeted Michelle.
She could run, but I wasn’t going anywhere.
Taking a deep breath, I went back to work. I’d make this place a home she wouldn’t want to leave, and I’d treat her with respect and patience for as long as it took.
When lunch approached, I went into her apartment and fixed everyone sandwiches. If she didn’t want to spend time with me, fine. But I’d still show her I was here to take care of her.
The boys raced up the stairs and reached the apartment first.
“Emmitt!” Liam said excitedly. “Are you cooking lunch today?”
The boy made me smile despite hearing his sister dragging her feet in the hallway.
“Yep. I thought maybe I’d eat with you guys.”
When she stepped in, I made sure not to look at her.
“How about we carry these sandwiches downstairs and eat on the grass?” I handed each boy a sandwich, took one for myself, and left with the boys.
It seemed to do the trick. She came downstairs and ate in the shade of the porch. She didn’t talk to us, but she didn’t run either...until I stood to go inside.
She’ll come around, Emmitt. Give her time.
I knew Winifred was right, but knowing didn’t make the wait any easier.
* * * *
The next day, it rained in the early