Page 19 of Dreams and Reptiles

“I miss you, Dad. Are you okay? Aren’t you lonely out there?”

I smiled at that. If only she knew where I’d just been. She’d have thoughts about me dating, which she’d share. Vigorously. I wasn’t quite ready for that tonight. What is it about twenty-somethings that makes them think they know so much more than their parents, turning them into judgy little punks?

“I’m not lonely. Besides my menagerie of reptiles, I’ve got great friends at the fire department and in town.” And before I thought better of it, I added, “And I have a new neighbor. A guy bought the winery next to Grandma’s property. He’s turning it into an artists’ retreat.” I couldn’t help the smile, and I was sure she heard it in my voice as well.

“Artists’ retreat? That’s so cool.”

“I think it will be.”

We talked over dates for her to visit, and I told her to book flights, and I’d reimburse her.

“Miss you, sweetheart,” I said, as we ended the conversation.

“You, too, Dad. See you soon.”

I blew out a breath as I disconnected. I loved Shay with all my heart, but sometimes talking with her was a reminder of the part of my heart I was missing.

“Miss you, Son.”

And then I had a good cry, the kind that lets you purge all the icky stuff clogging up your flow so you can live to fight whatever came at you for another day.

At that moment, it was Frank Sinatra coming at me.

“I got no beef with you, friend,” I said, getting to my feet. “I’ll bring extra snacks tomorrow, all right? I know, I gotta pay protection fees, ya little mobster.”

He climbed over my shoe and went on his way.

Shay had complained that I was going from taking care of the elderly to taking care of needy creatures, and maybe I should examine why I had such a need to tend to others. I’d tried to explain that it was wildly different, that I experienced joy from watching my reptiles thrive. It was like preserving a part of history. They were a piece of the past still surviving despite existing in a world and a time that were often perilous, and yet they carried on. There was a lesson in that, somewhere. Being around them brought me peace.

Having Francis move in next door could bring me more peace, or it could disrupt my flow.

Bring it on, Saucy Neighbor.

CHAPTER

FIVE

Francis

I floated back to my house after we said good night, with beard burn and a fresh perspective on my new neighbor. He was so much more than a fire boy in questionable cargo shorts. I was thoroughly intrigued by his passion for his reptiles. What he had wasn’t merely a collection or a hobby. He had a mission, and I could appreciate that even if they intimidated me. I had a mission, too.

And the way he beamed when he talked about his friend Kimo’s metalwork had me wondering even more. I was so happy I’d asked him what he wanted. I recognized his expression as soon as I asked. I’d wager he wasn’t asked what he wanted very often. I knew that a man like him, with so much heart, who was so willing to give to others, was a rare treasure. To win the affections of such a man would be a major victory.

With the exception of two semi-serious boyfriends I’d had in college and grad school, I’d mostly been on my own. At thirty-one years old, I’d spent the past six years focused on work, with only a string of disappointing dates to show for my time in Silicon Valley. And after what happened at my old job, I’d wondered if I’d ever feel comfortable with a physical relationship again. I’d lost more than a good job. I no longer trusted my ability to read situations with men. But Kendall had been different, and when we danced together, I’d felt completely at ease. It helped that Derek knew him. He wasn’t a complete unknown, and any guy who got lovey-dovey with a giant dinosaur named John Wayne had to have a big heart.

It would take a person like him to make me feel safe enough to be intimate with.

Before we’d said good night, after long, luxurious kisses in the moonlight that I never wanted to end, we’d agreed to meet in three nights. Once I got back to the house, though, my mind started its nightly spiral of inquiries that I knew would keep me up if I didn’t have answers to a few things.

I decided it wouldn’t hurt to text and ask what he’d like me to cook.

Saucy Neighbor: What’s your favorite meal?

Reptile Wrangler: I’m a pretty boring guy.

Saucy Neighbor: Did you like the fried rice?

Reptile Wrangler: Best I’ve ever had.