“No.” I pause. “Well, maybe. But that’s not why I chose it.” I decide to be honest. “Levi, isn’t it incredible we’ve become neighbors? Truly. It makes me question whether it’s predestined. Maybe fate wants me to learn something from you . . . or you from me. So, yes, I’m ignoring your note, and I want you to read this book.”
He snickers and sets the book on his thighs. “You think you have something to teach me?”
He’s clearly amazed by the prospect, and sporting the first authentic broad smile I’ve ever seen from him. Even beat-up and broken, he’s more handsome than most men. His blithe reaction encourages me to continue.
“Obviously you’ve lots to learn about basic social graces, kindness, and trust. So, my purpose is pretty clear. What you could possibly teach me, now that’s the real mystery. But I’m open to exploring what it might be.”
He tips his head back when he laughs at my comment, exposing a hearty, deep chortle. Afterward, he snaps his gaze to me, narrowing his piercing eyes to fasten me in place with his stare. As if issuing a warning, he speaks quietly.
“You, Lindsey, have much to learn.”
His confidence and heated stare send a delicious shiver surging through me. Luckily, his roommate returns, breaking the spell Levi cast before my daze becomes apparent.
When I introduce myself to Carlos, I notice the balloons and drawings on his side of the room. Levi’s side is stark and cold, like him and his house.
An orderly brings lunch trays, but the food looks wretched. I perceive Levi’s disgust. Aside from sampling the Jell-O, he pushes the cart away.
“So, Levi, tell me what happened,” I say, switching topics in front of his roommate. “What are your injuries?”
He sighs, acquiescing to my determination. He crosses one arm over his chest while toying with the remote with his other hand. His defensive posture is rapidly becoming familiar.
“An idiot driving a car without headlights plowed into me on the PCH and fractured my spine. They stabilized it with some screws and a graft. Everything should start feeling better in four to six weeks and heal in six months to a year.” He recites the summary without despair, but his glib tone rings hollow in my ears.
Despite his dismissive manner, I assume he’s suppressing a storm of emotion. His stony facade may take years to chip away, if he’ll even let anyone try.
“So, within a year you’ll be practically back to normal? That’s great. How long will you be here?”
“Two more days, but you don’t need to come back,” he preempts.
Shrouded by mistrust, he’s difficult to read. My instinct tells me he’s pushing back to protect himself, not to offend me. In any case, his behavior presents a challenge I must meet.
“No, I don’t need to, but I bet you’d like some items from your house. A change of clothes, or your laptop?”
I watch him weigh the defeat of asking for a favor against living without his computer for the next few days. Sadistically, I enjoy his squirming, but only because I perceive it’s not something he suffers often.
“I’d like some of those things, but you don’t have to do it.” He affects a bored countenance, presumably to maintain his own sense of control. “I’m not asking you for favors, Lindsey.”
“Fine, Levi. I’m offering without being asked.” I’m slightly agitated now, at him and myself. “Would you like some things from home, or not?”
Tapping the book against his legs twice before answering, he replies without looking me in the eyes. “Yes, thank you. That’s real nice of you.”
He coughs to cover his discomfort. Considering his current predicament, I don’t rub his nose in my small victory.
“Okay. Write down a list of what you want and where I can locate it. I’ll bring it back later today. Do you have a key hidden somewhere?”
“They’re on the tray over there.” He motions toward the table tray and jots down a short list of items.
“Great. I’ll do this while you read.” I wink in jest.
He flashes a friendly smile, revealing his dimples once more. “I’ll need my glasses,” he says, pointing to the list, “to read this book.”
“Glasses, huh? You didn’t need those in Florida,” I remark.
“Seven years age a person, but thanks for reminding me.”
Before leaving, I again notice the mush served up as lunch. Levi and Carlos deserve better.
“I know you’re a picky eater. Can I bring you something for dinner?”
“I’ve cooked with you, so I’m not so sure that’s a wise idea. You might bleed to death from mishandling the knives.”