Free Share You by Rene Folsom Page B

nervous we had found the perfect tenant and she might not work out? Or was a woman really affecting me this way?
    After signing the lease, we took time to talk and get to know each other. I found out Ava’s father owned a motorcycle shop just before he passed away a few years ago. She was a bit reluctant to talk about family, so I didn’t push her. From what it sounded like, she was completely on her own—something I admire in a strong, independent woman, while wondering what got her to that point in her life.
    “Is it okay if I start moving in right away?” Ava asked as I walked her to the door.
    Barely able to contain my excitement, I just stood there with a stupid grin on my face—obviously suffering some form of brain malfunction that controls speech.
    “I know my lease doesn’t technically start until next week, but I just can’t wait to get out of that rat hole I live in right now. Of course, if you would rather I wait, I understand,” she continued, obviously thinking my silence was evidence of my disapproval instead of lack of brain cells.
    Finally overcoming my speech impediment, I said, “Of course you can move in right away! I for one can’t wait for you to.” With fumbling fingers, I reached into the bowl sitting by the front door and handed her our spare key.
    Her face lit up like it was Christmas as she bounced lightly and exclaimed, “Oh, thank you! I’ll rent the truck tomorrow and get started right away! I can’t wait!”
    Right as Ava mentioned the truck rental, Nick walked through the door and stopped in his tracks.
    “Wait. Is the bike your only vehicle?” he asked as he hung his man-purse on the hook and threw his keys in the bowl with a clank.
    Ava looked a bit embarrassed as she answered, “Well, yeah. It’s the only thing I can afford right now. My dad left it to me and…”
    “I didn’t mean it like that, sorry,” Nick backpedaled. “I just meant, we have a truck so you don’t have to spend money on renting one. Think your furniture will fit in the small bed of our pickup?” he asked as he pointed his thumb behind his shoulder in the direction of our front door.
    “Really? You guys wouldn’t mind?” Ava asked, stunned that anyone would offer such a favor. “You have no idea how much that would help! Thank you!” Before she even got the words out of her mouth, she was leaping toward Nick and tackling him in a bear hug.
    Nick chuckled as he looked at me through her fountain of hair. He awkwardly patted her on the shoulder as she pulled away.
    “No problem at all. Tomorrow is Saturday and I would love any excuse that gets me out of doing yard work,” he said as he rubbed the back of his neck. He always did that when he was nervous about something. “So, what time will you be ready tomorrow? Ten in the morning sound okay?”
    “That sounds perfect,” Ava approved as she turned and bounced out the door like a kid on their way to the circus.
    As soon as the door shut, Nick turned to me with an apologetic look on his face.
    “I’m sorry, Kel. I should have asked you first. You okay with this?”
    “I’m more than okay with it, Nick. It was very sweet of you to offer,” I assured him as I hugged his torso and smiled up at his gorgeous face.
    *****
    Ava moved in the next day.
    While Nick helped grab a load from her old apartment, I spent time moving some furniture around and getting her room ready. She didn’t seem to have much, so it really didn’t take long to get her settled.
    Nerves seemed to overtake me throughout the next few weeks. I couldn’t stop thinking about her. I also couldn’t help but wonder if she would like it here.
    She was only two years younger than me and we had a blast learning how much we had in common. I looked forward to seeing her smiling face every day and each moment I got to spend with both Ava and Nick together was pure bliss.
    As I lay in bed thinking about my new best friend and my man, Nick’s voice interrupted my