Mysteries Next Door

I was totally engrossed in the view.

My breath hitched. 'It must be great to sleep with her.' I wondered.

Vonn must have felt my stare because she spun around and caught me just standing there. "Gavin, did you need something?" she asked.

I was still reeling from the sight, so I blurted out dumbly, "I just wanted to check in."

"Check in on what?" she said, straightening up and looking at me.

The view was gone, and I was a little bummed out.

"I wanted to see if you needed anything. I have some extra stuff in my room I could pass you."

"That'd be awesome, Gavin. Could you grab me a chair?" Vonn said with a grateful smile.

"Sure!" I said as I walked away, wishing I did not have to.

After work, I picked out a chair for Vonn.

Before I could knock twice on her door, it swung open to give me a good view of who had been starring in my recent daydreams.

Her curls were tied back with a few strands playfully escaping, which framed her long and pale neck.

Even bare-faced, Vonn was a knockout and had an intoxicating presence. All I wanted to do was lean in and inhale her essence.

"Gavin, you're done with work early today! Why don’t you have dinner with me before heading back to your room?"

I could not refuse Vonn's warm invite, so I agreed.

Vonn was a whirlwind of activity in the kitchen, and soon, the delicious scent of cooking filled the air.

Watching her be all smiles as she bustled around, a cozy feeling washed over me. I felt like I was home.

"Gavin, I didn't have time to whip up anything fancy. It’s just a simple meal," she said.

Vonn was all over the place, setting the table and grabbing plates.

I felt awkward just sitting there, so I stood up to see if I could lend a hand.

However, Vonn shooed me away. "A big guy like you? I couldn't possibly ask for your help."

It was not long before she served up a spread of homemade dishes that looked and smelled amazing.

Vonn popped open a beer and poured me a glass.

There we were, two souls adrift, finding solace in each other's company.

Years ago, my wife left me because I was not ‘successful’ enough for her. She resented me for not being able to get her the big house or fancy car she wanted. She took off with someone else while I was hustling hard before we even had any children of our own.

With a sweet woman like Vonn by my side, I found myself craving the feeling of having someone to come home to again.

I was getting hopeful.

I asked Vonn if she had ever considered settling down with a decent guy.

It was tough going it alone in this big, cruel world.

She just looked down, not giving anything away.

Her sad expression told me she had also experienced her share of tough times.

I felt a tug at my heart for her. She was a woman who had been dealt a rough hand, and I wanted to be her safe haven.

I reached out, gently wiping away her tears. I did not know what to say, but I wanted to comfort her. Soon, she told me everything.

"Oops! Why am I even telling you all of this? You must think I’m crazy." Vonn dabbed at her eyes and poured me a glass of wine.

The old light bulb in the room cast a warm, yellow glow over us, making the atmosphere cozy yet slightly mysterious.

After Vonn shared her story, I found myself spilling my own past without holding back.

Vonn gave me a sympathetic look, her hand comforting mine.

I sensed an opportunity!

Gently, I placed my hand over Vonn's. She blushed, shyly looking down but not pulling away.

Her silent consent was all the encouragement I needed.

I took Vonn's hand, guiding it to where my heart beat the strongest.