Dr. Redheaded Neighbor - Will Halstead

Being the New Neighbor

Holding one large box in one arm I had two smaller ones on top of it. I hit the front desk button on the outside of the building hoping someone would be coming soon. I was nowhere near done unpacking my car and I had my best furry friend sitting at my feet. "Don't worry, Maxon. Somebody should be coming to let us in."

"Do you need some help?" Glancing over my shoulder I heard a guy's voice call out for my attention.

I hesitated to hope I could do it myself. I had decided to move out at the age of eighteen with myself, my dog and some money to my name before I headed to basic training. "Oh no. I um - think I have it."

"I don't know about that. I've only lived here for a few months but it's rare most people are mingling in the lobby this late at night." The guy explained walking up the small set of stairs to stand beside me.

I pressed the button again looking through the small glass of the door not seeing anyone. "I'm really fine. We're gonna be fine."

"We. So, what's this guy's name?" The stranger eyed the dog laying at my feet.  Maxon lifted his head when the guy bent down reaching forward to touch his fur to which I gave a head nod in agreement. "Hey bud, I'm Will. Uh - I actually should be introducing myself to you first I suppose."

I groaned, getting tired of holding the boxes in my arms. "Ugh! Sorry I didn't think to introduce myself but clearly you seem to be right about nobody working at the front desk."

"Oh here, let me help you." Will rose to his feet sliding a key card in front of the scanner before the door was unlocked.  He reaches over taking the boxes from my arms.

"You don't have to take those."

He responds. "It's no big deal. Can you get the door though?"

"Sure. Maxon, come." I patted my leg signaling him to follow me when I held the second door open for Will to walk through and we followed after his heels before letting the door shut behind me. "Thank you, Will. I can take it from here."

He set the boxes down, eyeing me. "Do you live in this building? I haven't seen you around before Ms..."

"I actually just got my keys to live here a few hours ago. So, I guess that makes us neighbors." I tucked a piece of hair behind my ear, sticking my hand out towards him. "Mallory. Mallory Easton."

He shakes my hand smiling. "William Halstead. But I prefer everyone to call me Will."

"It's nice to meet you, Will. Oh, and you've already met my dog Maxon here." I gesture my freehand down to my dog who was sitting at my feet with his tail slightly wagging back and forth.

Will bends down picking up the boxes a second time tilting his head towards the stairwell that was near us figuring it was more comfortable if we weren't just chatting in the lobby. "Why don't we get the rest of your stuff upstairs and then we can keep chatting over some late-night coffee or something."

"That sounds good to me." I agreed with what he offered, and we went upstairs until we were standing outside of my room number 218. I opened the door with my key feeling slightly embarrassed that there was a bunch of boxes scattered about. I wasn't planning for company so this must look like a tornado hit here. "I'm sorry the place is a wreck."

Will sat the stack of boxes on the ground next to some others dusting his hands off on his blue jacket. "It's okay. You're just moving in. No biggy."