His Heart For Collection

Chapter sixteen

Two weeks went by since the Harimot party. I continued on with my work, but I was always distracted. In those two weeks, I didn't go to Leamington Enterprise. The others went in my stead.

They understood.

So I haven't seen Drew in two weeks. I was also grateful that he didn't come knocking on my apartment.

As for Sam, I found out that he moved from his apartment. I was a bit sad because he didn't say his goodbyes. I didn't blame him, but I thought he would at least say he was leaving.

With Sam abruptly leaving, I wanted to leave too. With how Drew was acting, I asked myself if Sam was right or not. I knew the guy. He was sane, but since he met or claimed to meet Drew, he's been all over the place, scared out of his mind.

Now I was starting to become scared of my own husband.

Another week went by, then I heard that someone new was moving into the apartment next to mine.

At first, I didn't want to go introduce myself because of the hurt I was still harboring for my previous neighbour.

Turns out, I didn't need to introduce myself because the person came knocking at my door five hours  after he's moved in. It was Saturday and I was having a lazy day.

So when I heard the knock, at first, I thought it was Drew. I was skeptical with opening.

When it was becoming annoying, I got off the bed and put on my slippers, then I went to the door. I told myself that if it was Drew, I was going to rain hell on him.

I unlocked the door, and yanked it open.

"Hello. My name is Finley McLean. I'm your new neighbour."

I think I just stood there, just gawking at him. I couldn't believe my eyes.

"And you are?" he asked.

I didn't know if I wanted to be offended that I seemed to remember him and he didn't remember me.

"I'm Leon."

Recognition sparked in his eyes. He smiled widely, seeming a tad too excited. "Leon! What a chance encounter! It's a small world indeed. How are you?"

I stepped aside to let him in. Wearing pajamas in the middle of the day seemed ridiculous when I was standing next to Finley in his casual wear.

"I'm alright. How are you? And thank you for that day. I don't know how I will repay you," I told him, still grateful.

"Well, you can repay me by giving me lunch?" he joked, still smiling.

I knew he was joking, but I still wanted to do something for him. "Yes, of course. I'll whip up something for you."

"You know I was joking, right?"

I nodded, but I still went to the kitchen. He followed. "But stay and have lunch. I've been told I make mean sandwiches. You want one?"

"Of course. I have to judge for myself. Maybe I'll be added to the list of people who enjoy your sandwiches."

I laughed, then took out what I needed from the fridge. I turned the stove on.

I put butter in my hot pan, then put basil and straps of bacon. After that I seasoned it. Whilst it was frying, I poured juice for the both of us.

"Anything to help?" Finley asked, to which I shook my head.

"I'll be done in a minute. Just relax."

After the bacon was done, I put it on a plate and got ready with my eggs. I did two of them. When they were done, I went to prepare my bread, whilst taking out cucumber and sauce.

After I was done preparing the two sandwiches, I plated them and gave one to Finley.

"I feel like this is breakfast," he said that whilst going to take a bite. For a moment, I wished he would choke on the sandwich.

"How is it?"

"Put me on that list," he said whilst devouring the sandwich.

He finished it in no time and I thought it best to offer mine. I wasn't hungry anyway.

"Since you offered the lunch, I think I should offer you something too. Aside from being a corporate guy, I'm also a baker. So, I-"

"Seriously?" I asked, in awe. It was a shock to me because to be honest, I had already made assumptions about the man. I felt ashamed.

"Yes. Well, I stopped baking for a while because of my job. It's very demanding. But I think I'm going back because of you. I'll give you my baked goods. But first, I need to go shopping for baking equipment and supplies."

"When are you going?" I asked, still very much impressed.

"You know what? How about tomorrow? Do you want to go with me?"

Before I could think about it, I agreed. It felt exhilarating making new friends. I didn't know how much I needed someone until this point.

We finalized the plans of where we are going and at what time. We also made a list of everything he would need. Well, he made the list and I asked what this or that was.

He was very much accommodating, and he explained every equipment or supply.

When he left, it was night. I accompanied him to his door to which he said, "If everything was not a mess, I would invite you in."

I laughed. "I'm actually very tired. But if there's any help you need, I'm happy to help."

"I'll hold you to that. Have a good night, Leon. It was really nice to meet you."

I smiled, touched. At that moment, I realised how lonely I was. "Thank you. Welcome to New Heights. I hope you'll have a wonderful stay."

"Thank you. Goodnight."

I said likewise and made my way back to my apartment. I locked the door and went to wash the dishes.

After that, I went back to bed, realising in horror that I didn't change out of my pajamas.

Well, he didn't seem like he was too judgemental. And he said he had a good time, so I'm sure he didn't mind my attire.

When I got on the bed, I fell right to sleep. I just hoped that all will be well with Finley and I. I felt like my life was going in the right direction now that I was making new friends.