The Neighbors

2.7 The Move

It was only three days before the move, and I couldn't stop thinking about seeing Victoria driving through the neighborhood. I couldn't believe that out of all the suburbs around the twin cities, we had chosen to live in the very same subdivision as that conniving witch. I hadn't seen where she actually lived yet, but it was fairly obvious she lived nearby as she drove down the street at least twice a day.

I decided not to mention anything to Harry. I didn't want him to think about her and I doubted that she would really present a problem. He had enough on his mind that I didn't want him to worry about my silly insecurities.

I arrived at the house and renovations were in full swing. Zayn had a crew of at least ten men working long days to get some of the necessary work done before we moved in.

As always, the girls ran out to the back yard to play, and I carried a sleeping Danny into the house and laid him down in the pack 'n play that I had brought over for this exact purpose.

Outside of the house, the construction noise had been overwhelming, but inside it was much quieter. As soon as I put Danny down, I heard soft music. Wait, no, it wasn't music from a radio, it was singing. Someone was singing.

I crept quietly to the door of the kitchen and heard Zayn quietly singing,

Your hand fits in mine like it's made just for me

But bear this is mind, it was meant to be

And I'm joining up the dots with the freckles on your cheeks

And it all makes sense to me

I know you've never loved the crinkles by your eyes

When you smile, you've never loved your stomach or your thighs

The dimples in your back at the bottom of your spine

But I'll love them endlessly

I stood there stunned for a moment and then realized that Zayn didn't know I was listening. I stepped into the kitchen to make myself known and he stopped singing immediately and looked up at me, flustered and embarrassed.

"I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but Zayn, your voice is amazing! I'm not exaggerating – you are an exceptional singer!"

He smiled a little and looked at the ground, mumbling a quiet thank you.

"I'm serious!" I emphasized my words. "I don't know if you had a calling to go into construction, but I really think you could make it in the music business."

"Nah, it's just a hobby," he said, smiling again. And then he quickly diverted my attention to what he was working on. "I hope you don't mind. I found something for you to add to your kitchen....or dining room. Wherever you want it.

I looked behind him and saw that he had been cleaning up a gorgeous antique pie safe. "Oh, my gosh! Where did that come from?" I gasped.

"An estate sale," he replied. "It's kind of an obsession of mine. Finding and restoring antiques. Maybe that's why I like this job so much." He shrugged. "I was thinking that I could stain it to match the wood in the kitchen, if you'd like."

I felt a bit awkward about the lovely piece of furniture in front of me. "Um, can I pay you? I mean, how much did you spend on this?"

"No, please, consider this my gift to you. It's great working for your family, and this is a big job. So, it's just a little token of my appreciation."

"Wow, thank you so much!" I said, wondering whether it would be okay to hug him. I mean, it was an extremely thoughtful gesture, to be sure. Finally, I just leaned in and gave him a quick hug and then hurried out.