Inside his vehicle, the cold air coming from the AC hits my knees. By the time we are three blocks away from the stream, the sky is a perfect blue. The dark clouds finally had disappeared. Maroney's mood appears to improve, and he is even curious to know how Mr. Dude is doing after the last incident with the landlord. I tell him that Meggie's neighbor, Vicky, has been back from her trip, and it is probably feeding him chicken and tuna every day. I also tell Maroney that Meggie got away again for missing that dinner meeting at the co-op, but Margo said she wouldn't save her ass next time.

"I live just around the block. Do you mind if we stop there quickly? I need to get my wallet so I can buy something for my mother after I drop you off."

"No, that's fine."

I unbuckle my seat belt as Maroney parks his Volvo in his driveway. Together, we get out of the vehicle as he opens the door to Butter, who jumps down, wiggling his tail as we all come inside his home. The dog practically drinks an entire water bowl and then jumps onto the couch.

Maroney's living room appears completely spotless, with candles spread across the kitchen and living room. He lit one by one as the lavender, cinnamon, and vanilla scent meet my nostrils, replacing the nicotine smell. Abstract paintings hung on the wall, and I try to interpreter the meaning of each one of them.

"I'm going to smoke another cigarette if you don't mind."

He opens the living room window and lights up his cig there, blowing the smoke outside.

"I hope I don't die before my forties," he chuckles, "I've been doing that since I can't remember."

Two big black cats with beaming eyes appear in the room. One approaches while the other only stares at me into the distance.

"They're harmless," Maroney affirms. "They all got along with Mr. Dude, especially Lia, the female cat," he blows another smoke.

"Is she fixed?"

"No. Lia is not spayed."

"Neither is Mr. Dude," I press my lips together.

"Don't worry. Most male torties are females, so Mr. Dude is rare. The reason why there aren't many male torties is that the males are infertile."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm one hundred percent sure M. Dude is sterile. It is just a fact. There is something with their genetic mutation. Plus, Lia is not on her hit."

"Wow,"

A naughty smile surfaces from the corner of his lips. "You can sit down here with me," Maroney grabs my hands, "I don't mind the couch gets a little dirty. I love hot and dirty," he jokingly plays with me. He places his smoked cigarette on the windowsill's ashtray that is filled with ashes and cigarette butts. "Besides, I'm done smoking."

I sit down next to him, trying to remove the cat's and dog's hair out of the way. The house is not that spotless as I'd thought. Up close, I see even the dust floating into the air.

"I know. There is fur everywhere." He says as he entwines his hands with mine softly, "I don't have much time, so in case you're wondering, I think we should kiss while we're alone. Then I will take you home and head to my mother's house. Then I will stop by later."

"I'm not sure I'll bet there," I tell him.

"So better not to miss this opportunity," and just like that, his lips meet mine. They are cold and taste like Coca-Cola and cigarettes. I don't have time to open my mouth, but I don't know what direction to move my tongue when he opens his. He slowly moves his hands over my wet, and I move his hands away. His tongue is dry on my tongue, and his kiss is nothing like Rose and Jack from Titanic, neither Danielle nor Matthew from Girl next door. I know those are two distinct movies to compare, but that's what comes to my mind now.

Nothing like the kiss from Damon and Elena from Vampire Diaries. Maybe it will be more special later? Are first kisses supposed to be that good right away?

As he seeks out for more, I suddenly hear the front door opening loudly and Layla storming inside.

I fix myself on the couch, embarrassment taking over me.

"Did I come at the wrong time?" she asks us when she sees Maroney almost on top of me.

"Kind of," Maroney jokingly says, moving away from me.

She smiles widely, "Sorry, I just came here to get the fishing pole Marcel forgot this morning."

"Don't worry. Find yourself home. "We are leaving. I'm taking her home."

"Why don't you take the girl to your mother's birthday?"

"Oh no. An asshole ruined my dress. I'm going home."

"Oh, I have my younger sister's dress in the car. I will fit you."

"Yes," Maroney agrees. "Why not. My mother lives a block from here, and I don't want to be late for her birthday." He looks at Layla, "I still have to get her something."

"C'mon. Marcel bought her extra gifts."

"I really want to go home," I say, not comfortable in wearing someone else's dress and getting into his parents' home.

"No, honey. Stop. You're coming with us."

***

The knot inside my stomach is unbearable when Maroney introduces me to his parents as his new friend in town. They are both friendly and lead me to the backyard of their big house, where Marcel is grilling with his teenage brother, Miles. Layla plays tug war with three small dogs who bark and sniff at me as I approach. I pat their heads, and they go away with Butter so they can enjoy their playtime in the yard.

Judith, Maroney's mother, engages in a conversation with me right away once I sit in the patio chair. Layla's sister's dress is tight on my body, and I am careful when I cross my legs.

"Make yourself comfortable." She says with a glass of Bloody Mary in her hands, a shrimp on the corner of her glass, "I'm glad you're here. Would you like anything to drink?"

"Just a soda," I tell her politely, "I'm glad I'm here, too. Happy birthday."

"Thank you, my dear, but my birthday was on Thursday. These kids come here pretty much every Sunday, so this is nothing new."

"Your house is lovely," I say, taking a look in the landscaped back yard across the pool with a glassed sunroom. The decoration inside the house looks amazing, too.

"My husband does the landscaping work when he is not working as a real state. I enjoy taking care of the interior design."

"Sounds super nice."

" Maroney mentioned you just moved here from Seattle to go to Business School."

"Yes, I moved here to go to Business school. I'm currently working at a coffee shop close to downtown Madison."

She smiles openly, "Everyone loves coffee in this house, myself included. We're caffeine addicts. What coffee shop you're working at?"

"Sophie's.

Her eyes grow bigger, "Oh, Sylvia's coffee shop."

"Do you know her?" I'm impressed with the small world we live in. I had the impression Sylvia knows many people in Madison but never imagines she knew Maroney's mother.

"Yes. I'm a nurse practitioner at St Mary's hospital. I was there when her baby, Sophie, was born. Sad story."

"I can't imagine her pain," I remember Sylvia showing a picture book of her baby Sophie in one of my quiet shifts. One tear came down her eyes as the memories hit her.

"Sylvia is a solid character. Also, her husband of ten years left her for a man, and she is still living strong."

"So, it looks like Maroney will finish school soon, right?" I change the subject. I prefer not to talk about work on my days off. Today is my first day off.

Judith exchanges a glance with Layla, who comes over and sits in the empty patio chair, "Maroney? He dropped out of school about two semesters ago."

"But he is coming back in this fall, does he?"

"We're not so sure," says Layla. "We all want him to, but we don't know it is a good idea for him."

Judith interferes, "We don't think this is going to happen this year. He is doing good for now," I stare at them, feeling something is off.

Why would a mother prefer keeping her adult kid out of college? To protect him from what?

When Judith excuses Layla and me to check on the slow cooker, Maroney comes back from the grill, discreetly placing his hands over my shoulder, "Look, I have to help my neighbor out. He is having a hard time with his kitchen disposal. I promise it won't be that long."

"That's fine," I say.

"If the food is ready before I get back, go ahead and eat it. I'm sure my mother will save me a plate."

The sun is out on my face as Layla grabs a beer from the cooler.

"So, it looks like Maroney, and you are hitting off." I move away from the patio chair as a bee flies over my soda can and refuses to leave.

"I don't know."

"I know he and Ellie broke off things, but everyone deserves happiness. I know that one year ago looks just like yesterday, but he will be over."

"I have my doubts he is over,"

"Because she is always there, like a shadow."

"Oh, but Maroney and I are friends, nothing more. I'm not dating him," I try to be clear even though I shouldn't. Maybe I am saying this to prove a point.

"Maroney and Ellie always had this crazy and toxic relationship since they started dating in high school. It was painful to sit and watch."

I blinked, stunned by her words. I cross my legs and fold my arms around my chest, hoping the bee will leave my soda drink, but it never does. "But he is different since he's met you."

I'm not sure I'm relieved when I see Maroney's back from his neighbor.

Then he places a hand on my shoulder and kisses me on my forehead. Layla watches, "Told ya."

"Lunch is ready," says Judith, interrupting our backyard moment.

"Sorry, babe. It is pork for lunch. I know you hate it, but they made some salad."

"Salad is fine."

***

Maroney decides it is time to drive me back home after lunch. His parents and Layla offer me dessert, but Maroney states he is in a hurry to head downtown. Another friend needs his help, and he'd rather help in the afternoon than the evening. Judith's expression seems annoyed, and I don't push it with Maroney on the way home.

The sun is still out in the sky, and somehow, I'm relieved I'm going back. 

"Tell Layla that I will wash her sister's dress. Maybe I can give her back next week?"

"Don't worry. If you knew how many dresses that spoiled brat has in her closet, you'd probably go nuts." He stops his vehicle at the stop sign, removing one of his hands from the wheel, "So, are you sure you won't be home later?" The question comes out of nowhere.

"Why didn't you tell me you drop school?"

His eyes grow wider, "I can't believe my mom told you that."

"I didn't know you dropped out of school. I would understand."

He sighs and then grabs a cigarette out of his pocket. Before he lights up, the light goes green, and Maroney takes the speed.

"I didn't go to my neighbor to fix his kitchen disposal. I went to my ex's house to grab her some fresh clothes and a tablet to take them to the hospital. Now she asked me for a few books. It is the last time I'm going there."

"Oh," I say, but I'm not sure I am surprised at his answer. I had sensed there was something wrong from the beginning. "Do you still love her?

"No," he shakes his head, "If you don't mind, I'd like to make up for you this week," he says, placing his hands on the top of mine.

"I'm working almost every day, and then I have a camping trip over the weekend."

"That seems fun." The car arrives at my parking lot.

"Are you going to tell me why you dropped school?"

"Not today. Baby steps," he says as he shoots me a respectful kiss over my forehead. 

"Did you happen to be the guy who sent me flowers and chocolates at my work before we started hanging out?" I was holding this question for a very long time. It happened on my third day at work. I didn't know anyone in the city. 

"No. I would've told you." he pats my head, "I would never send flowers to a girl without signing my name on the card." 

"So, it wasn't you then," I'm suddenly disappointed.

Maroney smiles, "I wish it had been me, but it wasn't."

***

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