House Guest

“Oh my bad,” atoned the sturdy fellow with the deep complexion. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”
“It’s okay,” heaved Jenna with a hand over her barely covered chest.
“I’m sorry. I’m Roderick. Mom mentioned that you were moving in right as they headed out to Knoxville for the weekend.”
“Yes, she mentioned that to me the night before,” giggled the guest, wearing a dainty, satiny jewel-colored cami and shorts pajama set.
“I thought it’d be a good time to uh…uh…tinker with dad’s lawn mower. I’ve been meaning to do that.”
“Or it was a good time to make sure this strange chick isn’t robbing your parents blind,”

The average height man chuckled as his cheeks reddened due to the quite prominent cherry undertone of his skin. “Guilty!”
“I understand. I’m Jenna,” she outstretched her long, slender arm.
“Nice to meet you!”
“Likewise. Have a bagel with me.”
“Don’t mind if I do. What are you drinking?”
“Apple juice.”

He grabbed a glass for himself and refilled hers. They sat at the cramped breakfast table.

“Nice ride,” he referred to the late model Audi S5 coupe sitting in the driveway.
“Thanks. It was a gift,” she lowered her head.
“Some gift!”
“It was more like a parting gift,” she rolled her eyes.
“Oh I see,” he nodded. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. It’s for the best! So Misses Pearson said you teach.”
“Yeah. High school science over in Mays.”
“Oh nice! You like it?”

“I mean I been at it for twenty-five years, but yeah.”
“That’s awesome! I really enjoy working with the youth.”
“They can be trying, but they do bring joy when they do well.”
“Indeed. You have two, right?”
“No, my brother Richie has two. I only have one.”
“I’m sorry.”

“No need. You don’t know the whole family history.”
“Not quite,” she snickered.
“His name’s Landon. He’ll be nineteen soon.”
“Cool.”
“Not really,” he twisted his face.
“I get it,” she smiled. “What’s your wife up to today?”

“I couldn’t tell you. We got divorced a long time ago,” he chuckled.
“Oh my bad.”
“You good. Stop apologizing for shit.”
“Yes, sir!”
“I got a lady friend that lives with me, but we’re on the end of things.”
“Does she know that?”
“Oh yeah! She and her sister are looking for a house right now.”
“Oh okay.”