The Woman in His Story

Chapter 2

A few weeks later, Vanessa stood looking at her new apartment. Since Kyle and Viktor moved, she decided to move into their old apartment. It was more spacious and had an extra bedroom which she could use as an office. No more working from the dining room table!

She was busy putting her books on the bookshelf when there was a knock at the door. Vanessa peeped through the keyhole before opening the door slightly.

“Oh, hi. I’m Ian, I just moved next door, and I think I got one of your boxes by mistake,” he said, holding up a large box clearly labeled ‘Kitchen Stuff.’

Vanessa couldn’t help but laugh as she opened the door wider.

“I’m sorry, the delivery guys probably got confused. I’m Vanessa, by the way,” she said, holding out her hand.

Ian shifted the box awkwardly so he could shake her hand. “Nice to meet you, neighbor. Can I bring this in for you? It’s a little heavy,”

“Oh gosh, yes, sorry,” said Vanessa. “Just put it down on the counter. I think my mixer is in there,”

Ian moved into the apartment and set the box down. Vanessa checked him out discreetly. He was tall, with dark curly hair, and when he turned back around, Vanessa was mesmerized by his grey eyes.

She realized she had been staring a bit too long when a smile broke out across his face revealing a deep dimple on his left cheek.

“I am so sorry,” said Vanessa, blushing from embarrassment. “I didn’t mean to stare. It’s just that your eyes left me a bit dazed. It’s not often that I’ve seen natural, grey eyes. You must be used to people staring, though. They’re quite beautiful.”

Vanessa placed her hand over her mouth in shock. She just called this man’s eyes beautiful. He’s going to think she’s so weird.

“I’ll shut up, now. Sorry,”

Ian laughed, “Stop apologizing. I think that’s like the fourth time you’ve said sorry since I’ve met you! And, no, people don’t often find my eyes beautiful, so thank you,”

Vanessa smiled and nodded. She was afraid to open her mouth and say something else stupid.

“Ian!” a female voice practically sang from the hallway.

“Coming!” he replied. “I should go. See you around, neighbor! I’m glad I’m not the only newbie here!”

“Yeah, see you around, neighbor,” said Vanessa.

She shut the door without looking down the hallway. Vanessa did not want to see the body that belonged to that female voice. She knew it would just make her hate herself more. Ian and his hot girlfriend were probably already making fun of her and how she had been gawking at him.

Vanessa looked at herself in the mirror by the door. She looked like a dull, boring, pudgy nerd.

“Ugh!” groaned Vanessa.

She stomped back to her bookshelf and resumed unpacking. It’s not like she had anything else to do.