He’d laughed, leaning to give me a kiss, and laughed even harder when the hard plastic of our hats had collided instead.
I didn’t realize until later how much of a role reversal those moments had really been. That his job had made him as stressed and miserable as studying for the bar had made me. That it had twisted his natural light and joyful state of being into something else. Something sadder. Something he never quite let me see.
I shake my head, returning my focus to what we’re doing. And before I know it, we’ve finished the last first-story window.
We’re about to head back into the garage when a voice sounds behind us. “Boarding up the windows, huh?”
I turn around. A white man of medium height and build is watching us. A grin on his face.
“It’s a good idea,” the man says. “A very good idea. But I don’t think I’m going to do it. Not this time.” He swings that smile in my direction. “Nikhil knows, but the last storm we got I went all out.Moved all my furniture to the second floor. Boarded every window. Took every precaution. And how did that turn out?”
The mystery man booms out a laugh. “All we got was a light sprinkle. Could barely call it rain, really.”
“This one looks like it’s going to be worse,” Nikhil says.
The man shrugs. “That’s what they said about the last one too.” He extends a hand toward me. “I’m Alan. I live in that house over there.” He points to the house at the very center of the cul-de-sac, about four houses down from ours.
Ours?I mean Nikhil’s. Four houses down from Nikhil’s.
“Nice to meet you,” I say, shaking his hand. “I’m Meena and…” I look back at Nikhil. “I’m just visiting.”
Alan chortles. “Bad timing for a visit.”
Yeah. Thanks, Alan. I know.
The house Alan pointed out is a nice one, but I’m pretty sure it was empty the whole time I was here. I remember a perpetual For Sale sign hanging in the front yard.
“You’ll be in good hands with Nikhil,” Alan continues, slapping Nikhil on the back. “He’s a pro at this kind of thing. Though I think he’s a little too paranoid. He even installed a generator if you can believe that.”
Nikhil’s lips stretch. I guess it’s technically a smile, but the expression is grim. “I like to be prepared,” he says. “And a couple other people in the neighborhood have them too.”
“Right, right,” Alan says. “Fair enough. You know, I understand how important it is to be prepared. I am an astronaut after all.”
He…he is? I’ve never met an astronaut before. I don’t know what I was expecting, but Alan isn’t it.
Alan must register the surprise on my face. “Oh, did Nikhil not mention that?” he says. “I work for NASA. It’s not far from here. Justa couple minutes away. A nice, easy commute. I’ve worked there awhile. Been to the International Space Station a couple times.” He shifts his weight, his expression growing solemn, the pitch of his voice lowering. “You know, when you’ve been to space, when you’ve seen what I’ve seen…you learn a lot. So, if you two need anything, you just let me know. Issues with plumbing, electricity, feel free to call me. I’ve done it all.”
“Umm, thanks,” I say. I’m not sure how much plumbing and electricity work astronauts do in space, but what do I know?
Nikhil rubs his hand over his mouth. His classic move when he’s trying not to laugh.
Alan doesn’t seem to notice. He plants his hands on his hips, looking at the windows thoughtfully. “What kind of plywood did you use? A quarter-inch thick?”
“Five-eighths of an inch,” Nikhil responds. “Anything thinner and it won’t hold up.”
“Ahh, right. Smart. That’s smart. Good thinking. And the drill? You used a…a…” Alan blinks.
“A power drill,” Nikhil says. “Yes, that’s right.”
“Good, good,” Alan replies. “Exactly what I was going to say. Just couldn’t remember the word.”
“No worries,” Nikhil says. “We allspace outfrom time to time.” This time Nikhil’s lips twitch and I’m the one fighting to hold back a laugh. Despite my best efforts, one escapes and I attempt to disguise it as a cough.
Nikhil’s eyes catch mine. And even though he’s not winking at me, it feels like he is. Like he’s saying,It’s fun sharing this moment with you. OrI’m happy you’re here. OrIsn’t this guy ridiculous?
But then his expression turns cold. All trace of amusement vanishing. Though it’s possible I just imagined the whole thing.
“I appreciate your offer to help, Alan,” Nikhil says. “And the same goes for you. If you need anything, just let me know. You still have the same radio as last time?”