20 Chapter 20

Nick, realizing what had caught his new neighbor’s attention, blushed and made matters worse by trying to cover himself.

“No, oh, man, shit…sorry. No, come on in.”

“No apology needed,” Denny said with a smile. “Actually, that’s why I came over—to apologize.”

“Huh?” Nick said, still flustered. He stepped back from the door and held it open for Denny to enter. As he did, Clyde lumbered up to greet his guest, tail wagging.

“Hi, short stuff,” Denny offered in greeting, without bending to pet the dog.

“Come on in,” Nick said again, walking past him to the living room and clearing a spot for him to sit on the couch, while at the same time trying to adjust himself in his loungers. “Sorry things are still a mess. I’m not one to get organized too quick.”

Nick turned to catch Denny seemingly appraising his backside.

“I should loan you Jesse,” Denny quipped. “He’s such a neatness freak; he’d have this place organized in no time.”