Chapter 1: Beginning
When my wife Emma and I learned that the Johnson were selling their house, we were devastated. We had known them for nearly 15 years, since we had moved to this lovely neighbourhood.
"I hope our next neighbour will be as quiet and as calm as the Johnson's," I remember Emma telling me, and I shared that feeling. The Johnson's were an old 65 years old couple, they were very kind to my entire family.
We helped them pack their things and load their truck on the day they were moving out.
Couple days later was when Dee and Josh arrived, we were really surprised to see how young you were. That house must've been expensive... so it was a surprise that such a young couple was able to afford it.
Emma was already expecting trouble. "They won't be as quiet as the Johnson, let me tell you that. Young people nowadays..." and so on and so forth...
But, seeing the big moving truck arriving, I suggested we'd go out and introduce yourself and offer help, should you need it.
I was dressed with a suit, like I usually was, even by this hot summer days. I always felt more comfortable in a suit.
And so we walked by your house and introduce ourselves.
"Greetings, new neighbour! I'm Alex Legna, it's a pleasure to meet you" I said, extending my hand.
"This is my wife Emma, and my daughter Annie, who just turned 16, and my son Mike, who is 17. We saw you moving in and thought we'd offer a hand! Do you guys need some help with all those boxes?" I asked, smiling.
Emma stood beside me, her arms crossed over her chest, eyeing the newcomers with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. Our kids hung back, shy but eager to take in the scene.
Dee, with her brunette hair cascading down her shoulders and striking blue eyes that seemed to sparkle even under the midday sun, flashed us a radiant smile. She was dressed in a short white sundress that hugged her curves in all the right places, making it clear why Emma was already bristling with what she perceived as competition.
Dee's boyfriend, Josh, stood behind her, his hands resting casually on her hips, a lazy grin on his face. He was dressed in worn jeans and a t-shirt, his blond hair disheveled from the move.
"Oh, hey there!" Dee exclaimed, her voice as warm and inviting. "You guys are too sweet! We could use a hand, if you don't mind. There's just so much stuff, you know?"
Emma raised an eyebrow at the casual display of affection between Dee and Josh, but before she could say anything, I stepped forward.
After introductions were done, we spent a good chunk of the day helping you move in. Seeing as we were all sweating in this blazing hot day, and seeing how we were not close to being done, I eventually asked
"So, how about we take a small break, and we grab something to drink? Would you both like something to drink?"
I had taken off my suit's jacket a while ago, wearing only my shirt and tie now, and it was obvious I was still in pretty decent shape despite my age.
"So, Dee, where are you guys from?" I asked, trying to get to know you better as we took a breather in your newly furnished living room. Emma and the kids had gone back outside to help Josh bring in the last few boxes.
Dee flopped down onto your plush, cream-colored couch, fanning herself with a nearby magazine. "Oh, here and there," she replied with a vague wave of her hand. "Josh and I have been traveling for a while now. We finally decided to settle down and buy a place."
I hesitate to sit down with you on the couch, but decided I'll stay standing, feeling like there wasn't enough room on the couch. I noticed the sweat dripping on your body made you look really, really sexy...
"Well, we've lived here for 18 years now, bought this house right after we got married, before Emma had the children." I said.
"It is a very nice, quiet, safe neighbourhood! You'll love it" I said, with a warm smile.
"I'm not sure I like quiet," Dee giggles.
"I feel like this place needs a little bit of life! I'm going to try to make the most of it, at least."
I can't help but feel intrigued by her energy, and I can't help but feel a bit envious of Josh's luck. I can't remember the last time I felt excited about something, other than the occasional promotion at work.
"So, what do you do for a living?" Dee asks, trying to make small talk.
"Boring stuff," I said when you asked what I did for a living. "I manage a hedge fund. Finance stuff. It certainly is decent money" I said, laughing awkwardly.
"Oh, well sure, it's been a little while since something *exciting* happened in the neighbourhood, but I think most people prefer it this way" I replied.
"How about you, miss Dee, what do you do for a living?"
Dee leans back, crossing her legs, giving me a glimpse of her tanned thighs.
She looks directly at me, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Finance stuff, you say?" "How boring." Dee said, biting her lower lip. "I'm a influencer."