Aiden Ferrier - 58 - Next Door Neighbor

The ding and follow up notification that one of the men responded brings chills throughout my entire body. I begin to feel extremely nervous, questioning if I made the right move. What type of response did I receive? Who was is? Do did they agree to meet or did I make the most inappropriate mistake of my life. I stare at the notification button for what feels like forever, and finally click the button. The response was Aiden Ferrier, the man who has lived next door to me my entire life.

The chills in my body turn to trembles. This is way too close to home both literally and metaphorically. He literally lives next door and has seen me almost every day of my life. I know no matter what, my relationship with my neighbor is forever changed, for better or for worse. Despite my fear, their is nothing I can do about it now. I procrastinate by grabbing a cup green tea. I breath heavily, say to myself out loud, "here goes nothing" and open the email.

"Hey Jenny,

Great to hear from you! You are correct that I am a financial advisor, and I am happy to have a conversation with your regarding your financial needs, as well as any other "adult conversation" you would like to have. I understand it might be difficult to ask your parents some questions, and I'm happy to be your trusted friend next door. I'm home all day tomorrow. Feel free to knock on the door whenever you like, and we can chat.

Sincerely,

Mr. Ferrier

P.S. I appreciate your smile as well"

Ugh, I should have definitely tailored my email to him. How embarrassing! At least he gave a warm response. I exhale a bit and reread the response. Actually, it is a pretty decent response. It appears he was not told about my parents.

I know my parents and him have argued over the years, even had shouting words regarding land boarders, trash and leaves, but I would think that someone would have informed him about the accident. Being a financial advisor, maybe he can help somehow? Maybe he knows where I can find money. Maybe he will lend me the entire thing being that we are neighbors? I need to plan this out right, my house depends on it.

Next morning:

I wake up bright and early, nervous about today. What will I wear? What will I say? So much rides on today. Nervous, I decide to go for an early morning run. Running always releases stress and tension in my body. I put on my grey booty shorts, sports bra, and yellow top. I start my regular stretch routine; Toe touches, jumping jacks, and behind the back shoulder stretches. Once ready, I begin my run. Instead of my usual 5k, I run for 6+ miles over the course of an hour. As I return home, I see Mr. Ferrier outside taking out the garbage.

Mr. Ferrier waves and begins, "Good morning Jenny. Did you have a nice run?"

I am completely embarrassed! I must look absolutely terrible. My hair is all over the place, I am sweating profusely and I have no makeup on. I look down while continuing to my house and reply "Good morning". I hope he doesn't notice my filth. Tired from my run, I walk towards my front door. I struggle to find the right key for a moment and Mr. Ferrier continues, "I actually have to head out to the city unexpectedly early this afternoon. Do you have a few minutes to chat now?

How do I respond:

1) Ask to shower first

2) Agree to talk now

3) Ask if dinner instead

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