Hang the shelf

Anna was right, it's definitely a two-man job. It's not too long though before you've managed to secure it to the wall, level and everything. Back when you were together, Anna would have fought with you about the whole thing. Today she was muted, and even let you tell her what to do. It felt nice to be in charge for once, and as you step back to admire your work, you can't help but smile a bit.

"I always loved that smile," she says, as you notice she's looking at you and not the shelf. She's leaning into you a little bit, and puts her arm around you slightly, cupping the small of your back. You can feel her thumb grazing up and down ever so gently.

"Yeah, it's one of my better features. Penny likes it too," you respond. You're not sure why you brought up Penny just now, but it makes Anna stiffen a bit. Was that jealousy? It couldn't have been, Anna broke up with you after all, and it's not really her style. Regardless, she removes her hand from your back and you feel the heat of her body pull away.

"Hey," she says suddenly, "would you like a drink as a thanks for helping me? I know it didn't take very long, but I appreciate you coming over here and doing it."

You consider for a moment before you respond. You could go for a drink. Even in this icebox of an apartment, a cool drink in summer is always a good thing. Then again, maybe you should just head on out before things get weird. Well, weirder.