Gus Backpedals

"I brought ice cream. Heavenly Hash," Gus said.

She stared at him with her mouth wide open. A giggle escaped. Another until the sound became a laugh.

Gus studied her, but if asked later, couldn't tell anyone the exact moment the laughter became sobbing.

Tears streamed down her face. With two long strides he stood within reach of her. He wanted to hold her until the crying subsided.

"I–I'm sorry," she whispered.

"It's understandable."

She stepped back and wiped a hand across her face.

Somehow she'd managed to hang onto the wrench. She looked at his packages. Sniffling, she said, "You brought flowers."

"Uh, huh."

He picked them up and handed them to her. She gazed at them a smile on her face. "Thanks." Sniffle. "Can we start over?"

He nodded and flashed a grin. Red eyes and a tearstained face didn't dim her beauty. She cocked her head in the direction of the house and, after gathering the rest of his things, he fell into step beside her.

"You must be charming," she said.