T/W: Mentions death. And some crude humor. Also some drinking

****

Tallie

***

As I'm standing there, wishing the floor would swallow me up, the two of us, gawking at each other, like we're each some rare form of species, I realize something. Something important. This woman isn't staring at me like I'm a weirdo, but like she happily devour me whole. I clear my throat, boldly stepping closer, holding out the container of cookies, like a shield to protect myself.

"Hi," I say, hoping that I'm giving her what appears to be a friendly smile. "I'm Tallie, your new neighbor. I..I brought you a home warming gift. Some of my favorite lemon cookies."

The woman continues to size me up, before her own face relaxes into an easy grin. She reaches for the container, our hands brushing against one another's. The electric spark that hits, nearly leaves me breathless.

"Thank you. How kind. I'm Abigail. Or Abby, if you prefer." She grips the container tightly against her lower abdomen, her dark eyes locked on mine. "You said your name is Tallie? That's unusual and beautiful."

I chuckle, heat rushing to my cheeks and I'm positive their as red as an apple.

"Thanks. I was named after my parental grandmother on my dad's side. Unfortunately she died before I was born." Abigail gives me a sympathetic look, nodding.

"That's something we have in common. I was also named after a grandmother that I never knew."

My head bobs awkwardly as I inwardly chide myself. Seriously? That's how this conversation is going? Desperate to steer the conversation away from death, I gesture to the container.

"I hope you like lemon." Abigail's entire face changes, going from solemn to rapturous in a matter of seconds.

"Actually, yes." Even her tone is more animated. "It's my favorite." I grin. We've only just met and already we have stuff in common.

"Mine too. I was having a shit day, well, actually week, so I decided to try and cheer myself up by baking myself some of my favorite cookies."

Abigail nods, gesturing for me to follow her into the apartment. We dodge the movers, heading into the small, cramped kitchen these apartments offer.

"I fear I understand that all too well." Instantly, the earlier joy on her face is replaced with dark shadows, her head bowed, as she rapidly blinks. I know she's struggling not to cry. I fight the urge to comfort her, although I don't want to come across as creepy or pushy. So instead, I awkwardly stand there, pretending to be fully focused on the movers, as they continue to haul in Abigail's things.

She raises her head, a hint of moisture in her dark eyes. The urge to wrap my arms around her grows stronger, almost unbearable. Abigail turns sideways, prying open the lid on the container of cookies and snatches one up, practically cramming the whole cookie into her mouth.

Her eyes close as she tastes the cookie and I swear to God, she looks like she's having an..orgasm. I can't resist chuckling.

"Damn. I knew my cookies were good, but not orgasm worthy," I joke. Abigail's eyes flutter open and there's a hint of crimson tinging her cheeks. Embarrassment flashes across her facial features before she swallows the cookie and bursts out laughing. I grin, glad she hadn't taken offense to my crude joke.

"They are pretty damn good." Abigail plucks another cookie from the container, slowly savoring this one. Her gaze slides to me, and my heart goes thump, thump, thump.

"You're not a professional baker, are you?" She asks, popping the remainder of the cookie in her mouth, licking her lips. I shake my head.

"In a dream world, that's what I'd be," I reply. "Unfortunately, I'm just a boring barista at the local coffee shop, just down the block."

Abigail nods, setting the container on the kitchen counter, leaning against it. I  can literally see the conflict on her face.

"If only dream worlds existed." She gives me a wry smile, and I don't miss the sadness lurking behind her eyes. "Things would be so much less...complicated."

"Agreed." I absently fidget with my necklace. Abigail's gaze gravitate towards the necklace.

"Pretty necklace. A gift?"

"Yeah. From my niece, last Christmas." Is it my imagination or is does Abigail look..relieved? I smile, moving to step into the living room, nearly colliding with one of the movers.

"I should go and let you get settled. But should you need anything, I'm just next door, E-10."

Abigail flashes a ghost of a smile, her eyes staying on mine. I bid her goodbye, telling her once she's settled, we can have dinner together, if that interests her.

"I'd be happy to. Thank you, Tallie."

"You're welcome, Abigail.*

****

I'm antsy the rest of the day, wandering aimlessly around my tiny apartment, occasionally hearing thuds coming from Abigail's place. Part of me wants to rush over and offer to help, but I don't want to appear too eager, either.

Finally around six that evening, I order in some Chinese. As I wait, there's a knock on the door. Frowning, I get up, checking, thinking no way my food has arrived that quickly. Surprise grips me as I hurriedly unlock the door, coming face to face with a disheveled Abigail.

"Is something wrong?" I ask. Abigail shakes her head.

"May I come in?" Nodding, I step aside and she slinks in, looking absolutely crushed. She stands there, awkwardly, fidgeting with her sweater, gaze darting around.

"Is there anything I can assist you with?" I ask gently. Again, Abigail shakes her head before dissolving into tears. Her entire body shakes as she sobs. I step closer, gently wrapping my arms around her, just holding her.

We stand there, in silence, while Abigail weeps and I hold her, wishing I could think of something worthwhile to say that doesn't sound stupid or insensitive. Abigail straightens after several minutes, looking embarrassed as I release her, leaning over, snatching up the tissues and passing her the box.

Mumbling a thank you, Abigail accepts the tissues, plucking several from the box and blowing her nose and drying the remainder of her tears. She turns, setting the box aside before collapsing on my couch, hunched forward, shoulders up around her ears.

"Now that I've made a fool of myself.." Abigail sniffles and I sit down beside her.

"Absolutely not," I say firmly. "We all have those days." Abigail's facial features soften.

"You're too kind."

"Just being truthful." Abigail chuckles weakly, stuffing the used tissues in her pocket.

"This whole moving process was supposed to be a new start." I nod.

"New starts are difficult," I concede.

"She...she left me. I thought we'd be together until we were old and gray, and the only way we'd part is by death." I gently take her hand, holding it.

"I know this will sound cliché, but I'm sorry," I murmur. Abigail leans against me and I smile.

"At least you could say what she couldn't," Abigail whispers. Before I can reply, there's another knock. Crap. The food.

"Excuse me," I say to Abigail, jumping up and moving to open the door. The delivery guy hands off the bag and I hand him a tip, thanking him before shutting the door. Turning to Abigail, I gesture at the bag of food. "Plenty for both of us."

Abigail stands, following me into the kitchen as I set the bag down and dig out forks, spoons.

"Drink?" I ask.

"What's available?" Abigail asks.

"Wine, Milk or Water."

"Actually a glass of wine would be great." I smile, grabbing out the bottle and two wine glasses.

"Can you get the food bag, please?"

"Of course." Abigail picks up the bag and we return to the living room, opening up containers and the wine.

"You're very kind," Abigail murmurs, sipping her wine.

"You seem like you could really use a friend right now," I say. "And I'm more than happy to be that friend."

Abigail nods, helping herself to some beef and broccoli mix, nibbling. We eat in silence, as I'm still unsure of what topics are safe to discuss.

"I apologize," Abigail murmurs after several minutes.

"You have nothing to apologize for," I state firmly. "Shit happens." Abigail gazes fully into my eyes and that earlier electricity is crackling around us, is making my heart thump.

"It's been....a while," Abigail whispers, tracing her trembling fingers over her wine glass. "Since I've felt this connection with another person."

I frown, wondering where the hell her family and friends are. Has she been utterly abandoned?

"Sounds.. lonely," I whisper. Abigail nods, fighting back more tears. She clears her throat, finishing her food and wine before standing.

"Thanks for the impromptu dinner and wine. I think I'll just head back now." Disappointment floods me, but I just smile.

"Of course. It was my pleasure, sharing dinner with you." Abigail gives me a wavery smile before heading out. I silently watch her, my heart aching for this woman ive only just met.