Perfect!” George stumbles down from the makeshift step stool, the whole stack of heavy books toppling over. “Picture four, done.” He turns to Bella, pushing his glasses up into his black, curly hair. Alexis’ words are burning in his ears but when he sees Bella’s nervous little smile he feels better. She looks around the apartment, her hand swimming in the air as if she’s trying to come up with another task for him to complete. Finding nothing, she asks, “How about I make us some coffee?” “Sounds great.” Bella clears some bubble wrap and empty boxes off her denim sofa and gestures for him to sit down. “I ended up unpacking all of the kitchen stuff late last night so this is one thing I can do without digging through ten boxes.” George tries to relax. “Couldn’t sleep last night?” She pauses, her hand on the kitchen faucet.
