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As she makes small talk about the heat, I can’t help but notice how cool it is in her house. I wonder why she didn’t invite me in those other times and forced us to sit out on the porch when we could have been enjoying air-conditioned comfort.

I suspect she’s hiding something, but as I look around her place, I see nothing worth concealing. Relatively cheap artwork hangs on the beige walls, and from what I can tell, Caroline likes to keep her home uncluttered, something I can appreciate. No mail sits on any tables to give me more clues about who she is. Everything looks perfectly dusted and clean, and I have a strong suspicion if she’s not a neat freak she’s definitely someone who likes to have her home tidy at all times.

Caroline sets a red and white platter that looks like it belonged at Kimmy’s Fourth of July party on the table and smiles. “It’s been so hot lately that I haven’t wanted to cook at all during this heat wave, but since I invited you tonight, I thought I needed to do something more than set out a bag of chips or pretzels.”

Five large tomatoes filled with chicken salad sit in the middle of the tray, and I have to admit they look delicious. “I’m starving, but I know what you mean about the heat. Even though it’s air conditioned inside my house, it’s like the scorching temperatures sneak in, and I don’t want to cook at all either. These look great.”

My compliment pleases her, and as she sits down, she says, “Thanks. I had this at an adorable little restaurant when I went to Jamestown a few years ago, and it’s one of my favorite meals for when it’s hot out. I hope you enjoy it.”

Interesting. I doubt she traveled to Jamestown on her own, so as the two of us reach for a tomato, I ask, “Are you a history buff?”

With a shrug, she answers, “Sort of. My father was really into history. I can’t tell you how often we visited D.C. when I was a little girl. He used to say the city had something to teach every time we went there.”

I take my first bite of the chicken salad and savor the taste. It’s cool and refreshing, but there’s something slightly spicy underneath the chicken and mayonnaise. Nothing too hot but enough to give the dish some pizzazz to make it interesting.

“This is very good. Perfect for a hot summer night.”

She nods but doesn’t respond as she continues to eat, which feels a little rude for a hostess, so I continue talking, sharing what I saw on my walk here tonight. “Suzanne looked like she was packing up to leave as I walked by. I think she might be getting ready to sell the house.”

With a sigh, Caroline says, “I’m guessing she has to. She and Jared probably own the house jointly, and in a divorce, they’ll have to sell it or one of them has to buy the other out of their share. I can understand her wanting to leave, though. That place probably has a ton of memories for her, and I bet she wants a fresh start after everything that’s happened.”

“True. She’ll be okay, though. She’s got a great job that pays well, so she doesn’t have to worry about that, I’m guessing.”

A faint look of disgust passes over Caroline’s face, but it’s quickly replaced by a smile I can tell is forced. “Money isn’t everything. I’m sure she’d trade all she has for the happiness she thought she had.”

Not wanting to let our night descend into sadness because of the Suzanne and Jared situation, I quickly change the subject. “Tim and Kimmy were out on my way here. He’s a funny guy. I think he’s happy, but whenever I’m around, he talks about being single like he’s reminiscing about his good old days.”

“That’s because he’s a typical man. He wouldn’t want to give up the wife and kids and the house in the suburbs because he enjoys the way people see him because of those things, but he can’t help but think if he was single he’d be living the good life. He’s lucky he’s got a wonderful wife. Kimmy’s the best.”

She really is a fan of the party planner of Park Circle. That never fails to surprise me since Caroline seems to be far more liberated and independent than Kimmy.

So I compliment her, knowing I need to. “She really is the best. This neighborhood wouldn’t be the same without her.”

Caroline reaches for her second tomato with chicken salad and smiles, happy with my comment about her friend. Then suddenly, her expression changes drastically and her eyes open wide.

“Oh, I forgot the wine. Hang on. I’ll be right back.”

A glass of something would be terrific right now. I’ve never been a huge drinker, but wine never fails to relax me, and right now, I could use something to calm me down. It’s like my insides have decided Caroline’s fate and are getting antsy about when it’s actually going to happen. I haven’t consciously decided tonight’s the night she’ll die, but clearly, my body has.

I take a huge breath in and let it out slowly, trying to relax so I don’t tip her off that something’s wrong. That’s crazy, though. She has no idea I’m thinking of anything but enjoying my time with her. She likely suspects I’m going to make a move on her at some point tonight. She’s not the only one. Tim thinks the same thing. I guess it’s only natural. She is a beautiful young woman and I’m a single man. I wouldn’t be surprised if everyone else in the cul-de-sac has been wondering when this would finally happen.

Well, everyone except Suzanne and Jared. They’ve got other things on their minds.

When Caroline returns from the kitchen, she’s holding two glasses of red wine. “White wine goes best with chicken, or so they say, but I only have red. I hope you’re okay with that.”

As I take a glass from her hand, I nod. “I’m fine with red. I’m not someone who usually follows what they say goes with what dish.”

She sits down at the table once more and lets out a heavy sigh. Is something bothering her? I thought this night had been going well.

“Thanks. It feels like this is an occasion for a toast.”

“It does. I’m struggling to come up with anything clever at the moment, though. I’m not good at these kinds of things. Not enough practice, I guess.”

Lifting my glass in the air, I say, “To new friends and her new house. Congratulations to you, Caroline.”

“Thank you. Let me know what you think of the wine.”

I take a sip and then two more to get a good taste of the drink. I’m not usually a fan of merlot because it’s often too strong, but this isn’t bad at all.

“That’s very good wine.”

“Believe it or not, it’s from Trader Joe’s. I had it at my going away party a few months ago and loved it, but I was surprised when I asked my friend where she bought it from, and she told me Trader Joe’s. I swear you can get anything at that place.”

Instantly, my interest is piqued by her mention of a going away party, but I file that detail away for later, choosing instead to make small talk for the moment. “Really? That’s interesting. I don’t think I’ve been to a Trader Joe’s in ages. I guess I have a reason to go back now.”

Before we can get to having any meaningful conversation, someone knocks on the front door. I have to hide my irritation with how fucking intrusive everyone in this neighborhood is, pasting a smile on my face as she practically jumps up from her chair.

“Looks like it’s nosy neighbor time. Something tells me we should have done this at your house. I’ll be right back.”

I turn around and watch her walk to the front door as I silently bet on which one of our neighbors has decided to interrupt our night. Kimmy? That’s probably the most likely choice but Marilyn might be a close second. Then again, while she’s friendly enough, I don’t get the sense she’s as nosy as good old Kimmy.

As soon as she opens the door, I know my first guess was right. Kimmy. Jesus, doesn’t she have anything better to do than bother two people trying to have a good time and get to know one another? She’s got all those damn kids and that husband who doesn’t seem to be able to do much on his own. You’d think all of them would be enough to fill her time. Instead, here she is shoving her nose into other people’s business.

After only a minute, Caroline returns to the dining room and sits down. “That was Kimmy. You know how things are in this neighborhood. I have the feeling she’s just the first one we’ll have to deal with tonight. Any chance you want to go to your house instead? I don’t think they’ll bother us there, and we’ll be able to talk without being interrupted constantly.”

I try to hide how thrilled I am that she’s going to be in my house and nod like it’s not the best idea I’ve heard in ages. “Yeah, sure. We can head up there right now,” I say as I stand to leave, hoping I don’t look too eager.

Caroline follows behind me, leaving the glasses of half-filled wine and the rest of the dinner sitting on the table. Just as we’re near the front door, she says, “Oh, damnit! Give me a couple minutes. I’ll be right behind you, okay?”

“Okay. Want me to take the wine, or do you want to bring it?”

“I’ve got it. See you in a couple minutes,” she says with a big grin.

Obviously, I’m not the only one who’s looking forward to what’s about to happen tonight. Too bad for her we don’t have the same plans in mind.

I see that pain in the ass Kimmy on my way up the street and barely give her a half-hearted smile as I pass her. Go into your house, woman. There are five people who need you there.

As I walk toward my house, I begin to feel sluggish. This is why I don’t drink. It dulls my senses and my wits, two things I not only need for the rest of this night but badly want at their best. I want to enjoy watching Caroline take her last gasp of air in this world. I want to hear that familiar sound of desperation as she realizes what I’ve done and this is her final night alive.

My feet feel like someone’s encased them in fifty pounds of concrete, but I continue to trudge up the street toward my house. No one else is out tonight, thankfully, because at this moment, I just don’t have it in me to pretend to be happy to see them. This being neighborly thing is exhausting, and right now, it’s too hot to be anything but focused on getting to my air-conditioned house and relaxing before Caroline gets there.

I think I see Aaron watching out his front window, but when I look closely, he disappears. Weirdo. The last thing I need tonight is to run into that guy. He gives me the creeps. Always skulking around like some odd thing scaring the hell out of people.

When I finally reach my house, I’m happy to finally get some relief from the oppressive heat. I look back and see Caroline walking down her front steps. Good.

Tonight’s going to be perfect, just like all the other times. All I’ll have to worry about is Kimmy saying she saw her come here, but considering the way she behaves most of the time, I don’t think the cops will believe her. I’ll just tell them Caroline and I had a disagreement after Kimmy interrupted our time together and the last I saw of her, she was heading toward the Marshall’s house. That and the requisite devastated expression on my face that a woman I was interested in is missing will do the trick.