But He's My Grumpy Neighbor (But He's a Carter Brother #1)

by Annah Conwell

“Don’t worry about the trash,” I say instead of acknowledging the lake run. “I’ll clean it up and bring it down, thanks for letting me know when trash day is.” “No, it was my fault, please let me help.” She starts grabbing the trash with her hands and I don’t miss the disgusted purse of her lips as she does. “It’s fine. Just let me do it.” I try for a stern tone, but she continues on as if she didn’t hear me. “Juliette, stop.” My voice is hard, more of a command than a suggestion this time around. An empty takeout container tumbles from her hands and clatters against the concrete. Slowly, she straightens to standing, her green eyes lifting. I expect to find them shining, perhaps a bit glassy, but I’ve braced myself for nothing. Her eyes are as serene as the surface of the lake I was just gazing upon moments ago. The silence between us is punctured only by the rustling of the wind in the trees as she regards me calmly. “I wanted to fix my mistake,” she says, and I hate how her tone has changed but I hate even more that it bothers me. Earlier she sounded like a rushing waterfall, gushing and bubbling with life. Now, she’s flat as the ground beneath us. “But if that would make you more upset, I understand. I’m sorry.” “It’s just that your help isn’t necessary,” I say, hoping that softens the blow of my earlier words. I don’t want to be friends with her, but I also don’t want to be so rude that my mother would be shaking her head at me in Heaven. Great, now I’m thinking of my ...