Richard's POV
My balled fist hangs in the air when the door is thrown open by Arabel and Daisy, dressed for an outing.
Before Daisy can notice my presence, my eyes connect with Arabel.
The piercing sound of her scream jerks me back to life and makes me shift my attention away from Arabel's beautiful face.
The more I see her, the bigger my regrets. The less I see her, the more I want her back with me.
"Hey, buddy," I say, squatting down to pick her up as she hugs my legs. “How are you doing?”
“I'm fine. Why are you here?”
My gaze meets Arabel again. Since they moved in, we haven't mistakenly bumped into each other or crossed paths. It was as if we were total strangers and not neighbors.
That means one thing.
She is uncomfortable with my friendship with Daisy, and she doesn't want Daisy to know I am next door.
With a smile, I reply to Daisy. “I drove all the way here to see you.”
“Really?” I nod vigorously to express my honesty.
“Hi,” Arabel finally greets me, waving at me with a smile,
