“I really appreciate this, I have been fumbling with this gate for days.” She mentioned as I began examining the hinges, trying to look as manly as possible while doing so.

“Don’t worry about it.” I shrug, glancing up to meet her eyes as I give a small smile. I hadn’t ever really gotten close enough to her to see her eye color, and am pleasantly surprised to find them a dark brown.
 
“My names Ashley, Ashley Davies.” She introduces herself casually while picking at a loose piece of stucco on the wall.

“Glen Carlin.” I reply, pulling away from the hinge I was tightening to extend a hand in her direction. She gives me a slightly odd look when I mention my name, one I can’t quite place, although she quickly shakes it off.

“Nice to meet you Glen.” She smiles, accepting my hand and giving it a firm but still delicate shake.

“Ditto.” Dear god, I am a loser. While silently kicking myself for saying one of the top ten dorkiest words I continue fussing with the gate, occasionally swinging it to see if there is any improvement. Looking a little bored, the girl leans against the fence, eyes shifting to study the bits of grass peaking up between some random cracks in the concrete.

“Hey, I think I got it!” I say triumphantly out of the blue, causing her eyes to dart up from the ground to look at the gate.

“Really?” She inquires, face brightening a bit. Her dark curly hair is pulled back with the exception of a few tendrils hanging in her face, and I decide that they are sexy. Very sexy.

“Yep, check this out.” I am enthusiastic as I take a step backwards, pushing the gate open then shutting it, all without it sticking. “Smooth as butter.” I comment proudly, my hands finding my short pockets.

“Awesome! Thank you so much!” She is grinning now as she tests the gate out for herself, looking impressed and pleased. I stand there for a moment, hoping for an invitation inside, a glass of lemonade, something to reward my gallant efforts. But, instead all I get is a smile and a small wave, “Well, I’ve got to go run some errands, but thanks again.”