The Threat

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

I live in a mother-in-law apartment just outside Seattle. A straight couple in their 30s rent the house next door to me, and we're friendly when we see each other.

He works for a tree service, and recently he drove home in a great honking truck. A few days later, as he tinkered in his garage, I went over to joke with him about getting to drive the company car. His partner was there, but she headed in the house.

Then she came back. Then she returned to the house. Then she reappeared in the garage, and made a point of placing her hand on his shoulder.

All I could think later was, "Oh honey. don't worry about me. First, I could be his mother. Second, I don't go for breaking up relationships. Third, and most importantly, I'm gay."

In fact, I'm the least threatening female neighbor she could have. Perhaps I should demand a stipend.