Page 15 of The Wayward Son

He cocked his head. “Seriously?”

“Sorry. I forgot who I was doing laundry with. Everything into one washer.”

“You can separate if you want.”

She laughed. “I’m not really a laundry aficionado. Throw it in and turn it on, is my motto.”

She filled the washer, trying not to think about whether she was tossing in his clothes or hers. Sawyer dug six quarters out of his pocket and came up behind her to put them into the slot. They both stepped back as the washer hummed for a moment, then started filling.

“Did it really take two of us to accomplish that?”

Jade nudged him. “Laundry is always more fun with a buddy. Also, if one of us gets attacked, the other one can run for help.”

“I suppose that’s a valid reason for the buddy system.” He shook his head. “But laundry is never fun.”

She looked at the washer. “Don’t you worry about people stealing your clothes?”

“Nobody would want my clothes.”

“That’s true. But I on the other hand have a brand new wardrobe.”

“Right. We could sit on the bench and guard it. It’d be kind of like sitting around and watching paint dry. But I’m down if you are.”

She took his arm. “I think I’ll take my chances.” They went out the door and she stopped to look at the elevator. “Why didn’t we take the elevator?”

“I always take the stairs whenever possible.”

“Of course you do.” She looked at the stairs, then pushed the button on the elevator. He stepped away from her.

“I’ll meet you up there.”

“Ride the elevator with me.”

The doors slid open with a creak and Sawyer peered inside. “Nope. I’m not getting on that thing.”

“Are you afraid of the elevator?”

“Yes. And I’m not afraid to admit it.”

He headed for the stairs. “I’ll race you.”

“Do you think you can beat the elevator?”

“I know I can.”

She stepped inside. “Wait until I push the button.”

“Okay.”

The doors closed, and the elevator began a very slow ascent to the second floor. “Oh, my gosh. He’s going to beat you. Come on, you creaky old piece of crap.”

When the elevator finally arrived on the second floor and the doors slowly slid open, Sawyer was standing on the other side grinning.

She stepped out. “Shut up.”

“I didn’t say anything.”

She shoved him. “You’re not even tired.”

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