Page 75 of High Frequency

My father wanted to host Thanksgiving this year, and Lindsey and her family were planning to come up for that. No way in hell my house will be done in two months or we could have it there, but she clearly wants to come see it.

“I’ll take some pictures tomorrow. The sunsets are amazing from the porch.”

In the background I hear one of my nieces start wailing.

Lindsey sighs. “That’s my cue. Nightmares. It’s a new thing,” Lindsey explains. “Be glad you don’t have kids. Talk to you later.”

I immediately think of Aspen, and I’m tempted to tell my sister about her and her mother, but I don’t get a chance because she’s already hung up. It’s probably a good thing, because I’d have been on the phone for another hour, and I really want to follow through on that idea she gave me.

Bo answers the phone immediately with, “How is she?”

“Grade two ligament tear. She’ll be in a boot for a couple of weeks.”

“Ouch. Bet she’s not happy.”

I think of the smiling woman I left in her bed half an hour ago, but I have no doubt that smile will be gone in the morning.

“Not really. Anyway, that’s not the reason I was calling,” I confess. “Do you know if Jackson is going to be around tomorrow morning? I’d like to drop by.”

“Yeah, as far as I know. I can’t guarantee he’ll be up for a social visit, but you’ll find out.”

“It’ll be more of a business proposal. I could use some help with the house. It’s gonna be a challenge to do my job, work on the house, and manage trades all at the same time.”

“Not to mention the new and incapacitated girlfriend,” Bo contributes.

I hadn’t even thought about that, but he makes a good point. No way to start a relationship if you don’t have time to invest in it.

“Yeah, there’s that,” I admit.

“So what?” Bo pushes. “You wanna ask Jackson to work for you?”

“If I’m gonna hire someone, it might as well be him.”

Bo laughs at me. “Is that what you plan on telling him?”

“I was thinking about it, now I’m not so sure.”

That makes him laugh even louder.

“Ah, who knows. He may surprise you.” Then he adds, “I’ll make an extra big pot of coffee.”

He doesn’t wait for me to thank him before he ends the call.

I toss back the dregs of my beer and contemplate grabbing another, but then I get a whiff of myself. I guess I need a shower more than I need another beer. It’s been a long-ass day and I’m about ready for bed anyway.

Grabbing my empty bottle and my phone, I head to the kitchen. I’m about to plug my phone in the charger, when a soft ping announces an incoming text.

How’s your back?

Twenty-Two

Dan

I have a hard time keeping a straight face when he walks into the kitchen.

“Where’s Lucy?” are the first words from his mouth.

“She said something about feeding the goats.”

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