Page 6 of Something to Talk About

“I know, and I’m so incredibly sorry for what you’ve been through.” She clasps my fingers with hers, pulling me closer until I’m pressed against her, then puts her arm around my shoulder, giving me more than my own mother ever did.

“It’s okay. I mean, maybe not all the time, and I’ll have my moments, but everything will work out, eventually.” My therapist told me running from my problems and closing myself off won’t help in the long run. The goal is to allow myself to feel, a hard task when you’re used to holding everything in.

“You’re a strong woman, Lennon Sinclair. You’ve been put through the wringer, and while it may not seem like there’s a light at the end of the tunnel right now, there is.And, Lennie, you’re the light guiding the way.” I take a deep breath, trying to smile through her too-kind words.

“Thank you, it means a lot that you see me that way. I promise I’m working to one day see that in myself as well. Now, back to you and the shopping fiasco.” I take a sip of my tea, enjoying the cold sweetness while cooling off from mowing the front yard. The push mower I found in the shed out back today tried to take me out. It’s not that I haven’t had to mow, do homeowner-type stuff. It was just that I had help before. Now that I’m essentially on my own and with a yard, the difference is drastic. When I woke up this morning, I looked out the front window and knew I’d need to take matters into my own hands. A quick look in the shed after finding the push mower, which didn’t have a self-propel, showed me there was a gas can, and that’s about it. I took a quick picture of the mower and went to the small local hardware store in lieu of the bigger one in town. The older gentleman told me what to look for and gave me what I needed to attempt to get it started.

It took me a few minutes and a lot of muscles I haven’t used in entirely too long, but when I got the damn thing running, well, I felt like I could conquer the world. Of course, my new neighbor would take that moment to step outside and watch me do a little shimmy and shake in my excitement. He also didn’t have a shirt on, and when he went about his merry way, starting at a slow jog, well, I’m lucky to not have drooled down my shirt. Still, I watched him the entire time until I had to make a turn with the mower or when he rounded the street corner.

“You’ll get there. Now, like I was saying, there were acouple of thrift stores we drove by on the way here. I noticed when we brought your bedroom set in that you were missing a couple of things. For instance, a headboard and footboard as well as nightstands. I just so happened to see in the store front we passed by had a few, and if all goes well and you like anything, we’ll get it for you. And this is where I hope you’ll graciously accept because this old lady simply cannot and will not leave, especially to go on vacation, knowing you’re going to be working your tail off at a new job, coming home and still needing to work around here.”

I’m saved from responding with the opening of the front door. Poppa Russell steps out and says, “Well, that’s done. You ladies want to grab a bite to eat before we go check out the paint?”

“Sure,” I reply.

“Yep, and we’re going to stop at the thrift stores, too. Lennon didn’t say no, and she didn’t say yes. There’s no harm in taking a gander.” Russell smirks at his wife. Meanwhile, I have to stifle a laugh.

“Works for me. I’m going to introduce myself to your neighbor, and then we can get the show on the road.” He does his usual, pulling out his suspenders with his thumbs. A trait Case, Trey’s son and their grandson, has taken a liking to. I’ve yet to meet everyone in person, but the pictures, the calls, and many FaceTime conversations make me feel like I know them as well as I know Minnie.

“Oh,” I say, perking up in my chair. The couple of glances I’ve had of the mysterious man haven’t been enough.

“Now, that’s what you call a tall glass of water on a hot summer day.” Catherine fans herself. This time, he’s in ashirt, navy in color with white lettering emblazoned on the back, WOFD with a Maltese cross. An eight-point design symbolizing protection, courage, and selflessness. Thank you, drama television, for keeping me up to date on firefighters and medics. A pair of denim jeans encases his bottom half along with a pair of boots. His backwards hat has me letting out a small sigh, one I can’t cover up.

“Mhhhmm, leave it to my Russ. He’ll have his name, age, and marital status. You all think I’m a busybody, but I’ve got nothing on that man,” she says with a soft chuckle.

“He’s good to look at, that’s it. I’m not looking for a relationship. Being single these past however many months has taught me I like the single life. Plus, I’m pretty sure my therapist would have something to say about jumping into any type of relationship while still fixing myself.” I sit back in my seat, crossing one arm along my stomach and propping my other arm up while finishing my drink.

“Well, it sure doesn’t hurt to look, honey.”

“It doesn’t,” I agree. Even when my body is telling me a hell of a lot differently.

5

ASHER

“What’s up, man?” is how my buddy Trent answers the phone after it rings a few times. I’ve got more shit on my mind than I thought possible about my new neighbor named Lennon, or Lennie, as some like to call her. I guess her dad is who I spoke to when he meandered his way to my driveway to introduce himself. Russell let me know Lennon is Estelle’s estranged niece, they never met one another, and when her aunt found out about her, she couldn’t track down Lennie until it was too late. He saw my shirt, asked if I worked at the station. I let him know I’m a Captain at Whispering Oaks Fire Department, and he must have felt okay with giving me more information. The intel I received had me rocking back on my heels. She’s single, living alone, and could use someone to keep an eye out.

Those doubts I’ve had for years are slowly starting to dissipate, making me think Lennon could be the one. Once I get my shit in order and Kennedy picks up Briar, I’m going towalk over to Lennon’s to introduce myself, get a full view of the beauty who has me wrapping my fingers around my cock more than ever, and hear her voice. Jesus, that needs to happen, and fuckin’ fast.

“Heading to check on the Randalls. Hate that I’ve had to put it off this long.

I appreciate you picking up when I can’t.” We’re all part business owners of Jagged Edge Builders. There’s nine of us including myself and Trent. Luke’s a doctor; his schedule is all over the place depending on his rotation at the hospital. Jagger is the brains and brawn for Jagged Edge Builders. Tysen’s a pilot for a commercial company while still picking up the occasional private flight as well. Johnny owns the club Undercover Lovers, where we’ll all meet up once a month to have a drink, catch up, discuss what needs to be done in the way of job sites, and shoot the shit. Jude does his thing with the apps he develops, fucking smart as a whip. Crew is an engineer, which comes in handy with all of us owning a piece of the construction company. Last but not least is Matthew, another plus on our side because he’s the lawyer in the group.

“Whatever. You act like our roles haven’t been reversed when I’ve been stuck on a case.” We’re all coming and going, careers and life making us face one obstacle after the other.

“True enough. Still wanted to say thanks. Everything good with everyone else, or should I make the rounds?” The group chat has been quiet as hell lately, which usually means it’s the calm before the storm.

“Nah, it’s all good. Pretty sure we’re all a go for Sunday to meet up at the club,” Trent says with a yawn. Boy, do Iunderstand the sentiment, and had this phone call happened yesterday, I’d be in the same position.

“Sounds good to me. Work treating you good?” I ask.

“Fuck no. This shit is trying to kill me, but we’re close. So damn close that it’ll be worth it.” There are days when Trent will tell us about a case he’s working on, and then there are cases like this one that he’s keeping close to the vest.

“Hopefully sooner rather than later. Gonna let you go. I’ve got a couple of things to do before Briar needs to be picked up from school, and you know how she is.” Trent lets out a laugh. Not only did our group of nine grow up together, we did it within walking distance or a short bike ride from one another. It made for a lot of barbecues, and it also meant we’re so tightly knit together that when Briar was born, she had more than one uncle who’s not related by blood.

“Good fucking luck. I’ll pray for your wallet now.” Kennedy does as much as she can for being a single mom. She hates to ask for help, so this is the only way any of us can sneak anything past her. Johnny tried to take care of her rent when she lost her job. We’d all been trying. Well, he took matters in his own hands, went directly to the office, paid it for a month until she got back on her feet. My sister didn’t talk to him or any of us for nearly two weeks. Now, whoever gets an afternoon with Briar and I’m not available, we tend to do some shopping for all her favorite meals, snacks, and sweet treats. Kenny is forced to take home the food, too, since it’s for Briar. It’s a small way she’ll allow us to help, and as much as I’d take over every burden of hers I can, I know she won’t let me.

“Yeah, you’re not wrong.” I figure Briar and I will stop at the store. She can pick out some kind of arts and craft she likes, one that I’m sure without a shadow of a doubt will either have the smallest pieces I’ll step on later after I think everything is picked up or I’ll have glitter from one end of the house to the other.

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