Page 25 of Just Like That

A real problem.

I stared hard at the bus parked in my driveway. I wasn’t used to a problem I couldn’t find my way out of. I was about to turn when a small light at the back of the bus flicked on, then off again.

Shit. Could she see me?

I eased back into the shadows of my room when the light flicked on, then off again. Curious, I reached over to the lamp by my side. With a quick flick, I flashed it on, then off again.

Maybe it was ridiculous, but somehow it felt like it meant something. Like a silent reassurance that things might just work themselves out.

But who was I kidding? Things didn’t just magically work themselves out for men like me.

No, men like me were handed problems and expected to put in the work to figure shit out.

And I would.

But damn was I exhausted.

The next morningI remained a prisoner in my own house. Weekends for some meant days off work to rest or for weekend warriors to chip away at random house projects.

Not me.

For me, Saturdays were just another day, and oftentimes that meant working at the office while my siblings ran off and lived their lives.

They were starting families and falling in love.

I was stuck.

Noises from the front yard seeped into my awareness, and I slammed back the bitter remnants of my morning cup of coffee.

Forgoing a full suit, I’d dressed in dark slacks and a short-sleeved knit shirt. Despite jerking myself off to the image of Hazel—twice—I slept like shit and was still keyed up. The musical notes of her laughter floated through the open window, and I slammed it closed.

I’ll just turn the air conditioner back on.

With a frustrated growl, I grabbed my keys and sailed out the door. My steps came up short when I spotted another car in the drive. Teddy zipped past me with a squeal, a trail of bubbles floating behind him. Hot on his heels was Penny Sullivan. She was chasing him, but clearly giving the kid the advantage of slowing her run so he could escape.

I frowned, trying to work out why the hell she was in my yard.

“Morning!” a woman’s voice called to me, and I squinted in the sun.

Across the yard, Lark Sullivan was standing next to Hazel and waving.

I guess that explains Penny.

I offered a terse smile but didn’t return her greeting.

Next to the skoolie, Hazel was arranging two rectangular foam mats. A bottle of water was next to one. Rhythmic, undulating beats flowed from a wireless speaker next to the other mat.

I walked toward my car, refusing to make eye contact with Hazel for fear she’d somehow know the depraved thoughts I’d had about her since last night. When she walked into the skoolie without looking my way, I could breathe again.

“Hi, JP,” Lark called once more. “Hazel and I became friends at the beach.”

I nodded. “I see that.”

Lark smiled and smoothed a hand over her pregnant belly. “She’s going to show me some prenatal yoga moves. I hope it’s okay that Penny pals around the yard with Teddy while we stretch.”

I paused and leaned my forearm on the open door to my BMW. “Would you leave if I said it wasn’t?”

“No.” Her smile widened as her playful eyes twinkled. I had turned to get into my car when she stopped me. “I was telling Hazel that we’re having a party at the speakeasy. Sylvie will be there. You should come.”

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