Page 102 of Wicked Ends
“Because I can’t be late for practice right now, and I want your opinion on what we could do inside here. You’re the only person I know who’s worked construction before.” I slapped him on the shoulder. “Plus, you have a great eye for interior design, you know. A backup career if this hockey thing doesn’t work out.”
“Fuck off.” Ash shrugged my hand off his shoulder and eyed the front of the cabin. “It’s pretty run-down. Is your brother a slumlord?”
I unlocked the door and pushed it open. “He just bought it. He was going to fix it up, but Pippa talked him into renting it right away for a low price, seeing as there isn’t much in town available for that price. He can still do it up, but at least someone can live here in the meantime.”
We stepped inside.
Ash gazed around and nodded. “Actually, I take it back. It’s only the outside that looks like shit. It’s all right.”
“But what can we do to make it better?”
Ash glanced at the walls. “I don’t know. Paint it?”
I sighed. “Wow, your expert opinion is really valuable. What else?”
“Check the plumbing. Long, hot showers where the heat doesn’t cut out are nice. The appliances in the kitchen. The heating for winter, the chimney flue… you know, general maintenance.”
“Okay. Let’s make a list,” I said and pulled my phone out.
Ash stared at me like I was an alien and then burst out laughing.
“What?” I protested.
“Fuck, man… what’s happened to you? A list? Did you forget your clipboard?”
“Yeah, maybe, so what?” I turned away from him, irritated by his laughter.
“I’ve never seen you like this.” Ash continued to chuckle, tempting me to smack him in the nose.
“Like what? Organized? It’s not a crime.”
“Trying,” Asher clarified. “I’ve never seen you try before… at anything, really. Hockey comes to you naturally, music you find easy, people like you without any effort on your part… you seem to drift through the world, blessed by the heavens to have good luck in whatever you do.”
I stared at him, so surprised my mouth was open. What he’d said couldn’t have been more different than my own version of my life.
“Yeah, I know you’ve got shit going on with your dad, and that sucks, but it won’t bring you down. You’re too much of a force of nature to let it.”
“I wish I was as confident as you are about that,” I said.
Asher shrugged. “I know you. Ibelievein you. But this here,” he waved a hand around the cabin, “it’s a new side of you. It’s Marcus trying, and fuck, I’d love to know who you’re trying for.”
I rolled my eyes. “Like you don’t already know.”
Ash shrugged. “I’d like you to tell me anyway.”
“Professor Moore. She’s not like anyone I’ve ever met before,” I admitted, and an unconscious smile snuck over my face. “She’s something else, and I found her first.”
Ash blinked at me and then whistled. “Fuck. It’s happened. It’s actually happened. The most popular guy on campus is off the market, isn’t he?”
I grinned at him. “What market? I only see her.”
Ash shook his head. “Fuck. I can’t believe it.”
“Believe it. Now, let’s plan how we’re going to fix up this place, starting tonight.”
“I’ve got plans,” Asher said.
“Yeah, with me. Every single time I’ve covered for you, or done absolutely insane shit for you, like drugging and kidnapping your girlfriend, I’m calling in those favors now. You, Beck, and Cayden can get your asses here and help. For once, I’m the one who needs help. It’s my turn.”
