Page 73 of Until Landon
“Why can’t you be the one that says it first?”
The question is ignored, or maybe he is absorbing the idea. Either way, the conversation changes direction.
“Oh look! The putrid pond is gone.”
In its place, is a rock garden with a newly planted tree in the middle. A bird flits off with our approach. Colorful plants and small bushes rise around it. Slowly driving by, he adds another angle on the change.
“There goes my plans for an all-girl mud wrestling tournament.”
CHAPTERSEVENTEEN
Landon
Sweat runs down our faces. Never mind I’m the old man here at thirty-five. It is getting to the young fuckers too. Bing trips on the first stair leading to the master and it pushes Hunter’s hand against the rail.
“Ow!”
“Let’s put it down for a minute,” I say.
Everyone is onboard with the idea. The mattress gets leaned against the wall and we take a breath.
“What is this, King Kong’s bed?” Hunter says, sitting his ass on a stair.
“It’s a California King. They’re a little wider. What say we stop after this one? We can pick it up in the morning. It’ll just be what’s left in the garage at the condo. The motorcycle, a few boxes, and the patio furniture.”
Bing lets loose with a yell to the heavens.
“Shit yeah!”
Hunter rises and takes his corner.
“Come on. Let’s get this over with.”
We follow the direction and make it up to the landing.
“How old’s this place?” Hunter asks.
“It was built in the eighties. But there was a remodel about ten years ago. Okay, let’s go.”
Again, we lift. This time we make it into the bedroom.
“It may be a mirage, but I see it! We’re almost there!” Bing says with a dramatic flair.
The mattress gets placed atop the box spring.
“God.” Hunter falls backwards onto the mattress. “I’m not going to move for the rest of the night.”
“The view is awesome,” Bing says, looking at the unobstructed expanse of lake. Wave runners and big blowup floats dot the blue water. A boat in the distance speeds across the mirrored surface.
“That’s half the reason I bought the place.”
“Has Mom seen the house?”
“Not yet. But as soon as we can swing it, I’ll bring her here. Think she’ll like the place?”
“She’s gonna love it,” he says matter-of–factly. “She likes being around the water.”
I am not sure what he really thinks of that. Kids aren’t the most adaptable people, unless it’s them choosing the pivot. Maybe Hunter is a smarter person than most at his age.
