“If there’s a problem, I’ll tell you,” Payne said, drawing an X over his heart. “I want you to do the same. Good communication solves most problems.”
“I can do that,” Hunter said. “After I wash the dishes, I’ll go back to the hotel to get my things, if it’s okay. If you want to decide what chores you want me to do, I’m fine with that. I’m not a messy person by nature.”
Payne leaned back in his chair and flipped his hand toward the sink. “Okay, roomie, time to start earning your keep,” he said, deciding to lighten the mood a little. “I want those dishes sparkling.”
“Yes, sir!” Hunter stood up, then picked up their plates and carried them to the sink. “I guess all the time I did on KP duty in the Army will come in handy.” He glanced back over his shoulder at Payne. “Would you be shocked to learn my smart mouth got me in trouble?”
“Probably about as surprised as you’d be to learn the same thing about mine,” Payne said with a mischievous grin. “I got my nickname early.”
“Then we’ll either get along great or kill each other in a week,” Hunter said, mirroring Payne’s grin. “Any bets on which it will be?”
“I’m an optimist, so I’ll put my money on the two of us getting along fine,” Payne said.
And maybe if things went well enough, Hunter would never want to leave.
