I swallowed thickly. “I know a little. The son is only thirteen, but he’s six foot three. Which is probably why the shitty guy from the main office has his eyes on him.”
“Wait. The kid is thirteenandsix foot three?”
“Yeah.”
“So... sports?”
“Maybe?” I held up my hands. “We know they don’t have the money for that.”
“Yeah, but there are nonprofits that help impoverished kids join sports teams—hell, I know you and I’d be more than willing to cover his expenses?—”
“But that doesn’t solve the problem of the dangerous shithole they’re living in,” I said, talking over him. “In my mind, you can’t do one without the other.”
“What are you thinking?”
“That I need more information.” I blew out a big breath. “Which is why I’m going to force my way into Rowdy’s car this week and go with him to that youth group thing. I want to meet this kid.”
Emery nodded. “True—you need more information. Not just on the kid, either.”
“Agreed. Rowdy insists his mom is great, but she’s in a terrible situation right now. He wanted to see if he could get her into Kit’s place, but Kit already went and hired a land manager. I also called some of our contacts, but nothing they have available would be a good fit.”
Emery’s expression was thoughtful. “I like the dude ranch idea. Don’t give up on that angle—there’s always plenty to do at a place like that, especially for an overgrown teenager.” Em swirled his Rudy’s cup on the counter, shaking the ice inside. “Go check things out at this volunteer thing and then come back to me. For sure there’s something we can do that doesn’t involve Anders Fucking Bash.”
“Will do.”
I knew Rowdy would pitch a fit if he found out that I’d more or less immediately told Emery everything, but I was relieved to talk it out with him. While I was remembering all the things that made me grateful for Emery’s friendship, his face shifted into a smile.
Red flag.
“What’s this smile about?”
Emery nodded. “So, apart from figuring out how to help this kid and his mom, what’s your strategy with Rowdy? Aside from, you know, inviting yourself along?”
I rolled the sweating cup between my palms. “You’re gonna think I’m an idiot.”
“No, I won’t.”
He very much will.
Ah, well.
“Clearly, I need to dosomethingabout this attraction to him.”
“Thank you, Captain Obvious.” He rolled his eyes. Ass. “What are you planning?”
I ran my hands through my hair until it was a mess.
“Kess?”
“I thought I’d start by making him a pretty headboard.”
Emery crossed his arms over his chest, his eyes blazing. “You have never once made me something from your wood shop, Kessler. And I’m starting to take it personally.”
I imitated his stance. “That’s because my skills are simple, and your tastes are not.”
“Fine, but I’m noting this in the friendship log.” Em rubbed his hands together. “That’s actually...a really nice gesture, though.”
“That’s what I’m going for—nice gestures.”
