“The shampoo in the purple bottle?”
“My sister told me I could only use it if I spoke with an accent the whole time.”
Penny hoisted the box into her arms and moved it to the back of the garage. “I’m going to need to hear that.”
“Nope. Only when in the act of shampooing.”
“New plan. Sneak in while you’re showering.” Penny’s cheeks warmed as she set the box down and realized what she’d said.
“I told you, you only have to ask nicely.” Brett finished the sentence in an Australian accent, and Penny laughed out loud.
They worked in tandem until the boxes were sorted, then moved on to Brett’s sports equipment.
“No skiing this year.” Brett held out his skis for Penny to take to the back.
“What, you’re saying skiing takes a toll on your knees?”
“Not if you’re skiing powder.”
Penny scoffed. “Not if you’re skiing powder and you’re good at it. I almost tore my leg off because I thought I had to carve.”
Brett picked up his boots and helmet. “Gotta be gentle. Just give it a little nudge.”
Penny propped up the skis in the corner, then moved two of her duffels out on the driveway. “Do you ski a lot?”
“As much as I can. It was easier when I was in school. Now I usually go up with guys from the team a few times each season, then make it up on my own at least once.”
Penny hadn’t skied once since moving to Alberta. There had always been something to do for the practice on the weekends. She rolled Brett’s bike back and propped it against the far wall. “I figure I’ll sweep this out, then set everything up.”
“I can sweep.” Brett headed toward the broom tucked into the front corner of the garage.
“False.” Penny got there first. “You need to save your strength for our session. I’ll be able to inflict all kinds of new torture once my equipment is set up.”
Brett stopped and picked up a long bag. “I can at least move some of these lighter ones.”
Penny didn’t argue. She helped him move the rest of her things out, then picked up the broom. Brett stood on the driveway while she swept. The floor was surprisingly clean already.
“Tyler’s going to come a bit early for the meeting, and we’ll take all this to the donation center,” Brett called out.
“Perfect.” She finished sweeping and surveyed the space. There was plenty of room for her set up.
“You can use those if you want.” Brett motioned to the stack of black puzzle mats in the back corner.
“Are you sure?”
“Positive.”
Penny glanced down at her watch. It was past noon. She set the broom back in the corner and started moving her equipment back in. “Can I make you lunch?”
Brett picked up a bag. “You don’t owe me anything, Penny.”
“I absolutely owe you.” Penny felt a little like she had emotional whiplash. Things didn’t feel as hopeless now as they’d seemed when she woke up this morning. Brett seemed completely fine after last night, and now she had a potential avenue to make a bit of cash on the side. This afternoon, she’d have to make up a document with her services and prices to pass on if any of these players actually booked.
“When I post on the boards, do you want me to give them your number?”
Penny nodded. “I think that makes the most sense, don’t you?”
Brett shrugged. “I could field the calls if you want.”
