Finally, Grandpa turns to me. “What’s the name of the place you’re working with?”
“I…honestly can’t remember,” I admit, glancing down at my vest and hoping for a logo that might jog my memory.
There isn’t one. Just several large drops of red.
“Oh,” Grandpa says thoughtfully, tapping his lips. “I think that was for me.”
“What do you mean?” Laney asks, staring at him with an intensity I haven’t seen before.
“Well, I signed up for a cleanup thing for your grandma,” he says. “Didn’t realize it would land on her actual birthday.”
“Maybe it just worked out that way,” I offer, trying to be helpful. “I should probably get back out there and help my group. We were wondering about the two dead trees out back. Do you want those taken down while we’re here?”
Grandma nods like she’s never wanted anything more, but Grandpa turns to stare out the window, his expression almost pained.
“I don’t know,” he says slowly. “I’m wondering if they’ll still be able to come around.”
“I think they’re pretty dead,” I say gently.
Laney winks at me, putting me off-balance for a moment.
“Grandpa, those trees haven’t grown leaves in five years.”
He lets out a long breath, his shoulders slumping as if agreeing takes everything he’s got. “Yeah…you’re probably right.”
“We could always plant new ones,” I say. “I’ll even do it for you.”
I’m not sure why I offer. Maybe it’s habit, ormaybe it’s something about helping people that reminds me of Nora, my next-door neighbor. She’s ninety-something, and her yard needs maintenance as well. We haven’t gotten to the spring cleaning there yet, which I’ll need to schedule in the coming week with the rest of the roommates.
“I like that idea,” Grandpa says, suddenly brightening. “We could get some really nice trees.”
As if it had been his idea all along.
I bite back a laugh and glance down at the rag in my hand. It’s mostly red now, stained pink in places. I’m not entirely sure what to do with it. I’ve never had a bloody nose where someone handed me a reusable cloth.
“Here, I’ll take that,” Laney says. “And thank you for helping today.”
She gives me a warm smile.
“No problem. I’m just glad I know who lives here now.”
That probably sounds odd. Stalkerish, but I won’t be out here very often.
“It was nice to meet you both,” I say, waving.
There’s a lot to get done, so I might as well get back to it. And at least I’ve got something to think about while I cut down the trees. Laney and the goat, both full of spunk and making it hard for me not to smile.
CHAPTER 14
LANEY
Of all the times to visit my grandparents, I’m not sure whether this is the best or the worst.
I’m still shocked Burton is here, and I’ve probably glanced out the window his way more than once as he cuts down the trees. He makes it look easy, but I’ve held a chainsaw before. Those things buck hard if you don’t have the strength to control them.
Am I distracted by his toned arms a few times? Maybe, but I’m here to celebrate my grandmother’s birthday, not ogle my neighbor as he works.
I help Grammie unload the rest of the groceries, then pause, unsure what to do next. Part of me wantsto go help outside. The other part wants to stay in and take care of her, especially today.
