“I’ll take a beer,” Skid answered.
“Tea for me,” Laken answered. “And Bay will have the same.”
“You’ve got it.”
Presley skirted over to the fridge while Skid and Laken took a lap around the kitchen, “Damn. This place is cleaning up good.”
“Yeah, it’s coming together.”
“I really love the flooring,” Laken added. “It looks great with the cabinets.”
“Thanks. They were Presley’s idea.”
“Not surprised.” Skid tilted his head back and inhaled deep. “Man, it smells good in here.”
“It should. I’ve been slaving over the stove for hours.”
“Lies,” Presley fussed. “Vicious, vicious lies.”
“So, it’s takeout again?”
“Hell no,” I answered. “Presley’s made one of her concoctions, and she never fails to impress.”
“I don’t know about all that,” Presley scoffed. “But hopefully it’s edible.”
Baylor stepped in front of me and stared at me like she was trying to figure me out. After several seconds, she finally asked, “Do you have a rabbit?”
“No. I can’t say that I do.”
“A dog?”
“Nope. Sure don’t.” I gave her a shrug. “I don’t have any animals, but maybe someday.”
“I have a rabbit.”
“I see that.”
“No. A real one.”
“Is that so?”
“Skid gave her one for Christmas,” Laken interjected. “I wasn’t sure it was the best idea, but Baylor’s done good with her.”
“Hmm. Maybe I’ll have to get a rabbit one day, and then, he can make friends with your rabbit.”
“And they can have baby rabbits.”
“Well, look at that.” I shot Skid a look. “She catches on pretty quick.”
“Too quick,” Skid grumbled. “And you two can forget it. One damn rabbit is enough.”
Presley came over carrying our drinks and handed Skid his beer before passing Laken and Baylor their teas. Baylor accepted hers with both hands like she was afraid she might spill it. I watched them all for a moment, and for the first time in days, maybe even longer, things felt normal.
Good even.
Skid dropped into a chair and leaned back. “What’s the next project?”
“I’m thinking I’ll take a break for a bit.”
