“I want to help. I only have a small deck at my condo, so I actually sort of miss the yard work.”
“But I really don’t want to trouble you—”
“Iwantto do this, Riva. Just let me.”
“But Windy will probably want to help.”
“Oh, sure, Windy loves gardening, but take it from me, my baby sister hates digging holes. She’d probably protest if she thought you turned me down. Just think, with me digging and you and Windy planting, we’ll get it knocked out in one day. Before that heat wave starts.” He jerked a thumb over his shoulder. “And you really did get a lot of plants, Riva. I’m sure it’s more work than you think.”
“Uh-huh,” she mumbled as he drove up her street. She could imagine Laurel’s expression if she saw Marcus offering his assistance. But maybe Laurel would want to help too. That might smooth things over. Not to mention getting things done. Because Riva knew she’d bitten off more than she could chew today. And she wasn’t only thinking about the plants.
Chapter9
Laurel, despite her claim to have no green thumb, really stepped up to help in the yard. Whether it was to be around Marcus or just to lend a hand, it didn’t matter. By noon, Windy, Laurel, and Marcus had everything under control. Not only with planting but weeding and preparing beds and pots as well. Windy, the true gardener, took the lead.
“We need at least six bags of potting soil,” she told Riva. “And probably that many bags of organic compost as well.”
“I can take you to get it in my pickup.” Marcus laid his shovel in the wheelbarrow.
“No, you can’t, Stormy,” Windy told him. “You and Laurel need to finish getting this raised bed cleaned up so we have a place to plant my veggie starts and seeds.”
“I can get the dirt and compost in my SUV,” Riva said.
Marcus tugged a key ring from his shorts pocket. “Here, Riva, just take my truck. It’ll be easier to load and unload.”
“And cleaner for your rig,” Windy added. “Those bags sometimes break open, and the compost can really stink up a vehicle.”
Riva took the keys from Marcus. “You’re sure you trust me with your pickup?”
He grinned. “Hey, you’re trusting me with your wheelbarrow.”
She laughed. “Good thing I have comprehensive coverage.”
At the end of the day, Riva’s backyard was transformed, and the workers were dirty and tired and hungry. “Thank you all so much,” Riva told them. “It looks amazing out here.”
“Many hands make light work. Although that wasn’t exactlylightwork.” Laurel rubbed her back. “I can’t wait to soak in the tub again tonight. What a treat to have a tub!”
“I never dreamed we could accomplish this much in just one day.”
“Too bad we didn’t make a video,” Windy said. “We could have our own DIY yard-flipping show.”
“With one episode,” Laurel said.
“What about the front yard?” Windy asked.
“Thankfully that’s smaller.” Riva didn’t even want to think about that yet.
“I can handle it on my own if you want, Riva,” Windy said. “But at least now we have this gorgeous space to enjoy.” Windy leaned the broom she’d been using by the door.
“It’ll be fun to use the backyard again. I just wish I had the energy to fire up the barbecue and grill you guys some juicy T-bones,” Riva told them.
“No, of course not.” Windy patted her back. “Don’t even think of it.”
“But how about pizza?” Riva pulled out her phone.
“Suits me,” Marcus said, and the women chimed in. So as they went inside to wash up, Riva ordered a couple of pizzas and several salads to share before heading to her own room for a quick shower.
In her bathroom, she was surprised to see what a mess she was. Her hair was sticking out all over, and there was dirt on her face. Her clothes and hands and feet were filthy too. She tooka fast shower, promising her hands and nails further attention later, then dressed. She took a brush through her still-damp hair and was just slipping into flip-flops when she heard someone at the front door.
