“Hey, Dec? Next time you get the crazy idea to redo your whole yard in a single weekend, just know that I’ll happily pitch in some money to hire someone to do it instead.”
He laughs.
“I’m serious. I’m too old for this shit.”
“Fair enough.”
“If you can even call thirty-two old,” Seth mutters. “Wait until you reach forty-four. Trust me.” He rubs his shoulders.
“All the more reason you should’ve hired help,” I say. “Or at least installed a swimming pool. That would’ve felt amazing right now.”
“Actually, we’re getting a hot tub in a few weeks,” Seth explains.
“No shit?”
They both nod.
“Well, you should’ve done thatfirst. Might’ve saved me a bill at the chiropractor.”
He considers it, still rubbing his tender shoulder. “Yeah, I see your point.”
I look around, still in awe of what we have accomplished in just four days. What once was a ten-by-twenty-foot slab of concrete is now a finished outdoor retreat with a faux wood awning, drop-down shades, and a ceiling fan overhead. Two large planters frame the edge, where a stone path leads to the newly installed fire pit. Above us, a long mister hose runs the length of the space, keeping everything cool.
It turned out better than I could have imagined. Their own piece of heaven, right in the backyard.
The closest I’ll get to this is the community fire pit in my trailer park. Yee-fucking-haw.
Twisting the bottle between my fingers, I take a swig, wishing I had some way to cling to the good feelings. This weekend hasn’t just been hard work, we’ve had fun too. Cracking jokes and lifting each other up in only the way best friends can. I’ve laughed more than I have in months. But that joy is already fading, getting swallowed up by the darkness in my chest.
Closing my eyes, I rub at my sternum, willing the demon to go away. I shouldn’t feel this rotten inside—thisempty. Especially here, with these people. They’re my people. My family. Yet, my heart still weeps. A bottomless well that never gets full. Declan’s re-discovered happiness has been a constant reminder of how utterly empty I am.
Seth points the long metal tongs at Declan. “Speaking of the hot tub, we still need to clear the rock bed on the side of the house.”
Declan groans, looking in that general direction. “We can get it tomorrow.”
“It’s not that much. Let’s just suck it up and do it tonight.”
“What’s on the side?” Piper asks.
“Oh, it’s nothing big. There are a couple more plants that we need to remove, and we bought a few bags of rocks to fill in the area. Shouldn’t take long.” Declan turns to me. “Actually, you might like those ones, Jord.”
I furrow my brows. “What are they?”
“Hell if I know.” He holds his hands out to form an eight-inch circle. “They’re about that big, with small white flowers. A bird must’ve dropped the seeds in our yard because it’s nothing I’ve had before.” He shrugs. “Anyway, you’re welcome to check them out. Might be great in a pot.”
Do I even have room? I’ve already adopted five other plants and have no clue where I’m going to put those, let alone one more.
I take another drink before getting up, curiosity getting the better of me.
“I didn’t meannow.”
“Seth’s right. Better do it now while I still have the energy. Like I said, man. I’m too old for this. I’m going to be laid up in bed for the next week thanks to you.”And because of my depression.But I can’t blame Declan for that.
“Want help?” Piper asks.
“Nah, I’ll get it.”
On my way by, Declan mutters a soft, “Thank you.”
