I snag a shovel from the cluster of tools propped against the house and follow a stone path to the corner directly behind Seth and Declan’s bedroom. It’s closed off from the rest of the yard, making it a perfect spot for a hot tub.
The plants Seth was talking about are not hard to find. Two short bunches of greenery in the middle of a white rock bed. Three bags of rocks have been neatly stacked beside them.
I crouch to get a better look, ignoring my protesting knees. They have thin oval-shaped leaves and are covered in little white flowers. The delicate petals are long and narrow, like a star, andsilky against my fingers. They’re beautiful, whatever they are. Too pretty to resist. I definitely want them.
After brushing away some of the rock around the roots, I dig up the flowers, then carry the bundles to the garage to fill a plastic pot with potting soil for easy transport. I can already hear my community manager groaning about the new additions, especially with five more in the trunk of my car. It’s a good thing he likes me or my plant addiction might get me in trouble.
When I return to the side of the house to spread the rocks, Declan is there, ripping open a bag. He’s quiet for a moment as I rip open another.
“You okay?”
I avoid his eyes. “Yep. Just tired.”
It’s a lie. We both know it. But Declan doesn’t push it.
When we’re finished, Declan carries the bags to the trash while I go inside to wash my hands. I look out the window as the warm water rushes over my fingers. I have to admit, the yard looks infinitely better. Declan hadn’t kept up with it after his former partner, Graham, died. He even hired someone to mow the grass every summer, since he didn’t have the energy. But now that Seth is giving Declan’s life meaning again, Declan is motivated to follow through with some of the projects.
It’s just a shame Graham never got to see the yard like this. He would have loved it.
Piper joins me in the small kitchen, rinsing the empty margarita can before tossing it in the recycling bin.
“Guess that means youareadopting the flowers?” she teases.
I crack a smile and shrug. “Why not? They’re healthy and pretty.”
“But do you even have room?”
Nope.“I’ll find somewhere for them.”
Probably by a neighbor’s front door, but hey.
I’ve earned a reputation as “the plant guy” in our neighborhood, giving out plenty of free plants just for the hell of it. My neighbors have always appreciated it, and it’s brightened up our park too, adding pops of color against the white gravel lots. It’s a nicer trailer park, meant for permanent residents, but it’s still a trailer park.
Some of these plants will need major TLC before I can give them away, though. Declan neglected them too long.
Piper chuckles. “I don’t know how you do it, Jord. I can’t keep anything alive.”
“Time and patience,” I say with a wink.
“I even killed that cactus you gave me. Do you remember that?”
I do. I’d given the Christmas cactus to her as a gift. “Like I said, plants require patience. And you, well…”
Piper shoves me. “Shut up.”
Seth calls through the screen door, “Food is ready.”
“Cool. Be right there.”
Piper grabs another canned margarita from the fridge, as well as some more beer. Then I pull the tray of toppings from the top shelf before we head outside.
Declan is licking his lips as he sets the tray of meat on the table. His red beard is thicker than usual, with streaks of gray coming in on the sides. His arms are more toned now, thanks to all the rock climbing he’s been doing with Seth. “This looks incredible, babe.”
Seth hums in delight.
We all sit down and load our plates with burgers, chips, and macaroni salad. I top the burger off with all the fixings: lettuce, tomato, onion, and every condiment available, including a big squirt of mustard. A guy can never have too much mustard.
Declan groans loudly after his first bite. “Oh, yeah. That’s the stuff!”
