Brody’s face gave nothing away and he watched me carefully.
“We’ve gotten to know each other recently.”
He remained silent.
“Fine. I kind of have a thing for her. Was going to ask her out before Ben called.”
I leaned against the side of my truck. “Nothing like a potential chainsaw incident to really set the mood for romance. I’m a little out of my depth, though… I haven’t wanted someone to say yes this much in a long time. Should I buy her flowers or something? I don’t know.”
Brody patted me on the shoulder. “I’m over forty and single, same as you. I’m the last person to take advice from. Every woman I’ve dated has said I’m a grumpy asshole and moved on.” He scratched the back of his neck, an unexpected sign of vulnerability I’d never seen on him. “Hopefully, you have better luck than I did.”
“You’re not dead yet, man. Lots of time for romance.”
He snorted. “Do I look like the wine and roses type?”
I thought of Vera—waiting tables, sanding and staining, and working construction. “No, but not all women want that. Some women prefer a guy who shows up when things get hard.”
“Then ask her out,” he said. “Worst thing she can say is no.”
Little did he know how much thatnowould hurt if she said it.
He sighed. “Anyway, I better go deal with my customer.”
I nodded and went to find Ben before I left.
When I found him, he and Levi were busily throwing branches into a chipper. I caught his eye and motioned him over.
“You okay?”
He nodded. “You really didn’t have to come.”
“I know. I would have worried if I hadn’t.”
He played with the hem of his shirt. “Mom would have worried, you mean?”
“We both would have.”
“Are you and my mom, like… dating?”
I felt my cheeks heat, which was ridiculous. “No. Just friends.”
“You want to be though.”
Leave it to kids to hit the nail on the head. “That’s between your mom and me.”
“I’ll take that as a yes.” He smiled for the first time since I’d shown up. “That’s why you showed up here right?”
I blew out a breath. “I showed up because I didn’t want you to get hurt…if it happens to impress your mom, well that is a happy coincidence.”
He laughed and shoved my shoulder. “I better get back to work. Thanks, Wyatt.”
“Anytime.” I watched him go, knowing things were fine with Brody and Levi here.
Ben may think I only showed up for Vera, but I had shown up for him too. I liked the kid and I didn’t hate the idea of being one of the adults in his life that showed up for him.
Chapter Thirteen
Vera
