“Ever notice how nobody calls her Jasmine?” Linc grinned. “Not that I’d dare try it myself. I don’t even know her last name.”
“Me either. For someone so formidable, she has one huge heart.” He admired her spunk, and her determination to do the best for women in need, which was only one of a dozen reasons why they had to get these gutters changed before the next winter storm. “You’re up first.”
Linc climbed the ladder and began the laborious task of removing the eavestroughs without damaging the underlying structure. Foot by foot, the gutter dropped lower and lower. Jesse reached for the end and held it steady, preventing it from ripping free and damaging the windows, siding or fascia.
Shifting back and forth, taking turns on top of the ladder, they worked diligently until they had the gutters removed from the entire front of the twelve-bedroom house, which had been an independent hotel in the early 1900s.
They’d barely begun replacing the old with the new when a horn tooted. Jesse looked over to the street. Beth Nicols climbed from her sunshine yellow Volkswagen Beetle, a tray of coffee and two bakery bags in her hands. He hurried to open the yard gate. “What brings you here?”
“Linc told me what you guys are doing today. I thought I’d kick in my share. I’m scared of heights, but I make a mean snack.” She shoved the bag and tray into Jesse’s hands and wandered closer to Linc.
“Hey, Lincoln,” she called. “I brought you coffee and a muffin.”
He hurried off the ladder and stood awkwardly in front of her. “Uh, thanks. I appreciate it.” He reached for his Stetson to tip it politely. His hand swept through the air, making Jesse laugh. “Oh yeah, it’s in the truck.” He grinned goofily.
“You look fine without it.” Beth wiggled her eyebrows comically. “Like a person, not a cowboy.”
“Cowboys are people too,” Linc laughed.
Jesse waved toward two benches sitting in the autumn sun on the north side of the generous yard. The November cold was rapidly coming their way, it would be nice to enjoy the sun between short snowfalls which melted away.
“Why don’t you join us for a minute? We appreciate the company. I’m sure you wouldn’t mind a rest after the breakfast rush.” Linc was going to kill him for inviting her. He’d probably think Jesse was trying to hook them up, but he’d given his word to stay out of Linc’s love life, or lack thereof. It was high time his friend had a girlfriend. Linc was kind, generous, and great with kids. He deserved a family and if he liked Beth, bonus. Who knew? Maybe they’d find something together.
Beth walked to the benches and sat. Jesse grinned at Linc who glared back when Jesse stretched out on the opposite bench, leaving Linc no place to sit, except beside Beth.
“Beth, did you know Linc has a new batch of kittens? Aren’t you thinking about getting a cat?” He hid a smile at his matchmaking. He loved to torment his long-time friend.
“I am.” She pivoted excitedly to look at Linc. “Is that true? Can I come see them?”
“Yeah. I guess. They aren’t ready to move yet. Another three weeks or so.”
She clapped her hands and grabbed his forearm. “Can I come tomorrow? It’s my day off. A girl needs a day of rest now and then.”
Linc swallowed hard. “Tomorrow’s good. Big red barn. Old school. Straight west of town. You can’t miss it.”
“Perfect.” She jumped up. “See you at ten? I’ll bring brunch. Bye guys.”
“Wait. I owe you for coffee,” Jesse called at her retreating back.
“It’s on me.” She waved and climbed into her car. Ten seconds later, she was gone and he was left with Linc’s anger.
“I’m going to kick your butt.” Linc frowned. “I like her. As a friend. I don’t want to date her. But it’d be great if she takes some of those kittens off my hands.”
Ten minutes later, coffee and muffins safe in their bellies, they were back at work. Jesse yawned for the hundredth time.
“What’s with you? You’re slow and sluggish. Snails move faster than you. I don’t have all weekend to finish this job.”
“Rough night. No sleep.”
“You? You sleep like the dead. You’re always bragging about how well you sleep. What’s going on in your scruffy head? What’s keeping you awake?” He tapped Jesse on the forehead as they passed each other at the base of the ladder.
“Ever wonder if your life is going where you wanted it to?”
“Yup.”
They carried their equipment through the gate Miss Jasmine had unlocked for them. They’d be able to come and go, they just had to keep an eye open and make sure no one else used the gate.
“That’s it? Just yup?” Jesse stared at Linc before positioning the ladder.
