“Inside?” I place a hand on Micky’s forearm, earning a flare of Parker’s nostrils.
This is kind of fun.
“Sure thing.” Micky smiles at me, a gleam in his eye at my touch.
Crap. I didn’t think he’d think it meant something. Now I’m mentally backtracking.
When we get inside, I distance myself to the sofa. “What’s up?”
He takes a seat across from me. “I talked with my father. We can do a little break on you for materials. That will cut some costs. But I can’t cut on labor. These boys still need to make a living.”
“Of course.” I shake my head. “I don’t expect any breaks, Micky. But thank you for working with me.”
“No problem at all. Total costs we’re looking at are a little over seven thousand.”
Seven thousand dollars.
“Okay.” I sink back into the couch. “I can do that.” I pause. “But I need about six weeks.”
He nods before adjusting his polo shirt. “Okay. In the meantime, you have somewhere to stay, right?”
“Yeah, yeah.” I dismiss the concern. “No worries.”
“I just want to be sure you and Trace are good. You can’t stay in a house with no running water, Laiken.”
His words cause discomfort, but I push it away. I’m about to stand when the voice from the doorway halts me.
“You’re living in a house with no running fucking water?”
I flinch, my eyes meeting Parker’s across the room.
And he’s not happy.
Chapter thirteen
Parker
I was already on edge with the way The Plumber Boy was smiling at Laiken. My mind was running rampant on what could be going on inside that house, so of course I didn’tget my cardio in. I took some breaths, ignored a call from Jet, then made my way inside the house.
And now, after hearing what I just heard, I’m not just on edge. I’m furious.
“You’re living in a house with no running fucking water?” My voice comes out harsh.
Laiken’s eyes widen before she darts up from the couch. “I mean, we have water, Parker.” She laughs, but it’s nervous.
She’s lying.
I keep my eyes on hers but address Micky. “Is that true, Micky? Does she have water?”
Micky coughs, clearly uncomfortable with whatever energy is between me and Laiken. Her eyes plead with him to keep quiet, but he happens to be a fan of mine, and I can tell he wants to keep the bro code and side with me.
“Technically, there is water,” he answers with a tug to the collar of his shirt.
“See.” Laiken crosses her arms. “We’re fine.”
She squirms, her eyes flittering over the room. Everywhere but on me. Laiken was never one to bend the truth. So the fidgeting is a clear sign that her answer is bullshit.
“Micky. I’ll walk you out.” I turn on my boots. “See you tomorrow, Firefly.”
