Page 42 of Their Stormy Reunion

Chapter Twelve

“Zarek, stop whatever you’re doing and get over to my house, I need your help.”

“Sure, man. What’s wrong?”

“We need to plant some trees.”

“What the hell are you talking about? It sounded like you had some kind of emergency. Chloe still hasn’t answered my call. I’m not about to leave the house until I get hold of her.”

“Take your cell phone and get the hell over here.”

“I’m not leaving until you tell me what is going on.”

I heard the defeated sound in Zarek’s voice, which convinced me even more that he was the right guy to tap to help me plant trees at Fallon’s parents’ house. He needed out of his head and out of his house.

“Zarek, Fallon’s mom bought a couple of big dogwood trees that need planting. Fallon called for some manpower. You, me, and Bruno are it.”

“If you and Bruno can’t handle it, then you need your man-cards taken away.”

“You’re not thinking straight.” And wasn’t that the truth? “I need you and Bruno doing the work, so I can spend my time trying to get back in Fallon’s good graces.”

“Haven’t you accomplished that yet? Where’s the Rankin charm that I know and admire?”

“I’m too far up shit creek, and not only do I not have a paddle, I don’t even have a canoe, so help a brother out. I really need you and Bruno doing the heavy lifting so I can sweet talk Fallon.”

“I can’t believe I have to be the one to tell you this, but you are missing a prime opportunity.”

I could feel my frustration growing. “What are you talking about?

“Today is hot. This is your chance to work up a sweat and take off your shirt and tempt her with all your manly muscles.”

“Huh.” I thought about it for a moment. “You know, you might have a point.”

“Of course I do. That’s why I’ve been your wingman for so many years.”

I winced. “I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t mention that to Fallon. And anyway, I haven’t needed your wingman services for at least two years.”

“I’ve noticed.”

“Now, are you going to come help me out, or what?”

“I will.”

“How soon can you get here?”

“Give me twenty minutes.”

“Make it fifteen.” I said, then I hung up.

I pulled bottles of water out of my fridge and shoved them into my gear bag. Then I grabbed one more for me to drink. I leaned back against my quartz countertop and looked around my kitchen. It was just the kind of kitchen that Fallon had mooned over when we had put money down on our forever home nine years ago.

Huh.

It even had four bedrooms. Same as the other house.

Of course, this was new construction, with builder upgrades, so it didn’t have anything that was personalized, not like the other house had had. None of the cool old light fixtures, or all the different paint colors in the different bedrooms. But the bones of the house were the same. I think subconsciously I had bought this house with Fallon in mind. Had I been hoping for a second chance all along?

I finished the water, then went back into the fridge and pulled out some melons. I cut them up and put them into a plastic container and shoved that into the gear bag as well, then headed for the bathroom. I was just coming out when Zarek was letting himself in.