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“You want a pool, put one on your property. And make sure it’s properly fenced. And has a roof to keep out the snow. But there is no way you’re giving my five-year-old a pool. I don’t care what deal you made with her. She’s five. She can’t even tie her own shoelaces, let alone understand what she’s asking for. This is not happening.”
Flynn studied her face for a moment before nodding. She must have looked as immovable on the topic as she felt, because he caved. She didn’t know whether to sigh with relief of pump the air with joy. He nodded once before walking back to the men.
“Change of plans. We’re moving the pool over the fence. Same size, just a few feet that-a-way.” He pointed at his land. “And we’re going to make it an indoor pool. Make sure there’s a door on this side for Abby and her daughter. They’ll need their own private entrance, as I have no problem sharing my pool with them.” He grinned at her.
She narrowed her eyes.
The men set about moving their equipment to the other side of the fence as Katy ran up to Flynn. “If you put it over there it won’t be my pool. And you promised me a pool.”
“You didn’t specify where the pool would be. It could be anywhere. This is still your pool. It will just sit on the other side of the fence. We’ll make a sign. We’ll call it Katy’s Pool. Good enough for you, kid?”
Katy tapped her finger to her chin as she considered his offer. “Can the pool building be pink?”
“No.”
“Can the pool be pink?”
“No.”
“What about some pink blow-up stuff to put in the pool?”
“That we can do.”
“Then it’s okay for the pool to move,” Katy said solemnly.
Abby felt a headache start. She stepped towards her neighbour. “This isn’t what I meant. I told you I didn’t want a pool. I told you that you can’t give Katy a pool.”
“And I’m doing exactly what you said. It’s my pool, on my property and I’m calling it Katy’s Pool.” He reached out and high-fived Katy, who was still jumping up and down with excitement.
The noise of a car roaring up the drive stopped the argument. Her heart sank when she saw it was her sister, back for another round of Prove Abby is a Terrible Mother. She didn’t have enough brain space to deal with all of this.
“You’re undermining me, Flynn Boyle, and I’m not happy about
it. We’re going to have a long talk about this later.” She made the words a threat.
He seemed unaffected. “Looking forward to it, sugar.”
“Abby.” Victoria’s icy voice preceded her as she strode towards them. “What’s this?”
Abby sighed—quietly, she hoped.
“I’m putting in a pool,” Flynn said. “For physio. Nothing better than swimming to recover from an injury. The water takes the strain off the joints.”
Victoria’s cold gaze made Abby squirm, even when it was directed at Flynn. “And this pool of yours is going to be in Abby’s garden?”
“Bit of a mix-up with the work crew.” Flynn smiled. “It’s all sorted now.” He dismissed Victoria with a nod before winking at Abby. “Catch you later, sugar.”
“Flynn,” Katy shouted as she ran up to them. “Don’t forget my bedtime story. You promised.”
Abby gaped at her daughter. Katy’s lips were set in a determined pout. And from the pained look on Flynn’s face, there was no way he wanted to read to her at bedtime. She almost grinned. Let him suffer. He deserved it.
“You promised you’d do it every night this week and you haven’t even read to me once,” Katy pointed out.
“Yes, Flynn.” Abby couldn’t resist. “We both know how important it is to keep our promises to children. We wouldn’t want her to grow up with trust issues, now would we?”
Flynn growled at Abby. “Fine. But I’m picking the book. We’re having none of that pink princess rubbish.”
With one last frown, he strode away, barely limping, which told her his leg wasn’t so bad today. He really should use his crutches more. Abby shook away the thought. He was a grown man. He could take care of himself. She bit her lip. Maybe. She sighed. He most definitely couldn’t look after himself. She made a mental note to talk to him about the crutches when she next saw him. If the man wanted to recover, he’d better use the things.
