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Chapter Nine
Colton
“So, let me get this straight. Sophie Dash is paying you to fake date her?” Leave it to Maverick to simplify the situation.
“Did you take my 10-millimeter socket?” Ignoring his question on purpose, I tried getting him off the topic. He went to my toolbox in the garage and handed me what I was asking for. I tried to explain but failed miserably. “Yeah, it’s stupid, but we need the money, and I get a free trip back home.”
“Do you get to fly on that awesome private jet she was pictured next to? In Forbes?” He chuckled, “bro, you’re basically like an overpaid pimp.”
“It was bizarre, I can’t explain it, but there is something deeper that she has about her. She gave me this look of desperation. Like it was important to her that I help her out with this.”
Maverick didn’t respond, so I looked up at him from around the hood. He was leaning on the side of the garage door with his hands in his pockets. “Listen, I know you have been through a lot, but make sure you don’t get yourself hurt. Corporate people are all about themselves and only have a motive that supports them.”
“Yeah, well, this is about getting a new roof for the camp, so if I have to fake date someone to get paid, call me Mr. Pimp.”
He chuckled looking at me, and I appreciated his friendship. Pain and loss were something I was very familiar with, but he was the type of friend that didn’t make me talk about it.
Later that evening, I met up with Lucy and Maverick for dinner. Lucy was younger than Maverick, but they made the perfect couple. She had a Native American history and made the best Indian bread tacos I’d ever tasted. With a mouthful of bread she interrupted me mid bite, “Maverick said you added pimp to your resume today.”
I kicked Maverick’s leg under the table. I always tried to be polite around Lucy even though I was sure that she very well knew any woman in my life was a temporary one-night situation.
“Well, I have no issues, we need the money to fix the cafeteria roof, and new hiking gear would be great as well.” She shrugged with no judgment in her voice.
Camp Yogi couldn’t operate without her. Overall, she was the administrative process and worked with the local foster agency to enroll the kids from the area. Maverick was the Director of all the functions and made sure the kids had fun and everyone was safe. I funded the entire operation and was a big part of the day-to-day. We only had one day off a week, Saturdays. The kids showed up on Sundays and were picked up by 3 p.m. on Fridays. On the side, I tried to open a wakeboarding park at the camp. It was crazy how many kids in America didn’t get to experience the thrill of wakeboarding.
“He didn’t say the money would go to the camp. Maybe he wants to buy himself something.” Maverick added still busy munching on his steak.
Laughing at Maverick’s comment, I chuckled, “I'm disappointed. You don’t know me better. This will give us money to fix all the things needed plus put in this wakeboarding park. We won’t even need a boat.”
“You can put in jumps and a pulley system. The kids will love it. We need to get some permits and hire a lawyer to change the liability form for the kids.” Lucy replied, passing me another plate, and looked at Maverick.
Maverick cheered, “that’s a great idea.” His voice grew serious, “Lucy and I were wondering if maybe we could put money into the camp as well in return for some ownership. We don’t have much and would be grateful for whatever you are willing to give in the camp in return.”
I shoved as much warmth I could into my response, “Yeah, you never brought it up in the past, but I’m grateful for everything you both do here, so of course, I would love a partnership. In fact, it would be an honor for me.”
Looking at both of them, I could feel the nervous energy in the room. Finally, Lucy’s facial expression beamed before she reached across and grabbed Maverick’s hand.
I looked at them both and the words came out on their own. “What am I missing?”
Lucy smiled, “Well, before, we didn’t have anyone to worry about but ourselves.”
Taking longer than an average person to get the hint, I stood up and hugged Lucy. “Congratulations, you’re going to be an incredible mother.”
Maverick protested with his usual playfulness, “Hey, what about me?”
I made the worst sorry face I ever could towards Maverick, “Yeah, poor kid.” I added, “Hopefully, it inherits looks, brains, and pretty much everything from you, Lucy.”
Maverick gave me a hard hit on the side of my arm, and Lucy laughed. We finished dinner talking about how awesome parents they will be and building onto the one-bedroom cabin they currently own. When I went to take a stroll near the woods outside, Maverick followed me. His face was serious and he began, “Listen, I didn’t want to tell you about the baby with everything happening, but Lucy said that you would find out eventually.”
Grabbing the side of his arm, I looked at him. “Lucy is a good woman, take care of her and don’t ever keep anything from me. You’re my best friend, and I’m super happy for you.” He bear-hugged me, and we marched back through the woods towards my place.
Halfway between our cabins was an opening that presented the lake’s marvelous view perfectly. Boat lights gleamed off the water, but I looked onward towards the large house on the other side. It was one of the largest homes and had sat empty, but the backlights lit up the pool and large deck area tonight.
Rex barked to which I soothed him, “Okay, Okay, let’s get home.”
Making my way back to the house, I observed a black SUV parked in the driveway. Climbing up the porch stairs, a box was resting outside. I took it inside and opened it to find the final contract and keys to the SUV. I completely forgot that it was a part of the deal. The feeling I had when I looked into Sophie’s eyes, I didn’t care what was in the contract. I just knew that I needed to be closer to her.
