AllFreeNovel
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“Um, yeah. Sure. Where are we heading?”
“You guys okay with the Tavern? I could go for a beer after that game. It’s definitely a hot one tonight?”
“Yeah, that works for me. Care if I ride with you, Landon? Dad has my truck. He was giving me shit about being a mechanics daughter and neglecting my vehicle. I don’t know what the hell he meant by that since I maintain everything that needs to be maintained.”
“I took an uber. Cash said they usually go somewhere for a drink after, so I didn’t want to worry about driving home. We can share a ride over.”
“Nah, you don’t need to get an uber. Landon can ride with me and Chayse, you can go with CJ. I have a bunch of tools in the back seat of the truck or else you could ride with me.”
“I’m loving this plan. Alright lady, I’ll see you in a few.” Landon kisses her cheek and loops his arm through Reid’s as they head towards his truck before either of us can object.
“Yay! Chayse is coming with us!”
“You bet I am, squirt. Need any help getting to the truck?”
“Nope! I can scoot!” She squeals. “That damn scooter is going to be the death of me. She’s a menace on that thing and I will be surprised if she survives without another broken bone before we get this cast off.” We catch up with Penny at the truck and I load her up to head out. I let her have her tablet to play with on the 15-minute drive to the Tavern. I want as much time with Chayse as I can get.
“I wish I had her energy. She seems to be doing great.”
“She really is. I can’t thank you and Landon enough for everything you did at the hospital.”
“It was nothing. Just doing my job.”
“So, Reid said this is your second house you’re flipping. Where’d you learn all of the construction stuff.”
“It is. My first house was a cute little ranch. I had a blast fixing it up and didn’t really plan on flipping and selling it, but then the craftsman came on the market, and I couldn’t pass it up. My dad taught all of us girls how to fix all sorts of things and to use pretty much any power tool. We each have our strengths and make a damn good team. You saw Emerson’s tile work. Spencer comes up with the intricate designs, and then Em lays the tile like she’s done it her whole life. She’s actually a mechanic at the shop with dad and is taking it over when he finally decides he’s ready to retire.”
“That’s impressive. I hope Penny keeps being interested in what Reid and I do and willing to learn. There’s nothing wrong with needing help with things, but I want her to be a well-rounded, independent woman who doesn’t need to rely on a guy.”
“Well from what I’ve seen, I think you’re doing a great job.”
“Thanks.”
We make it to the tavern and head in to find Landon and Reid already at a corner table sitting rather close considering there are four more open seats at the table. Just then, Landon tosses his head back as he belts out a laugh while Reid has one of his biggest shit eating grins on his face.
“Do you see what I see?” Chayse turns to me with an eyebrow up.
“Sure do. Looks like our best friends are getting along swimmingly.”
“Ha, it sure does. I’m glad. I love Landon to pieces, but sometimes he can be a little much.”
“Funny, I could describe Reid the same exact way.”
We take our seats, and the conversation flows so easily between the four of us. It’s almost as if we have known each other for years, not just a few weeks. I don’t even realize it’s happening, but Chayse and I keep moving closer as the night goes on. One casual touch turns into another before I’m burning up trying to keep my hands off her. I’m relieved but also distraught that the night is drawing to a close. Penny is passed out in Reid’s lap with her feet up on Landon. I didn’t even realize that we dissolved into two separate conversations. I was so wrapped up in whatever Chayse was saying.
It wasn’t until she yawned for the third time that I knew it was time to call it a night. I know she’s off tomorrow, but I wouldn’t be surprised to show up in the morning with her elbows deep into a project on the house.
“Alright, I think it’s time to call it a night.”
“You’re right. I should get an uber. Landon, are you coming to my place or heading home.”
“Reid’s going to give me a lift. My condo is on the way to his house.”
“Okay, sounds good. I’ll just get a ride for me.”
“Nah, put your phone away. I can drop you off. Your place isn’t that far from mine.”
“You sure? It’s getting late and Penny’s obviously exhausted.”
