AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Erin reached for his arm. “Oh no, you just got here. At least take a to-go plate. I’ll make—”
“No time, Mom. Emergency.” He gave her a quick peck on the cheek.
“Sorry, Crystal, I’m sure Zach can give you a ride back to the camp.” Levi bounded down the steps and hopped onto his motorcycle.
The bike roared down the street, and Zach came back out front. He stopped short and frowned in Levi’s direction.
Shaking his head, Zach approached them.
Crystal straightened her shoulders, her heart beating faster.
Erin called out, “Zach, have you met Crystal?”
“Yes, ma’am.” He stopped at the bottom of the steps and waved a hand at the road. “Where the hel—heck did Levi go?”
“Some marina emergency.” Erin shrugged. “He said you could take Crystal back to the park.”
Zach’s eyes slitted. “I don’t think so. I’ll make other arrangements.”
Yup. He was mad all right. Crystal bit her lip and held out the bag with his clothes. “I wanted to return these, and if you have a minute—”
“Leave them on the porch. I’ll get them later.” He brushed by her and opened the door to the house.
“Zachary Edward Stone, you are being rude to a guest in my home, and I won’t have it. I taught you better.” Erin planted her hands on her hips.
He paused and turned around.
“Sorry, Mom. Nothing to worry about. There won’t be any theatricshere.”
Her gaze darted between Crystal and Zach, then down the dirt driveway where Levi had high-tailed it out of there.
“I’ll set the table now. Anything else you need?” He waited.
“No, but thanks,” Erin said.
He went inside and Erin let out a defeated sigh.
Crystal didn’t know what to say or do. The moment was awkward.
Erin turned and snapped to attention. “I’m sorry. Where are my manners? Would you like to see the gardens?”
“Sure.” Anything to give Zach’s blood pressure time to settle.
Erin wandered with her through the gorgeous, well-tended gardens, showing her the plants and vegetables.
“It’s beautiful but looks like a lot of work,” Crystal said.
“I used to do more. Once my husband passed, I had to cut back. The boys can only help so much, and losing their fatherhit them hard.” Erin’s eyes watered, and a pang of sympathy squeezed Crystal’s insides. She’d never met her father or lost a loved one, for that matter. Poor Erin.
“I’m sorry for your loss.” She stroked the petal of a bright red rose. “I’m glad you have all this.”
Erin sighed and nodded. “And my boys. For that I’m blessed.” She grabbed Crystal’s hand. “Come see one more thing before we go in for supper.”
She glanced down at their joined hands, and a wave of warmth washed through her.
A screen door banged, and Crystal turned. Zach stood on the second-story deck of the house, holding a drink. Erin waved and led Crystal across the lawn to a small, red-painted barn. When they entered, the sweet scent of hay wafted in the air. Aside from two stacked bales in the corner, the space was empty.
“I’m still deciding what to do with this place and would love another opinion.” Erin let go of Crystal’s hand and strolled through the building. “The boys are always thinking of ways for me to bring in extra income. They cleaned and repainted this so I could rent it out as a studio. You probably know more than I do about this kind of thing, given your profession. What do you think?”
