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“I think there’s going to be one less piece of rotted wood.”
I pointed to the Adirondack chairs that sat at the edge of the lake. “Go sit.”
“You can’t tell me what to do like that.”
“You hurt your ankle two days ago. You shouldn’t be leaning on it, and definitely not hauling heavy wood out to the curb.” I lifted my chin to Porter. “We’ll finish it up.”
“No, Fox. It’s not that I don’t appreciate all your help, because I do. You’ve been a lifesaver, if I’m being honest. But I don’t like the tone you just spoke to me with.” She tucked her chin and deepened her voice.“Go sit!I’mnot a dog, you know.”
I sighed. Here we go again. “How would you like me to ask, Josie?”
“I don’t know. Just don’t order me to do something. It’s rude.”
I took a deep inhale. “Fine. Why don’t you go sit, and we’ll finish this up so you don’t make your ankle worse?”
She smiled. “That was very nice. But I think I’m good. I don’t need to sit.”
This woman made me nuts. Through the corner of my eye, I caught Porter with a shit-eating grin on his face. It looked like he was about to bust a gut laughing.
“What’s so amusing?” I barked.
“Nothing, boss.” Porter chuckled, but he was smart enough to get back to work, even if he wasn’t technically working at the moment.
Over the next half hour, Porter and I ripped up the rest of the rotted deck and piled it at the curb. Well, technically, Josie hauled a few boards out too. When we were done, we were all sweating.
Josie took off her dirty work gloves and looked around. “You guys make everything seem so easy.”
“This was nothing.” Porter winked. “It keeps me in shape.”
“Oh yeah? This week we have some concrete to break up and haul. I was going to bring a laborer in to help with the carryout. But if you want to keep in shape…”
Josie laughed. “Can I get you guys some lemonade or a beer or something? Maybe some lunch?”
Porter looked at his watch. “I’d love to stay and hang out, but I actually have to run. Can I take a raincheck?”
She smiled. “Of course. Thank you again for everything.”
“I’ll text you. Maybe I can take you out for that beer one night?”
Josie’s eyes briefly shifted to me before she forced a smile. “Umm…sure.”
Porter beamed. Meanwhile, I wondered what would cause more pain, broken fingers or knocked-in teeth. Though he was completely oblivious. He patted my shoulder. “I’ll see you in the morning, boss.”
Good riddance. I managed a nod.
Once the shirtless wonder was gone, Josie looked to me. “What about you? You want a beer or something to eat?”
I shrugged. “I’ll take both.”
She smiled. “Okay. I’m going to wash up and change. Then I’ll make us some sandwiches and drinks. You want to come in and wait?”
“Think I’ll get washed up myself.”
“Okay. How about fifteen minutes? I’ll bring the sandwiches to your deck, since you actually have one?”
“Sounds good.”
I took a quick shower and got changed into shorts and a T-shirt. It was already hot as balls outside, and humidity made the air feel like molasses in the lungs. Usually the lake offered a breeze, but not today.
