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“I should go. It’s getting late. Are you okay? Want me to stay? I can crash on your pull-out couch.”
“You mean in my ridiculously small house? I would never ask you to do that.” The sarcasm in my voice is dripping.
“It is called a tiny house. Everything in there is tiny.” Grace defends herself.
“I don’t need a lot of space. I have my two patios, the clubhouse and pool area, and my shop. Not to mention the beach down the street. Why would I need more space inside? For more stuff? No, thank you.”
“Okay. I’m leaving because we have this discussion every time we talk about your house. You good?”
I nod, “I’m good.”
I follow her out to her car and hug her tightly. “Thanks for tonight and for our plans for Friday.”
“You’re welcome. See you Friday.”
I watch her pull out of my driveway and down the street.
“Honk. Honk. Honk.”
“I know. I know. It’s time for treats and bed. I’m coming.”
Damn demanding goose.
CHAPTER 4
HUDSON
Shift was a nightmare.
We had a fatality on I-95 that shut down the highway for hours. I don’t understand why people drink and drive. How hard is it to call a ride share nowadays? A taxi? A friend? Or at least, sleep it off in the parking lot of wherever you’re drinking. For fuck's sakes, do not get behind the wheel and drive.
Nineteen years old. He wasn’t even of legal drinking age. Now he’s dead along with two of his friends that were riding with him. Fortunately, they didn’t hit anyone else. Just rolled their car several times and slammed into a tree. Three lives gone and three families that will never be the same.
I’m frustrated and exhausted when I pull into my mother’s driveway to pick up Pepper. Then I remember the palm fronds that need to be trimmed. I huff and climb out of my truck and grab the ladder and trimmer from my mother’s garage.
“You look tired. That can wait. Go home and get some sleep, son.”
“It’s fine, mom. I can do this now. Besides, I’m working at Hooplas tonight.” I ascend the ladder and start trimming.
“I’ll make you some breakfast, then. Be careful up there.”
“I will, mom.” I placate her. It’s not as if I’m climbing my tired butt up here to go jumping around from tree to tree like a monkey or anything. Or that I’m professionally trained to work a ladder. Maybe I am tired.
Half an hour later, I’m dragging the last of the fronds down the driveway to the curb for the garbage guys to pick up on their next trip when Pepper comes running up to me.
“Hi babe. You have a good time at Grandma’s yesterday?”
Her tail is wagging so hard in seeing me, it’s moving the entire back end of her.
I throw the last of the fronds in the pile and walk with Pepper up to the house.
“Breakfast is ready.” Mom calls out.
“Let’s eat!” I say to Pepper. Those are her favorite words, and she runs to the house.
“Sit.” Mom points to a chair and puts a plate of eggs and bacon in front of me.”
“Thanks, mom. I love home cooked food.”
