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“There we go,” she says, wrapping up her work. “It’s not a perfect repair, but it’s close enough, I’d say. Honestly, it gives it a little character.”
I examine her work. “Almost as good as new. And out here in the woods, if something looks too pristine, it’s out of place. I like how it looks. Thanks, Char.”
She smiles at my praise, before realizing I’m shirtless in front of her and then taking in my bare chest. She wasn’t lying when she asked me to take my shirt off for purely altruistic reasons, but now she’s just enjoying the other benefits. She helps me pull my flannel on, but then starts to do the buttons for me. I’m not useless as a man that I need help with that, but I ain’t going to stop her either. I like the feeling of her touch going down my chest, tickling me through the coarse hair.
“Dinner’s ready,” Savvy announces, walking toward us, and seeing the scene of what’s basically Char feeling me up. “And it looks like you two are wasting no time in getting to know one another.”
We both nervously grin her way. Char gives her friend a nod. “Hey, I heard you when you left us alone. You can’t say you didn’t expect this, Savvy.”
All I know is I never believed to meet a beautiful woman like Char, and I didn’t know what to expect next.
But I couldn’t wait to find out.
THREE
char
We have a fantastic dinner with Savvy and Hunter. She made some of the best baked beans I’ve ever had, as well as making me ask for seconds and thirds for broccoli casserole, of all things.
Soon, with food in the tank, work begins on finishing the gazebo. Today is about getting the support beams set up for its roof.
I didn’t come up here to help put together anything. I always thought of myself as useless for construction work, but there’s more to building a gazebo than just lifting heavy boards. Hunter and Bear did most of that, the two of them shedding their shirts as the sun went down, hoisting up the huge hunks of wood. This left Savvy and I to hand them their tools and whatever nails and screws they needed.
Well, mostly me. Savvy has a newborn and that requires constant attention. She seems kind of stressed about it, but despite her being harried, she’s so happy. I’m happy for her, too, but damn I wish it were me.
Maybe not the diaper changing and other hassles, but that’s a small price to pay for all the other joys that come with it.
Darkness falls, and work on the gazebo slows. “We’re going to end up with more mistakes than I’d be happy with if I can’t see everything,” Hunter says as we start to put all the tools and supplies away.
Soon, everyone is just relaxing around a bonfire, baby Nate resting on Savvy’s breast. It’s calm and peaceful, more silent than anything I’d ever experienced out in the city.
“What are you doing out here anyway?” Bear asks. We’re out of earshot of Hunter and Savvy, so our conversation is for ourselves alone. “Just to see Savvy?”
I let out a long sigh. “I’m staying with them for a bit. Stuff’s been rough, and I’m out of work and out of money.”
“Damn. You don’t seem to be the type to just accept help like that so easily.”
“I’m not. But I don’t have a lot of other options. I don’t want to start living out of my car. I can’t even afford gas for it.”
Bear stares over at Hunter’s cabin. “I know expanding the cabin was going to be our next project, but right now I don’t think they got room to take you.”
“Savvy’s got an air mattress for me to set up in the living room. Or I can take the couch. Whatever was more comfortable for me, she said.”
“Neither of those sound comfortable.”
“Hey, those air beds can be pretty nice. Some people use them as their actual mattress.”
“It’s more about having some space for yourself. They are a married couple with a newborn. You’re a extra person. You’re just going to feel like you’re excess and shouldn’t be there.”
“Well, yeah. But I don’t really have much choice in the matter. It’s just to help me get back on my feet.”
He pauses, obviously gathering his thoughts. “Why don’t you come and stay with me?”
I swallow. “Really?”
“Yeah. I got some extra rooms, and one’s even already got an actual bed in it. It’s a lonely place, and I could use a friendly face to wake up to every morning.”
“I just met you.”
