“Will do, but I won’t hold my breath. There’s so much going on and higher priorities.”
Craig winced, letting me know he expected the same. “How about Ross?”
It was my turn to wince. My protective instincts kicked in immediately. I didn’t want Ross venturing out into any of this shitshow, but fuck, it was my parents. “I’ll have to if I can’t get anyone else.”
After fifteen minutes of chasing leads, it was clear I’d have to call Ross. I needed to get a move on, though, especially as with me sorting out my parents’ mistake, Craig was currently chopping a monster of a gum tree by himself.
Ross picked up on the second ring. “Everything okay?”
At the sound of his voice, I smiled, some of my tension bleeding away. “Ish,” I said. “I need a favour.”
“Of course. What is it?”
It took just a couple of minutes to explain about Mum and Dad and less time than that for him to figure out the safest route to get to them, one free of potential floodwater—or at least where it would be high enough to cover the road.
“I’ve got this,” Ross said, his tone sure. “Just focus on what you need to do. I’ll bring them to mine. I have the spare room.”
A relieved sigh rippled out of me. “Thanks, Ross. Seriously.”
“I know, and anything for you, you know that. Plus, these are your folks.”
“As pain in the arse as they are, they’re all I’ve got.”
“Yep. I’ll sort it. I’ll call you when I’ve got them. If you can’t answer, I’ll drop you a text. Just stay safe.”
The warm reassurance of Ross’s voice rolled over me. He’d always been someone I could rely on, regardless of our relationship status, but now, it just seemed so much more.
Craig calling my name jerked my attention away. “Shit, I gotta go. Call you later. Stay safe. Love you.” Then I ended the call and pocketed my phone, getting out of Craig’s truck. It wasn’t until I was pulling on the protective gear that I froze, eyes wide.
“What’s wrong with you?” Craig’s brows furrowed, concern in his eyes.
“I just told your brother I loved him.”
“Huh. Okay.” He paused as though waiting for me to clarify. When I didn’t, he asked, “And that’s a problem why?”
I squinted and screwed up my face, feeling like a dick. Craig’s snort and following laughter had me narrowing my eyes at him.
“That was the first time, wasn’t it?” I didn’t even bother to nod. I didn’t need to. “Ha. You dick. Did he say anything back?”
“He didn’t get a chance.”
Question filled Craig’s expression.
“I put the phone down before he could say anything.”
Craig’s laugh continued as he walked away, chainsaw in hand and finding my goof far too amusing.
Bloody arsehat.
I strolled on after him, quickly dialling Mum to let her know what was happening.
