Jace: I can’t let you because I lied… I didn’t hire my crew to fix up the basement. It was just me and my roommates. We wanted to do something nice for the single mom buying the neighboring property. I also didn’t want my crew asking questions.
Aria: Oh…
Aria: What kind of questions?
Bzzzzz… I look at Jace’s name pull up on my phone’s screen and I only hesitate a second before pulling on my big girl panties and answering.
“Jace?”
“Aria,” he breathes into the phone and his deep voice sends shivers down my spine. “Let me explain something. I don’t go around fixing up just anyone’s houses. I have a waiting list a mile long for jobs that people need done. The crew would give me never-ending shit and ask if you’re hot or fuckable or down for a one night rodeo. They’re a bunch of immature single guys in a small town and to them you’d be a shiny new toy. I was trying to keep your life as private as I could. Trust me when I say that those guys wouldn’t hesitate to hit on you and I noticed how uncomfortable you were around just me. I don’t want to put you in an awkward position, but I wanted you to feel welcome enough to rely on your neighbors if you need anything. I live with two other guys who are what some people might call some of thegood ones. They jumped in to help without question. You’ll meet them soon enough, I imagine. Do not feel like you owe us anything. We just thought you deserved something nice is all.”
“Oh, wow,” I say, feeling lost for words. He’s not wrong. That kind of attention would make me highly nervous. “Well, I’m not really sure what to say. That’s… unbelievably thoughtful. Um, I still think it’s too much and would love to say thank you. My best friends are coming to help me out with the rest of the house next week. November is a big deal to us so they’ll be staying through the end of the month. My little brother is also coming into town at the end of November, so why don’t we plan to have a cookout then and you can introduce me to your roommates and you can reassure yourself that I’ll feel much more secure with my family around. I’m sorry if I made you feel awkward around me.” I mumble out the last bit, inwardly cringing and feeling so stupid that I’m so transparent.
“Hey, don’t do that. You never have to apologize to me or anyone else for that matter for feeling however you need to feel. It took me too long to realize that about myself after my last tour overseas. I don’t know you well enough to try and impart my wisdom all over you, but I won’t ever judge you if you need anything. It takes a damn strong woman to take on being a single mom. I’ll do what I can to make you feel at home here.”
“I, uh, thank you. I’m not good at people-ing unfortunately,” I joke lamely, because I’m still not sure what else to say. “So, would you guys like to join us for a barbeque then?”
“You can count on it, and if you need any extra help with the house, don’t hesitate to pop on over and ask. Cooper and I typically work regular nine to five’s with weekends off, but Ethan tends to work four days on, three days off at weird hours so there’s a good chance someone will be home if you ever need us. Plus, you’ve got my number in case you feel uncomfortable showing up on our doorstep.”
“Thank you. I’ll look forward to meeting them.” I murmur, though I’m not sure I sound convincing.
Moving in next to three men isn’t exactly my idea of a good time. At least they all seem nice and I can always keep the cops on speed dial. I’m a survivor and that means I’m strong enough to handle my own shit. Including living next to these guys.
“Have a good night Aria.”
“You too.”
When he hangs up I look around one more time at the basement and shake my head to clear the negative thoughts away. Maybe these guys are some of the good ones after all.
Twenty-One
This ain’t my favorite kind of weed
Aria
November 2020
“Damn girl, this place is a jungle. I thought the inside was bad, but this? Shiiiiit.” Tate murmurs, wide eyed as she takes in the backyard. “What made you think buying this place was a good idea? I know your crazy ass qualified for a newly built modern home with no work necessary. Don’t lie to me either. I saw your budget.”
“You don’t feel it? The rightness of this home? It’s worth the effort, I just know it. I can feel it.”
“Nah, you're not wrong. I knew it as soon as Demi said she wouldn’t need to work her voodoo magic and smudge the place, that you’d at least feel safe here.”
“There’s just something about it that feels like home. I didn’t know if anywhere would without you guys. It was a big risk coming here.”
“It was, but honestly I couldn’t be more proud of you. After everything you’ve lived through, you’re standing on your own two feet and you’re thriving. It’s actually fitting that you chose this place. You’ve started over and you’re rebuilding who you are right alongside your new home. It’s beautiful.”
“Girl, stop. I’m not trying to cry today. Let’s start with the edging and the weeds then we can cut back some of the trees and mow the lawn. Tomorrow I’ll run into town in the morning and get some soil and rock, then we can lay it down to make everything look pretty. I’d also like to get one of those full sized playsets and a tire swing for Hadley. Will you and Demi watch her while I go? It’ll be easier if I can lay the seats down.”
“Are you asking me if Had can have a breakfast date with her coolest Aunties, then the answer is definitely yes. I’ll make waffles with strawberries and whipped cream and we’ll drink virgin mimosas to be fancy,” she says with a wink.
“That’s just orange juice.” I laugh.
“Yeah, but in a prettier glass. She’ll love it!” she exclaims, and I take the moment to appreciate my best friend as she dances her way over to the weeds, shaking her ass to whatever music is inside her head.
How lucky am I that she loves my daughter like her own, Demi too, who’s inside watching over my princess as she sleeps and getting lunch ready for after we get all the weeds cut down and pulled?
“Hey woman, get your ass over here and help me. You know this ain’t my favorite kind of weed, so the sooner we get this over and done with, the better,” Tate singsongs, making me keel over laughing at her antics.
