Page 36 of Better Together

“Thanks, Mom, you’re the best.”

* * *

Zeke ran home when his mom arrived, started the coffee, and hopped into the shower. He arrived at the contest home just as Evan, the crew chief, pulled into the driveway.

“How’s Alexis?” Evan asked, stepping out of his truck.

“Walking straighter, but not one hundred percent. Give her until tomorrow and she’ll be here, no matter if she’s fully recovered or not.”

“I can’t believe she’s not resisting.”

“I called in reinforcements. My mom is at her house to keep her from coming in.”

Evan laughed. “Good. The cabinet makers should be here any minute.”

“Yep, that’s why I’m here. I’m ready to help and to take orders.”

A panel truck pulled to the curb just as they stepped inside and turned on the lights.

They had the cabinets installed in under five hours. Zeke and Evan stepped back and admired their work. “Looks good,” Zeke said.

“That it does. The countertops are due in tomorrow. I could use some muscle if you’re willing to come back.”

“I’ll be here, and I’ll bring the boss. Her favorite time in the remodel is when the cabinets go in.”

“I’m sure it’s killing her not to be here.”

“Yeah, I thought for sure she would have stopped by. My mom’s a miracle worker.” Zeke glanced at his watch. “Don’t you have kids to pick up from school?”

“I do. I better get going. I’d be back, but there’s not much to do until tomorrow.”

“I’ll lock up. Go ahead.”

“Thanks. I don’t want to be late again.”

Evan was a single dad of three girls and most of the time, the neighbor lady picked them up from school and watched them until he got home, but she was in Florida visiting her daughter.

Evan’s situation was similar to Zeke’s brother Roman’s: his wife had walked away from her family and her marriage. “Say hi to the girls,” Zeke said.

“Will do. Thanks, Zeke.”

The sun hadn’t set yet, but the day was cold and dreary with a high in the mid 40s. When he stepped out of the house, a soft mewing caught his attention. He stood still and listened, then walked down the stairs opposite the ramp and peeked under the shrubs. “Hey, little one. What are you doing under there?” A small black kitten with large yellow eyes watched him with apprehension. “Come on, buddy. I won’t hurt you.” He held out his hand, hoping the kitten was curious enough to step within his reach so he could pull him out of his hiding spot. It was going to be too cold and wet tonight for the little guy to be out here with little shelter.

The kitten inched forward, and Zeke wrapped his hand around him, pulling him to rest in his arms. “There you are.” The kitten shivered and Zeke tucked him inside his jacket. “Who do you belong to?” The neighbor pulled into her drive, and he walked over.

“Say, does this little guy belong to you?” Zeke asked as she stepped out of her car. He’d seen the middle-aged woman with salt-and-pepper hair around town but didn’t know her name.

She shook her head. “I’ve never seen him before, but we’ve had both cats and dogs dropped off in the past. I watched a car pull up and open their door one day last winter, and out jumped a dog. They drove away before I could get their license plate. She’s mine now, but I can’t take them all in. Best dog I’ve ever owned.” The woman shook her head again. “Sometimes I prefer animals over people.”

“I hear you there. Thanks. I’m going to take this one home, but if you hear of anyone looking for him, let me know. I’m working on the house next door.”

“I recognize you. You’re Linnie Reynolds’s son, right? I’ve been on the contest website. That’s a nice thing the Hennings are doing. Your blooper reels are hilarious. My vote is for Alexis.”

“Yep, Linnie’s my mom. I’m Zeke. Thanks for your vote.”

“Well, I better get in. Sadie will need to be let out.”

Zeke turned the seat warmer and heat on high in his truck and made a makeshift bed out of his jacket on the front seat. The kitten curled up and fell asleep before he pulled away from the curb.