Today's Reading
We walked around the side yard of the house, taking it all in. The real showcase, of course, was in the backyard. At the far edge of the property, a newly renovated pier extended out over the tranquil waters of Cedar Creek Lake, the boards creaking quietly against the late-afternoon breeze overhead.
Granted, the deck at the far end still needed a little work, but I had no doubt we'd get that done before the first guests arrived. They would love this place, regardless. How could they not? It provided a nostalgic reminder of simpler times and practically shouted, "Hey, come spend a few lazy afternoons fishing or watching the sunset with your loved ones."
I could almost picture parents, children, and even grandparents with poles in hand, whiling away the hours.
In short, Tasha's new property was perfection, and I knew my bestie had to be deliriously happy that she had actually pulled it off. Now, to finish those last-minute touches so she could list it online and start recouping some of the money she'd spent by mortgaging and renovating the place.
Tasha chattered on and on, sharing her list of things still needing to be done, but I only heard about half of it. My back ached from the work we'd already done, and beads of sweat trickled down my back, causing further distraction. I took another sip from my water bottle. The heat was relentless, making the air thick and heavy, and I found myself wishing for a cooler spot to have this discussion.
"You still okay to spend the night tonight?" Her eyes sparkled as she asked the question. I could read the excitement there. She might as well be asking me to her fifth-grade slumber party.
I nodded. "Yeah, it's going to be fun. I'll run home and shower and change, and then I'll come back with dinner. Bessie Mae's frying up a mess of catfish and hushpuppies, and I'm sure there'll be a jug of sweet tea in the mix, so I'll bring all that when I come back."
Tasha settled onto the porch swing and laughed. "You never sounded more southern than you do right now, talking about your aunt's cooking. You just c'mon back with that mess'a catfish 'n sweet tea, ya hear?" More laughter followed.
"I'll take that as a compliment...honey." I laid it on thick with the honey. Not that I minded her comment. I'd never shied away from my East Texas heritage, especially when it came to catfish and sweet tea.
"If you throw a cobbler into this story, I'm really going to swoon."
"Peach cobbler," I said. "Bessie Mae's on a roll with peaches this week. She's been canning, freezing, and pretty much peachin' up anything she can think of, including her homemade salsa. It's been pretty miraculous to watch, honestly. The woman has a gift." One I hoped to inherit.
"Yum." A thoughtful look came over Tasha's face. "Hey, peach salsa might go well with the catfish."
"I'll bring a jar. But before I can come back, I actually have to leave. You gonna be okay here by yourself? I know there's still a lot to do."
"I think I'm okay for now. We've got the Sunday school class coming in a couple of days to wrap up loose ends, so I'm not too worried about getting it all done by my lonesome. Besides, Dallas is coming by to check on the AC unit any minute now." Her cheeks flushed pink as she mentioned my younger brother's name. I'd been noticing that more and more lately. Or maybe she was just overheated. It was sweltering out here.
I swiped at my forehead with the back of my hand, hoping to brush the perspiration away. I needed a shower. ASAP. "Hopefully Dallas will get it fixed before we settle in for the night. Otherwise it's gonna be a hot one."
"We could always sleep out on the back balcony. That might be fun."
"In ninety-five-degree weather?" I countered. I hated to burst her bubble, but my days of sleeping outdoors ended with my two-year stint in the Girl Scouts. And the only badge I'd earned was for camp avoidance.
"I'm sure Dallas can figure it out. He's so good at all that stuff."
Should I tell her that my brother had never been terribly good at handyman stuff until she needed him to be? Nah, I'd let that lie there. Right now, I had bigger fish to fry.
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