"Full Bloom" - читать интересную книгу автора (Evanovich Janet, Hughes Charlotte)

Chapter Two

Annie had just put on the coffee when the doorbell rang. She hurried to answer it and was surprised to find Jamie Swift standing on the other side, her dog, Fleas, beside her. "Oh, crap." Annie had forgotten they were supposed to meet that morning.

"Nice to see you, too, Annie."

"Sorry. It's been a bad morning." She stepped aside so Jamie could enter, and then closed the door behind her. She suddenly noticed that her friend didn't look so good. "What's wrong? Are you ill? Are you having second thoughts about getting married? That's perfectly normal, you know. A lot of brides and grooms get cold feet. Getting married is one of the most stressful events in our lives, even if you love that person deeply." She had to pause to catch her breath. It was the spiel she often gave brides.

"Do I really look that bad?" Jamie asked.

The last thing Annie wanted to do was hurt her friend's feelings. Again. "Oh no, it's just—"

"I'm on a diet," Jamie said. "I'm so hungry I could eat dirt."

"Let me make you something," Annie offered, then wished she hadn't. She did not want Jamie to meet Wes Bridges and have him recount the morning's events to her, and his belief that Annie was a threat to society.

Jamie shook her head. "I can't eat. I have to lose seven pounds before the wedding." She groaned. "I've never really been on a serious diet," she confessed. "Fleas and I live on double cheeseburgers, butter pecan ice cream, and my first true love: doughnuts."

"Uh-oh," Annie said. "Having trouble fitting into your wedding dress?" Annie knew Dee Dee Fontana, Max's sister and Jamie's soon-to-be sister-in-law, had insisted on flying Jamie to New York to meet her designer, a Frenchman who created gowns for the rich, the famous, and the royals.

"I fear facing that dress," Jamie confessed. "Although it is absolutely gorgeous, the material clings to every curve and is unforgiving of the slightest weight gain. And I've been so anxious about the wedding and leaving the newspaper for my honeymoon that I wasn't paying attention to how many doughnuts I was eating."

"Would you like to go over the menus at another time?" Annie asked, hoping they could reschedule.

"I'll be okay." Jamie glanced about. "Um, should I have left Fleas in the car?"

"He's safe," Annie said. "I put Attila-the-cat out earlier." Annie couldn't help but smile at the homely bloodhound Jamie had inherited when she'd purchased an old pickup truck. The dog had been part of the deal. Annie patted his bony head. "How are you this morning, handsome? You look a little sad."

"That's his woe-is-me look," Jamie said. "Since I've been on my diet we haven't had any i-c-e c-r-e-a-m in the house."

"Poor baby," Annie said to Fleas.

"Then yesterday he caught me sneaking my s-u-i-t-c-a-s-e-s from the attic. You know how he gets when I l-e-a-v-e him."

Annie nodded. "Okay, let's go into the dining room. Would you like something to drink? Or maybe some carrot sticks?"

Fleas slid to the floor, covered his eyes with his paws, and gave a mournful sigh.

Jamie shook her head. "No thanks. Vera has been force-feeding me carrot and celery sticks for two days. She won't even let me have cream or sugar in my coffee."

Annie chuckled. Sixty-year-old Vera Bankhead was Jamie's secretary and assistant editor. The fact that she was a strict Southern Baptist did not stop her from carrying a loaded Smith amp; Wesson.38 in her purse, which she had been known to use. "Well, you certainly don't want to cross Vera."

"I almost prefer her shooting me point-blank to eating another raw vegetable," Jamie said.

Annie led Jamie into the large dining room, and they took a seat at the long table, a custom-built replica of an 1820 Imperial Extending Table, only this one was adorned with bronze and gilt, as was most of the furniture in the house, with the exception of the kitchen, which had been added on long after the house was built. Numerous leaves could be added to the table so that it could accommodate thirty people. A massive Regency gilt-wood mirror almost covered one wall, reflecting light from the chandelier. On the opposite wall, a large bowfront sideboard held Annie's grandmother's fine silver and china. As a young girl, Annie had thought the dining room one of the most spectacular rooms in the house.

Until she realized that the deep red walls, black and red velvet draperies, and naked cherubs painted on the ceiling were not exactly tasteful. Not to mention the silk tapestry of women in highly suggestive poses. Unlike her mother, who considered it tasteless and downright disgraceful, Annie had learned to take it in stride.

Except for the large marble, phalliclike sculpture that had been placed beside the graceful free-floating staircase in the foyer. Annie had been twelve years old when she'd asked her grandmother why anyone would want a carving of a man's thing in the entryway.

The elderly woman had chuckled. "It's art, dear. And it's been in this family for many years."

Annie had broken a cardinal rule when, after her grandmother's death, she'd packed the sculpture and had it carried to the attic.

Annie noted the amused look on Jamie's face as she took it all in. "Are you sure you still want to get married here?" Annie said.

Jamie looked surprised. "Why wouldn't I? You have a reputation for putting on the finest weddings money can buy."

"Yes, but the guest list doesn't usually include senators, heads of state, and tycoons. Some people might find the house, um, offensive."

"If that were the case, you wouldn't have so many people wanting to marry here." She sighed. "I just hope none of the guests talk," she said. "I have never seen a man more determined to avoid the press than Max."

"People have a right to their privacy," Annie said. "Even celebrities. And Max shouldn't have to deal with TV cameras and newspaper reporters on one of the most important days of his life." She reached for a manila folder that was simply labeled: H. Wedding. Thankfully, it was quiet in the kitchen. "By the way, how is Max?"

"He's working hard to tie up loose ends before we leave for the honeymoon, which he still insists on keeping a surprise."

"Everyone is talking about the new polymer plant he's building," Annie said. "It's going to create a lot of well-needed jobs in this town."

Jamie nodded. "And hopefully save the lives of a few motorists. It's the same material that was used to build Max's car. He and a NASA employee experimented for a couple of years to make the product more durable, and I can tell you it's stronger than steel. A leading car manufacturer is anxiously awaiting the first sheets to come off the production line."

"You must be very proud of Max," Annie said, and then grinned. "I know it's a little soon to ask, but have you talked about starting a family?"

Jamie's smile suddenly drooped.

"Uh-oh, wrong thing to ask," Annie said, wishing she could take it back.

"I'm scared, Annie. Terrified. I don't know anything about being a wife; what on earth would I do with a child? I don't even know how to raise this dog. I mean, look at him," she said, pointing to Fleas. "He has no self-esteem."

As if trying to prove her point, Fleas managed to look even more pathetic.

"Take a deep breath, Jamie," Annie said. "It'll be okay."

Jamie sucked in air.

"Like I said, you're just having pre-wedding jitters and that's perfectly normal. And nobody says you have to have a baby. Oprah Winfrey doesn't plan on having kids, and everybody adores her."

"Yeah, but I sort of want a family," Jamie said.

Annie suspected as much. Jamie's mother had left while Jamie was still in diapers, and her father had not been able to fill the gap. "So take your time and stop stressing over it," Annie said. "You'll know when you're ready." She laughed. "I mean, good grief, Dee Dee's going to have a baby in how long?"

"Three weeks. But she doesn't count, because Frankie has hired three nannies."

Annie chuckled. Frankie and Dee Dee were well liked in the community because of their eccentricities and fun-loving nature. A retired wrestler, Frankie had turned his attention to politics the previous year when he suspected the local government was corrupt. He'd called on brother-in-law Max Holt to help him look into it, and they'd found more than they'd bargained for. In the end, Frankie had emerged a hero and won the mayoral election hands-down.

Annie suddenly remembered the injured man in the kitchen; she needed to get down to business. "Let's concentrate on one thing at a time," she said. "You're marrying a great guy who's madly in love with you. The fact that he's drop-dead gorgeous and filthy rich is only the icing on the cake. And speaking of cakes—" Annie pulled out a picture of the wedding cake Jamie had selected, a French pound cake with Grand Marnier buttercream frosting. It was simple yet exquisite. "I've been thinking," she said. "Since you're planning on white tea roses for the wedding, how about I tint the frosting on the cake off-white and place some of the rosebuds on top for decoration? That sort of thing is real popular now."

"Sounds beautiful."

"Great." Annie hurried on. "As for the menu, I typed up everything we agreed on so you and Max can look it over in case you want to make any changes."

Jamie reached into her oversize handbag and pulled out several envelopes. "I've received the last of the responses to the wedding invitations, so we're looking at about fifty guests. I hope you know that Max and I cut the list to the bone," she added.

"I can easily accommodate that number of people," Annie said, having hired someone to knock down the wall separating the den and oversize study when she needed the space for various businesses that held monthly meetings there. It also served well for small weddings. "I'll situate the tables near the walls in the ballroom so there will be room for dancing," she added. Annie hoped she could do something about the water damage before the wedding. "Okay, what's next?"

"Oh, wait; I forgot to mention that Max's parents can't make it. His mother had a mild heart attack several days ago. She's getting out of the hospital tomorrow, but her doctor wants her to stay close to home. So you can scratch their names from the list."

Annie made a note to herself. "I know Max will be disappointed."

"He is. But he wasn't that close to them while growing up. His cousin Nick and his wife, Billie, practically raised him."

"Moving right along," Annie said, hoping they could wrap things up, "the minister will be here early in case you or Max would like a private moment with him. The photographer is all taken care of, and the flutist and harpist will play before, during, and after the ceremony, at least until the band starts. Well, it's not really a band, just a three-piece ensemble."

"I have no idea what I'm supposed to do when I get here," Jamie said anxiously.

"That's what the rehearsal is for. No change in number of people for that?"

"Nope."

"The florist will arrive a couple of hours early, so we'll have plenty of time to decorate."

"I just hope I fit into my dress," Jamie said grimly.

"You will. Any questions?"

"I think that covers it."

Annie checked her wristwatch. "Oh, look at the time!" She stood, hoping she didn't appear rude but knowing she needed to check on Wes Bridges, who was probably on the telephone with his lawyer that very moment.

Jamie stood as well. "I need to get back to the office anyway. By the way, how is Destiny settling in?"

"Theenie and I really like her. She's hilarious. Perhaps outrageous is a better word."

Jamie laughed. "Most of what she says is in fun, so don't take her too seriously." They had turned for the living room when the swinging door leading to the kitchen was suddenly thrown open and a frantic-looking Theenie poked her head through. "Trouble in the kitchen," she said. "Big trouble."

Annie darted a look at Jamie. "Gotta run." She raced into the next room, where she found Wes slumped at the table. "Oh no!" she cried. "What happened?"

"He passed out," Destiny said.

A frowning Jamie stood in the doorway, trying to make sense of what was going on. "Who is that?"

Annie glanced her way. Damn. She hadn't even heard Jamie follow her. "Long story."

"You wouldn't believe it anyway," Destiny told Jamie.

Annie tried to shake the man awake. There was no movement. He began to snore lightly. "Oh, great!" she muttered. "Wes, you have to wake up!" she said loudly. She shook him harder, so hard he slipped from the chair and hit the floor with a resounding thud. His head bounced once, and he groaned.

Theenie cried out in alarm and then covered her mouth, but her eyes slid side-to-side, clearly panicked. "We're going to kill the poor man yet."

"Would somebody puh-leese tell me what's going on!" Jamie insisted.

"We should try to sit him up," Annie said as Theenie gave Jamie a rapid-fire rundown of events. "Maybe that'll wake him."

Jamie blinked several times as though trying to digest the explanation. "I'll help."

Working together, Annie, Jamie, and Destiny managed to get Wes into a sitting position, but his head lolled to one side. Annie stood over him, bracing her feet on either side as she slipped her arms beneath his and pulled. He was too heavy, despite Destiny and Jamie trying to pull him up from behind. Annie paused to catch her breath and Wes fell back once more, dragging her with him. Fortunately, Jamie prevented his head from hitting the floor again.

Annie suddenly found herself lying flat against the man, chest-to-chest, thigh-to-thigh. Before she could make a move, Wes smiled in his sleep and enveloped her in his arms. Her jaw dropped. Whoa, mama! She couldn't remember when she'd last been this close to the opposite sex, but danged it if didn't feel good. Too good, she thought, his tight muscles pressed against all her body parts.

Her stomach fluttered.

Her nipples hardened.

Her gizzard quivered.

"Oh my," Theenie said, one hand at her breast as though she feared her heart would fly right out. "This won't do. This simply won't do."

Annie sighed.

Destiny and Jamie gawked.

Theenie stepped closer. "Annie, this is not proper behavior. You must get up this instant!"

Destiny laughed out loud. "You really do need to get off of him, honey. The man needs medical attention. You can lie on top of him once he's better."

Jamie grinned openly.

Annie tried to pull free, but it was useless. "He has me in a death grip." She craned her head so that she could see Theenie. "You might want to call Doc."

Theenie hurried to the telephone and dialed while Destiny and Jamie looked on in amusement.

"This is not funny, you guys," Annie told them. "He could be badly hurt. Not only that; he has already threatened to sue me."

"Doc's on his way," Theenie said, hanging up the phone. She gave Annie a funny look. "What's wrong? Why are you squirming?"

"She's copping a feel," Destiny said. She bit her fist.

"I am not!" Annie said. "I'm just, um, trying to get comfortable."

Jamie looked at Destiny. "I'm sure it's not as easy as it looks, just lying on him like that."

"I should not be listening to this," Theenie said, eyeballing each of them. "I know three young ladies who are going to feel terribly guilty if something happens to that poor man."

The back door swung open a few minutes later and Doc stepped in, once again carrying his black bag. "Now what?" He came to a dead halt when he spied Annie lying across Wes. "Oh boy," he mumbled. "I'm almost afraid to ask."

"He's out cold," Annie said, "and he won't let go of me."

Doc suddenly looked sheepish. "I was afraid of this."

"Afraid of what?" Theenie said.

Doc sighed. "I'm not positive, but I'm pretty sure I gave him the wrong medication."

"What did you give him?" Annie almost shrieked.

"I, well, accidentally gave him a tranquilizer. It's mostly used for large animals." He swallowed, and his Adam's apple bobbed. "Livestock."

"Oh, shit!" Annie cried. "He's going to be mad as hell when he wakes up. Wait! Maybe we shouldn't let him wake up. How many more of those pills do you have?"

Theenie planted her hands on her hips. "I'm going to pretend you didn't say that." She turned to Doc. "Is he in danger?"

"No, but he's probably going to be out for a while. That's not good considering he has a head injury. That and the fact he won't let go of Annie."

"Life can be hard like that," Destiny said.

Annie felt a sense of dread. "We have to get him to the hospital."

Theenie shook her head and began to pick at her fingernails. "If we do, they'll ask questions. Doc could get into a lot of trouble for dispensing medication, seeing as how he's not practicing anymore."

"Oh boy," Doc muttered under his breath.

Annie gave a huge sigh. "I'm going to lose my house. I'll have to sleep in the bus station and keep my stuff in a grocery cart."

"We'll be homeless," Theenie said. "I'll have to sleep in a cardboard box. Everybody will find out. I won't be able to show my face in Susie Q's Cut and Curl." She pulled a lace handkerchief from her pocket, put it to her nose, and sniffed. "My hair will be a mess."

Destiny and Jamie exchanged glances.

Annie looked at Doc. "Think of something fast."

"Be nice if we could wake him. Maybe we could get him into the shower and douse him with cold water."

"Okay," Annie said calmly. "Theenie, call Erdle. We'll need all the help we can get. Doc, don't you think you should check his pulse or something?"

"Good idea." Doc got down on his knees and pulled a worn stethoscope and penlight from his bag. He listened to Wes's heart, shone the light in his eyes, and took his pulse. "Everything seems normal."

Erdle came through the door and almost stumbled over his own feet. "Miss Annie!"

"Don't just stand there, Erdle, help me!" she said. "See if you can pry the man's hands loose."

Erdle hurried around behind her and tried to pull her free. "Golly, he's strong as a bull!" He pulled with all his might.

Wes opened his eyes and stared into Annie's face. His words were slurred when he spoke. "You got, um, a nice, um …" He frowned as if trying to come up with the word. Finally, he closed his eyes.

Annie shook him. "What?"

His eyes remained closed. "A nice ass," he said. Once again, he began to snore.

"Oh, I shouldn't be listening to this," Theenie said, covering her ears.

Everyone in the room was silent for a moment. Annie stared openmouthed at the man beneath her. So he'd noticed her after all. Her ego moved up a notch. Not that he was her type, mind you. Not that she had a type. But Wes looked, well, he looked a little dangerous, a little rough around the edges. Besides, she'd sworn off men.

Still … Wes made her feel sort of feminine, like she should go upstairs and put on a pair of panty hose.

Not a good sign.

Erdle managed to lift Wes's arms, and Annie shimmied out, her cheek rubbing every bone and muscle along the way, although she did her best to lift her head and not touch his crotch.

"Wow," Destiny said. "I hope it was as good for him as it was for you."

Annie shot her a look as she took a deep breath. "Okay," she said, trying to pull her muddled thoughts together. "I think it'll be easier if we drag him into the bathroom. Theenie, you hold his head off the floor so it doesn't bounce. Erdle, you grab the other arm. The rest of you, get his legs and try to shove him in the direction of the bathroom while Erdle and I pull." She waited until everyone was in place. "Okay, let's do it!"

The six of them went to work, pulling Wes across the kitchen, the hall, and finally into the bathroom. They paused in the cramped space to catch their breath. Annie pushed the shower curtain aside. "Okay," she said, "I think it would be better if we got his legs in first."

"Are we going to put him in with all his clothes on?" Theenie asked.

They exchanged looks. "Maybe we should at least strip him down to his underwear," Annie said.

"What if he doesn't wear underwear?" Theenie asked. "He doesn't exactly look the type."

"I'll check," Doc said. The women turned their backs. "Yep, he's wearing them."

"Okay," Annie said to Erdle, trying to sound businesslike and matter-of-fact, even though her pulse was going wacko. "Let's strip him down." The others, including a disgruntled Destiny, stepped from the room. Erdle and Annie managed to free Wes from his clothes, with the exception of a pair of boxer shorts adorned with red hearts.

"Get a load of that," Erdle said.

"Huh?" Annie tried not to stare at the lean, muscular body, but it would have been impossible not to look. She knew Erdle was referring to Wes's boxer shorts. "I'm sure he didn't purchase them for himself. Probably his wife or girlfriend."

"Awesome," Destiny said, peeking around the door. "It's almost worth it just to see that. Cool boxers, huh?"

Annie tore her gaze from his body. "Okay, everybody back in here. Let's get him in the bathtub."

It was not an easy task, but once they'd settled Wes into the tub, Theenie stuffed a towel beneath his head to protect it from further harm. Annie pulled the curtain closed and turned on the cold water full force. She reached in and adjusted the spray so it would hit his face. The man remained immobile. After several minutes, Annie turned off the water and looked at Doc. "He's not responding."

"Let's give it time. He should come around eventually. I hope I'm not here when he does."

Annie didn't bother to hide her annoyance. "What should we do with him in the meantime?"

"Be best to dry him off and cover him with a blanket," Doc told her.

Annie gaped. "You mean leave him in the bathtub?"

"I don't think we're going to be able to get him out."

Annie shook her head sadly as she moved to the linen cabinet. "This day can't get any worse."

"Unless he dies," Theenie said fretfully. "I don't know what we'll do then. Probably we'll go to jail. Which is probably a whole lot better than being homeless when you think about it," she added, only to frown. "Unless, well, you know what happens behind prison walls. We could end up in a cell with a big woman who decides to make us her b-i-t-c-h." She shuddered.

Destiny just looked at her. "Have you ever considered taking Xanax?"

Theenie ignored her. "I'll grab a blanket," she said, hurrying from the room.

Annie dried Wes from head to toe, all the while trying to ignore how good he looked. "His underwear is soaked," she said as Theenie returned with the blanket.

"Best to get him out of them," Doc replied.

Annie took a step back. "I'm not doing it."

"Let me do it," Destiny said.

Theenie squared her shoulders. "No, I'll do it," she said, surprising everyone in the room. "It's not like I haven't seen my share of naked bodies, what with being a nurse's aide and all." She looked at Destiny. "Besides, this should be done in a professional manner."

Destiny gave a grunt. "Yeah, right. You want to get a look at Mr. Big as bad as the rest of us."

"I'm not listening to that kind of talk," Theenie said, covering her ears. "La la la la la."

Destiny looked at Jamie. "Is it me or what?"

Theenie glanced at Annie. "Is she done talking dirty yet?"

Annie nodded and Theenie dropped her hands to her sides. "Okay, everybody out," the older woman said. "I have a job to do. And no peeking," she added, looking right at Destiny.

Annie followed the others out of the bathroom. She skidded to a halt. Standing on the other side of the door was her friend Danny Gilbert. She feigned a smile as her cohorts in crime scattered.

"I rang the doorbell," he said. He glanced about the room. "Why does everybody look so serious? Is something wrong?"

Annie pulled the bathroom door closed. "Wrong?" She tried to think fast. "Oh well—" She jumped as a moan sounded from the bathroom.

"What was that?" Danny asked.

Annie shot a frantic look at the others. "Um, Theenie isn't feeling well."

"Digestive problems," Doc said authoritatively. "It happens to the best of us."

Another moan. Danny looked concerned. "Is it serious?"

"Not sure." Doc chuckled. "Might have to put her down."

Annie rolled her eyes. "She'll be fine."

The bathroom door opened and Theenie stepped out, holding Wes's boxer shorts. "I'm glad to have that behind me," she said. "It wasn't as easy as I thought it would be." Her eyes widened when she spied Danny. "Oh, I didn't know we had company." She wadded the boxers in her hands.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

"I'm a little sore from all the strenuous activity, but—" She stopped abruptly as though realizing she'd said more than she should. "I think I'll just put these in the dryer," she told Annie, hurrying away.

"I really need to head back to the office," Jamie said, already backing away. "I'll see myself out." Fleas, who'd managed to sleep through the whole thing, got up, shook himself, and followed.

Annie managed to say a quick good-bye before she turned to Danny. "What are you doing here?"

He looked surprised. "Just thought I'd drop by for a cup of coffee."

"Oh." It wasn't unusual for Danny to stop by if he was in the neighborhood; he was like family. He and Annie started hanging out together years before, during the summers she spent with her grandmother. Some people mistook them for brother and sister, since they both had red hair and green eyes. "Um, gee, I wish I could visit with you," she said, slipping her arm through his and prodding him toward the living room, "but we're up to our ears in work, what with the wedding and all." She hadn't even told Danny who was getting married.

He looked amused. "Are you throwing me out?"

"No, of course not," she said, opening the door and shoving him onto the piazza. "I'm just, um, really busy right now. Bye." She started to close the door.

"Wait! I'd also hoped you might want to take in a movie this week."

"Movie? Oh, right," she said quickly. She and Danny usually grabbed a quick dinner and saw a movie every week. "May I get back to you on that?" she asked.

"Well, sure. Hey, are you okay? You seem awfully nervous."

"Nervous?" She thought she was acting pretty calm considering there was an unconscious butt-naked man in her bathtub. "I just need to go through my to-do list for the wedding; after that I'll have a better idea how long it's going to take. I'll call you."

"That's fine," he said. He turned. "By the way, whose Harley is that? It's one mean-looking machine."

Annie wondered how she'd missed the massive chrome and black motorcycle. "It must belong to one of Erdle's friends. See you later." She closed the door and leaned against it. She gave an enormous sigh of relief when Danny pulled away in his car. She knew darn well who the motorcycle belonged to; it had Wes Bridges written all over it. That would explain his biker clothes. What she didn't know and couldn't figure out was why Wes had shown up in her backyard in the first place.

* * * * *

Several hours later, Wes was still out cold, and Destiny was in her room taking a nap. Annie prepared a meat loaf for dinner and iced a pan of brownies while Theenie peeled potatoes. They worked in silence, but every so often Theenie would look at Annie and shake her head.

"I know," Annie finally said. "I can't believe we have a naked man lying in the bathtub, either."

"I'll set the table," Theenie said once she'd put the potatoes on to boil.

"Thanks." Annie was grateful that both of her full-time tenants were only too eager to help around the place; it made her job a lot easier. She was only forced to hire help when her bed-and-breakfast was full. She checked on Wes, shook him lightly, but there was no movement.

Destiny came downstairs looking rested. She wore tight jeans and a low-cut royal blue blouse with gold moons and stars that did not detract from her cleavage.

"Something smells good," Destiny said. "What can I do to help?"

As Annie put the finishing touches on dinner she assigned Destiny a small task.

Erdle showed up as the women carried the food to the table. He had showered, changed his clothes, and scrubbed the dirt from beneath his fingernails, a rule Annie had put into place long ago. He took his usual chair, tucked his napkin inside his collar, and waited for the women to sit, but his eyes were fixed on Destiny.

"Please say grace, Erdle," Annie said, not because he was particularly good at it but because she thought it might put him on the path of the straight and narrow. So far it hadn't worked.

He bowed his head. "Rub-a-dub-dub, thanks for the grub."

Theenie pursed her lips. "I wish you'd learn a new prayer. That is not at all proper. One of these days the ground is going to split right open and swallow you whole."

He shrugged and looked at Annie. "I picked up all the branches, raked the leaves, and trimmed the weeds," he said proudly as they passed the food around. "We've got some leftover pine straw in the carriage house, so I'll put it out tomorrow."

Annie knew Erdle was just sucking up so she wouldn't evict him. "You'll have to stay on top of it so it stays nice. In the meantime you can start tilling that patch of ground behind the carriage house."

Erdle shifted in his chair. "That tiller is pretty old, been sitting around for years. I'm pretty sure it don't work."

"It works. I've already checked."

Erdle paused and fixed a weary gaze on her. "Tell me again why you want that land tilled?"

"I've already told you I want to plant a vegetable garden back there. It's more than large enough." Annie hoped by planting her own vegetables she would save on the grocery bills. "I need to get started right away, with the weather being so warm."

"You can't grow nothing back there. Not enough sun."

"You're wrong. It gets the morning sun."

"You're just not up early enough to notice," Theenie said.

Erdle didn't respond. Instead, he concentrated on his food.

Annie kept her gaze fixed on him. The man would stall as long as he could to keep from doing any work. "Erdle?"

"Okay," he said. "I'll get on it."

Annie was about to pin him down as to when he would get on it, but a sound from the bathroom startled her. She jumped from the table and hurried in that direction with Destiny and Theenie right behind. Wes was still lying in the tub, his eyes open. "Oh, thank goodness!" Annie said. "You're awake."

He didn't look happy to see her. "Would you care to explain why in the hell I'm lying naked in this effin' bathtub?"