CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Sky loaded all the landscaping tools into the back of his truck, and turned to grin at Storm and Seath. “Great job, guys!” Sky said. “The garden looks really good.”
“Yeah, it does,” Storm agreed. “We should snap a picture and send it to Jackie.”
The owner of the house, Jackie Wagner, had left for a business trip a day after instructing Fireblood Landscapers to do her garden. Jackie had paid them in full before she left even though Sky told her that she could pay them after she got back from her trip.
“Nah, I trust you guys,” Jackie had answered with a wave of her hand. “I’ve seen your work. You guys came highly recommended. You did my aunt’s garden and it looks great!”
Seath immediately yanked out his phone and took a picture. His fingers moved deftly over the screen and in just a few seconds, he had sent the photo to Jackie. “Done,” Seath declared and pocketed his phone. “We’re done for the day, right? Can we go now?”
Sky raised a brow at his baby brother. “Someone’s in a hurry to get home.”
Seath hopped from foot to foot, glancing at his watch. “Come on, guys. There’s nothing left to do. So what are we standing around for?”
Sky’s brows shot higher. Sky was usually the one who was always rushing to get home to his mate after work. Storm and Seath would linger around, dilly-dallying and catching up with some of the townsfolk. They had gotten to know the townspeople quite well, and they’d made some good friends.
Storm answered his big brother’s quizzical, bewildered look with a smirk. “Our baby brother has a date tonight.”
“Oh!” Sky’s face split into a grin. “A date, huh?”
Seath bounced on the balls of his feet. “Yeah. I need to go home and change. I’m taking Carol Ann out to dinner. I don’t want to be late.” He looked imploringly at Storm and mouthed, Let’s go!
Sky smiled and nudged Storm. “All right, you guys run along. It’s his first date. It’s important to him.”
“I know,” Storm answered as he fished his car keys out of his pocket. “Here.” He threw the keys to Seath, who caught them with both hands. “Go get ready for your date.”
Seath blinked at him. “You’re giving me the car now? Aren’t we driving home together? I can come over after I shower and collect the keys...”
“It’s okay, buddy. It’s a lovely evening. I can take a walk down to Greasy Diner, and stroll home after that.”
A slow, knowing smile spread across Seath’s face. “Hmmm….I think I saw our new neighbor cross the street just now. Emilia just walked into Greasy Diner a while ago, didn’t she?”
Storm scowled and shoved his younger brother towards the car. “Just shut up and go.”
“Ask her out!” Seath yelled as he opened the car door. “Unless you’re...” He made chicken sounds and chortled.
“You know what? I think I’ve changed my mind. I need my car tonight for...”
A look of alarm crossed Seath’s face and he immediately fired up the engine and peeled out of the parking lot.
“Who is Emilia?” Sky asked nonchalantly.
“My next door neighbor.”
“Ah, so she’s moved into my old house.” Sky punched Storm lightly on the arm and said, “Want me to drop you at Greasy Diner? It’s just down the road, and I’ll be driving past it anyway.”
Storm shot his big brother a look. Sky kept a straight face but his green eyes were twinkling.
“You gonna chaperon me?” Storm deadpanned.
Sky chuckled. “Nah. I have to fetch Leia from the restaurant. She’ll be knocking off soon. I just want to see who the lucky lady who has caught my brother’s eye is. As everyone knows, my brother, Storm, is really picky.”
Before Storm could retort, Sky pounded him on the back and got into his truck. He tooted his horn and winked as he drove off.
Storm could see his big brother craning his neck as he drove past the diner, hoping to catch a glimpse of the mysterious Emilia.
As he rounded the corner, Sky stuck his hand out of the window and flashed Storm the thumbs up sign.
Storm blinked after Sky’s truck and shook his head.
Both his brothers had morphed into busybody matchmakers!
But he knew that Sky and Seath meant well. They were rooting for him.
They were super excited for him, and they were hoping that his date with Emilia would go well. Well, it wasn’t really a date, but—it was a start.