Hold Me

“Did she used to be in the army?” Shelby asked idly.

“It sounds like it.”

They waited in line. Charlie took one look at him and pointed to her left. “Go with the muscle. It’s macho work and should make you happy.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Charlie waved Shelby toward a group of women. “Raking and painting.”

“Isn’t your process a little sexist?” Shelby asked.

“Yes. Do you see that as a problem?”

Shelby grinned. “Nope. Just asking.”

Kipling went over to join several other men. He greeted Gideon, one of the partners at The Man Cave. Carter, Gideon’s son, was with him.

“Hey, G-Force,” Carter said. “I’m with you guys today.”

Kipling did his best not to react to the nickname. The one he no longer deserved. “I see that. Impressive.” He shook hands with Gideon. “How’s it going?”

“Good. Too early for me, but Felicia said it was important to help.”

Kipling figured that for a man who worked from ten in the evening until the early hours of the morning, this would be a difficult start time.

“Mom’s big on giving back to the community,” Carter said with an easy grin. “She says connecting with the core group is biological. That it’s a need in all primates. She knows stuff.”

“Apparently.” Kipling had only met Felicia a few times, but he would guess she was probably the smartest person any of them had ever interacted with. He wondered how she and Gideon had hooked up in the first place. They seemed so different. Of course there were people who would probably be surprised that of all the single women in town, Destiny was the one to capture his attention.

Attraction was always interesting and sometimes complicated.

Thinking about Destiny made him remember Starr. “You’re at the summer camp, right?” he asked Carter.

The teen nodded. “My second summer. I’ve been a buddy to a bunch of new kids. It’s pretty cool.”

“Do you know Starr Mills?”

“Sure. We hang out some. She’s into music and singing, but we’ve had a few classes together.”

“Good. She’s new, and I know her sister is worried about her fitting in.”

Carter nodded. “Yeah, my mom was worried about that when I moved here. Starr’s doing good.”

“Checking on the kid sister?” Gideon’s expression turned knowing. “Whatever it takes, man.”

Before Kipling could respond, they were called to the trucks that would take them to the various playgrounds. Gideon walked with him.

“You hearing anything about the bar?”

“Hearing what?” Kipling asked.

“Complaints.”

“No. We’re doing well. Business is steady. Why?”

Gideon shrugged. “I hear things. Jo’s Bar is pretty close.”

“Sure, but a different clientele. They target women, and we target men. There are plenty of both in town.”

“It’s not that simple,” Gideon told him. “But I think we’re okay for now.”

“You worry too much.”

Gideon nodded. “I do. Used to be that’s what kept me alive. But I’m sure you’re right. That we’ll be fine.”

“We will. You’ll see.”

* * *

DESTINY FOUND THAT a morning spent painting playground equipment was exactly what she needed to clear her mind. She’d invited Starr along, but her sister had opted to sleep in.

The morning was warming up quickly. The sun was out, and only a handful of clouds chased across the blue sky. This was a nice way to spend a Saturday, she thought. Until moving to Fool’s Gold, she’d never gotten involved in a community event like this. Helping out was actually really fun.

Shelby sat on the other side of the support poles they were painting. They were onto their second playground. As they had moved on from the first one, a couple of trucks filled with guys had pulled up to replace the safety mats.

“How long do you think until Charlie shows up to check our work?” Shelby asked with a laugh.

“I’m not sure, but I’m keeping my brush strokes very even.”

“Me, too.” Shelby took a deep breath. “This is nice. I usually spend my Saturday mornings in the bakery. It was relaxing to sleep in until six and then be outside.”

“I think it’s sad that getting up at six is sleeping in for you, and yet I love my morning pastries.”

“Someone has to pay the price,” Shelby told her. “And I’m willing to do it.”

“For that, I thank you.”

“In return, you’ll find me if I get lost in the mountains.”

Destiny nodded, even though she wouldn’t be one of the people doing the searching. As of yet, she hadn’t been given her next assignment, but it was just a matter of time until she heard.

For once, there would be things she would miss when she left. People, as well as the town. She had a routine here she liked. She enjoyed the girlfriend lunches and the festivals. Even her little rental was growing on her.

She’d made friends, she thought, glancing where Madeline was raking on the opposite side of the playground. Madeline, who’d had drinks with the man who had also taken out Shelby.

Destiny dipped her brush in the can of red paint. “How are things going with Miles?” she asked cautiously.

“I’ve seen him a couple of times. He’s a lot of fun.” Shelby looked up and grinned. “Don’t worry. I’m heeding your warning. I won’t get serious.”