Page 24 of Gone for You

“He and I lived across the hall from each other, been friends for years.”

“No shit? So then how did this happen?” Austin asks, pointing between us.

“She came into The Flying Goat last night and…” I shrug, trailing off while looking at Liv. The lines beside her eyes crinkle as she smiles back at me.

“And you hit it off,” Samantha finishes for me.

Austin clears his throat. “Anyway, yeah, Josh brought me over to look at the house yesterday. It’s perfect. Three bedrooms. A full bathroom so Samantha can relax in a bathtub sometimes. The kitchen has really nice appliances and there’s even a garage that’s attached to the house. And, get this, it’s furnished. No one’s even used it.” His eyes sparkle and Samantha’s smile is so wide. He shakes his head like he can hardly believe their luck. “No shit. They have living room furniture and beds and dressers. I guess Barrett’s wife owns an interior design business and found all of it on a clearance deal. Even a TV in the living room and the kitchen is stocked with what we’ll need.”

I reach over and grab Liv’s hand and squeeze. She has no idea what hearing this does to me but the way she turns her head to me and smiles tells me she has a little bit of an idea.

“This is because of you, Ethan. You introduced me to Barrett, believed in us and provided for us. We’ll never be able to repay you.”

“Have us over for dinner one night and I can experience what you’ve been bragging about all these years and that will be repayment.” I turn to Liv and explain, “From what Austin says, Samantha here is one of the best cooks in the world.”

“He exaggerates,” Samantha says shyly.

“Lies. And you’re on,” Austin tells me.

We chat for a few more minutes then I hear some terrible coughing coming from the tents. Samantha is quick to jump to her feet, moving to check in on the kids.

Liv glances at me with a worried look on her face. I scratch my jaw and keep hold of her hand. She nods and I hope she’s thinking what I’m thinking. “Austin, hear me out a minute, okay?”

“Whatever you’re about to offer, get it out of your head. No. We’ve taken far too much from you as it is.”

“It’s supposed to snow tonight,” I tell him and he can’t hide the worry.

“I can’t take more from you than I already have,” he whispers angrily.

“You’re not taking. I need you to understand that. Your family is my family, you hear me? Now, we’re going to pack up the tents and you’re staying at the hotel until you can move in to the house. Just keep what you’ll need for the next few days and we’ll store the rest.”

“Ethan…”

“Don’t argue with me, okay? Let me do this. Those boys can’t be out here in this weather, you know that. They look like shit, Austin, and that’s not a reflection on you or Samantha. Kids get sick. It’s what happens. So please, let me do this one last thing.”

His head drops and shoulders shake and watching this big, strong man crumble is humbling and I have to bite the inside of my cheek to stop myself from tearing up as well. Liv loses the battle, though.

“Besides, think of how much fun the boys will have watching a movie in the hotel, swimming if they’re feeling up to it, maybe ordering takeout and eating it on the bed. Think of it as a much-needed vacation before you both start working. Austin, you deserve this. The last several weeks have been hell for all of you and I know you, you’ll dive head first into this new job because you’ve missed working.”

They’ve both done odd jobs over the last few months but nothing was permanent or offered enough money that it would change their lives. Still, they’ve been actively trying to fix their situation and are doing the best they can.

Austin stares at the tent and blows out a breath. “I’m fine here, but Samantha, she needs a break. And the kids need a bed and a warm place to sleep to get over their colds.”

“I’m glad you see things my way,” I say completely smug.

“Seriously. You’re annoyingly stubborn. And thank you. You’ve changed our world, Ethan.” He shifts his attention to Liv. “I don’t know the situation between you two, but you’ve found yourself a good one.”

Liv’s chin wobbles and she nods, looking at me out of the corner of her eye.

“Go tell the kids and Samantha and you guys can get started. I’m going to bring Liv back to her car then I’ll come back with my dad’s enclosed trailer so we can load it up and leave all your stuff in there until we can move you in this weekend.”

He begins to stand when Liv does the same, only she springs to her feet. “Why are you bringing me to my car?”

“Uh, right now I’m not sure.”

Austin chuckles.

“You don’t think I’m capable of helping?”

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