Page 65 of Patio Lanterns

“Oh God, you’re killing me,” he grumbled.

“Sorry, I can’t help myself.” She pulled away, giggling. “Thanks, I think that helped. I’m going upstairs to take a hot, steamy shower. That should help a bit, too.”

“I’m going to need a cold shower thinking of you taking that hot one.”

She swatted his arm as she laughed. “How about a cold beer instead?”

“Tempting, but I’m almost done here. Just going to take these last two doors over to Aidan to be painted, and then I’m heading out.”

“Text me later?” she asked.

He nodded. She held his lingering gaze a moment before sashaying away. He watched her until she disappeared from view.

Rick sanded down the last two cabinet doors, then meticulously wiped every groove and detail with a soft cloth to remove any fine dust particles. He was satisfied with what he’d accomplished in a solid day’s work, but being able to help his son was the most rewarding part.

He brought the doors around to the side yard, where Aidan was spray painting the new pantry door to match the cupboards. “All done, boss.”

Aidan stopped what he was doing and removed the respiratory mask protecting his face. “Great, just put them down over there with the others. I should be able to get the first coat on and let them dry overnight,” he said. “Thanks for your help, Dad. Sure made my job a lot easier.”

“Happy to do it,” Rick replied, wiping his brow with his forearm. “Divide the task, multiply the success.”

“Teamwork makes the dream work,” Aidan countered. They both laughed.

Rick put down the doors. “Look, if you don’t need me for anything else today, I’m going to make like a goalie and get the puck outta here.”

“What’s the rush? Got a hot date?”

Rick shrugged and offered a half smile. “You never know.”

Just then, his phone buzzed. He fumbled with his work gloves, and as he reached for his phone, it slipped out of his hand.

Aidan picked it out of the grass right-side up. “Miss July?” He started to chuckle.

“Never mind!” Rick made a grab for it, his sliding thumb accidentally unlocking the screen in time for his son to see it.

“Whoaaaa! Holy shit!” Aidan hooted as he ogled the message.

Rick reclaimed the phone and took a look at what all the fuss was about. His screen showed a steamed-up mirror stamped with a kiss, and below it, a pair of, ahem, well rounded imprints. Jesus, Robin.

“You sly dog!” Aidan whooped. “Who is that?”

“No one you know.” Flustered, Rick lied as he buried the phone in his pocket.

Aidan held up his hand as a congratulatory high five. “Glad to see you can still get some, old man.”

Rick didn’t leave him hanging and slapped his palm. “All right, all right. No need to make a big deal about it.”

“Miss July looks like she’s got two nice, big deals.” He bounced his eyebrows.

Rick ignored the crack. “So, you’ll let me know what time you want me back here to install the doors tomorrow morning, right?”

“Sure. Oh, hey, before I forget, I’ve got something for you. Wait here.” Aidan jogged over to his truck and reached in through the open passenger window. He came back carrying a manila envelope.

Rick examined the unmarked envelope in his hands. “What is it?”

Aidan shrugged as he handed it to him. “Only one way to find out, I guess.”

Rick peeled back the adhesive closure and pulled out pages printed on letterhead bearing the name Polaris North Properties. “Your partnership contract?”

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