Page 115 of Cloudless
Without hesitation, that’s the first thought that pops into my head.
My feet move before I’ve truly thought through what I’m supposed to do. My wet feet slide against the hardwood floors as I move into the hall. “I’m going to get a shitload of towels to keep the water from ruining the wooden floors in the hall, and then I’m going to call your brother.”
I hear more shuffling sounds coming from her end. “Great idea. I’ll be right over.” Her breathing turns labored, like she’s moving quickly. “And L?”
I try to push the thought of how much this is going to cost from my mind as I pick up my discarded basket of clean towels and dump them on the floor. “Yeah?”
“Everything's going to be okay.” When I say nothing, her voice softens. “I’ll be right there. Call Kam as soon as I hang up. I’m going to call Wyatt. He’ll know someone who can help. Okay?”
Water soaks through the white towels, turning them a light shade of grey. “Okay.”
The line goes dead as I fight the tears threatening to spill down my cheeks. With trembling fingers, I dig my phone from my pocket and press dial on a number I now know by heart.
With every ring, a new tear falls down my face. A sob nearly breaks free when I hear the smile in his voice. “Hi, Sunshine. Do you need help setting up for book club?”
I’m not proud of the weakness I hear in my voice. “Kam?”
His voice turns to match the blades of ice hanging from my roof. “What’s wrong?”
“I need you.”
A door slams in the background as his thunderous footsteps pound down the stairs of his front porch. “I’m on my way.”
CHAPTER 56
SUMMIT & SPINES BOOK CLUB
KAM
“Your pipes are definitely frozen.” The plumber’s knees pop like pop rocks as he stands. I’m just thankful Wyatt had a contact that could come out on a Friday, especially with the weather.
Lila wrings her hands next to me. “So, what do we do now?”
The plumber's fingers sound like they’re moving over sandpaper as he scratches his beard. “Well, I won’t be able to start on the repairs until Monday. This early in the season, many local nursing homes aren’t prepared for this type of weather. I stopped by here on my way to my next job as a favor to Wyatt.” With the panic rising in Lila’s eyes, the plumber softens his voice. “I’m sorry, Miss Sullivan, but I can’t turn the water back on to your house until I’ve made the repairs.”
Lila’s eyes turn distant as she nods her head. “Okay, so we won’t have water until at least Monday, then?”
With kind eyes, the plumber nods his head. “I’m afraid so.”
Lila’s brows crease as she thumbs the screen of her watch. “Okay. Umm, is it safe for us to stay here in the meantime? And how much is this going to cost? Is there a way to set up a payment plan or something?”
I push off the doorway where I’ve been leaning for the past twenty minutes. “Alright, here’s what’s going to happen.” Lila’seyes grow wide as I fully turn to her. “You’re going to pack a bag with enough clothes for the three of you to last for the weekend. Grab everything you might need. Make sure you grab Posey’s nightlight. I’m not sure we’ll be able to get on the road after the next round of storms tonight.” My gaze swivels to the plumber’s wide eyes. “Get a payment plan set up for the minimum amount you’ll accept. We can work out the details later.”
The plumber’s open mouth snaps shut as he nods. “Yes, sir. I’ll get that sent over right away.”
I give him a dip of my head. “Great. You have my number. Call me Monday.” I don’t wait for his nod before I grasp Lila’s limp fingers and pull her through the door into the hall.
The clouds in her eyes are startling after going without them for so long. “What do you mean,pack a bag?Where are we supposed to go? I can’t afford a hotel, Kam.”
I tighten my hold on her hand like that alone might banish the clouds. “You’re staying with me.”
She shakes her head so adamantly I feel it through our joined hands. “I can’t ask you for that, Kam. I don’t want to be an imposition.”
“You didn’t ask, Sunshine. I’m telling you, that’s what’s going to happen.” Her hair flies around her shoulders as I pull her closet door open with more force than necessary. “Now, pack a bag. We’re leaving in five minutes.”
Her fingers stall around the handle of a rolling suitcase. “But—But what about book club?”
I shake my head as I nudge her closer to her overflowing closet. “Don’t worry about it. Everything’s already being taken care of.”
