Page 12 of Things We Do for Love and Science
Armed with a hammer, chisel, and wire brush, they climbed to the very top and began the monumental labor of making the Hall watertight.
“Here you go.” Gabriel handed Jem a mug of tea and poured one for himself before closing the thermos flask.
They sat side by side on a wooden plank, surrounded by scaffolding. The failing light chilled the air, and the warm drink was most welcome. They’d been working since sunrise with hardly any break.
“You’re such a star for helping me with this.” Gabriel gestured at the wall behind him.
“No problem, Gabe. I know how bloody expensive the scaffolds are to rent, and the Hall is no small cottage.”
“True. Thank God it’s only the north-facing wall that needs repointing.”
Jem leaned back and tilted his lightly freckled face toward the setting sun. “You know, I used to think I’d love to inherit Renwood Hall, but in recent years, I’ve changed my mind. Now I’m relieved I don’t have to sort out this mess.”
“Don’t blame you.” Gabriel rubbed a hand over his eyes.
Jem faced him once more. “But if anyone is going to pull off this renovation, it’s you.”
Gabriel wrinkled his brow. “Let’s hope your confidence in me isn’t misplaced.”
“I’ll be here to lend a hand.” Jem took sip of tea. “Until the baby comes, that is.”
Gabriel grabbed his cousin’s shoulder. “Another six months and you’ll be a father. Hard to believe.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Jem gave him a look of mock-outrage. “I’ll be an excellent dad.”
“I have no doubt.” Gabriel beamed at his cousin. “How’s Suzette?”
“She’s fine, cared for beautifully by her devoted husband.” He paused for dramatic effect and pointed to his chest. “Me.”
“I should thank her for sparing you to climb about the scaffolding with me.” Gabriel uncapped the thermos and pointed to his cousin’s mug. “More tea?”
“No, I’m all good.” With a shrug, Jem returned to their original topic. “Suzette’s supportive. It’d be a crying shame to see Renwood Hall pass out of the family and have some cold-hearted investor convert it into a hotel.”
Gabriel poured some tea for himself and cradled the warm mug in his hands. “Your help is much appreciated. I commit myself to regular stints as your future babysitter to make up for it.”
Jem had a mischievous glint in his brown eyes. “We have a deal.” He drained his cup and got to his feet. “Same place, same time tomorrow?”
“No, not tomorrow.” Gabriel also rose.
“Why not? I thought we’re trying to get this finished as quickly as possible?”
“Maybe I’m being too self-indulgent, but tomorrow, an acquaintance of mine is coming over. I’m painting her portrait.” Gabriel averted his face to hide his traitorous expression.
Jem grinned from ear to ear. “What kind of acquaintance?”
“The scientist who came here to collect a DNA sample of our common ancestor. She offered, and I wanted to paint her because it keeps my mind off things.”
Jem boxed Gabriel’s shoulder. “The morbid scientist who made you break apart poor Edwin’s skull?”
“She’s not morbid, she’s—”
“Admit it, you fancy her,” Jem cut in.
Gabriel gnawed at his lower lip. “A bit, maybe.”
“Maybe, my ass. Why so coy? It’s been ages since you and Vanessa broke up. It’s about time you met someone else.” Jem took him by his shoulders and looked him squarely in the eye.
Gabriel blew out a breath. “I’m onlypaintingher.”
