Page 98 of Lone Star Longing
“You shouldn’t have done this.” She stood where she was, her arms crossed.
“You say that to me a lot. Look, do you want to help me get it off of here or not?”
“I cannot accept it.”
He sighed and leaned against the tank, his mouth pressed together. “Why the hell not?”
“Because I can’t accept it. It’s too expensive.”
“Lacey, do you know the kind of money I make? It’s fine. Consider it my baby shower gift to you. Now come guide it so I don't hurt myself getting it off, because otherwise I’ll just hang out here until your dad gets back.”
“I’d put you to work.”
He met her gaze. “I’d let you.”
She wiped her forehead with the back of her wrist and studied him. She knew him well enough to know he would do as he said, so she walked down the steps to the truck.
“Where do you want it?” he asked after she held it upright so he could lower it to the ground, on end like a wheel.
“Ah. I guess the faucet’s over here, and there’s some shade over under that tree. There’s no grass for it to kill, either. And when I drain it, the tree will get watered.”
“Which reminds me. I have a pump in the truck so you can drain it pretty easily.”
“What?”
“You just put it in the water when you’re done, plug it in, and it will drain it. It has a hose, so you can water whatever you need to.”
“Beck.” She stopped rolling and looked at him from the other side of the tank.
“What? You think I’m going to stop thinking about you because you said no?”
“Yes. And I think you’re going to stop doing nice things for me because I said no.”
“Maybe I will. But not today. Show me where you want it.”
She had so much work to do, but the idea of filling the shiny tub with cool water and just sinking into it....
He helped her pull the hose over and positioned it so it wouldn't pop out with the water pressure, then he went back to his truck, presumably for the pump.
Why, why, why was he doing this for her? Why was she letting him? His gesture meant so much. She could come home in the evenings and cool off after a long day, for months to come. That he’d even thought to provide a pump....she couldn't help but be touched by his thoughtfulness.
“Would you like to come to dinner tonight?” she invited when he came back around the side of the house with the pump. She should ask her dad before she issued the invitation, since the purpose was for her to get to know Marianne better, but she wanted to thank Beck.
“I would like that,” he said. “Can I bring anything?”
“Sunglasses, because I’m not going to get the rest of the cleaning done. I’m going to get in here and not get out until it’s time to start dinner.”
He laughed. “Then I can show you how to use the pump this evening. You want me to grab dessert or anything?”
“Marianne’s bringing dessert, and Dad has the rest. But maybe, if you want, you can bring your bathing suit.” Even this invitation made her heart race
A smile spread across his face. “I guess I could do that.” He started toward his truck. “I’ll get going so you can relax.”
“You can, um, bring your mom, too, if you want.”
She kind of winced at the invitation because she knew Mrs. Conover was not the easiest person to get along with, and she didn't know Marianne enough to know how she’d tolerate Mrs. Conover’s attitude. But Lacey figured she didn't want to leave the old lady alone, and if Marianne was good enough for her dad, she was surely patient enough for Mrs. Conover.
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