Page 84 of Lucky Shot
“I’m flattered you recognize me,” I deadpan.
He laughs. “Sorry. You’re always in a suit or uniform. Seeing you in normal clothes is weird. I apologize for this entire conversation.”
I smile. “No worries. Did you need something?”
Darren nods. “Yes. Do you have a minute to come outside? I need to show you something.”
Since this seems like a decent way to pass the time, I follow. He leads me to the back of the yard that abuts the Everglades, right on the property line of my grumpy neighbor. Darren points at a tree. “I think technically, that tree isn’t on your property, but see how it’s leaning?” I nod. “It’s rotten on the inside. While I don’t think it’s diseased, it’s been steadily falling this way for the past year. It won’t be long before it falls completely.”
I glance at the patio it’s hanging over.
Darren nods at my observation. “This is why I’m bringing it to your attention. It’s a big enough tree that it’s going to damage your patio. I suggest we take it down. I can schedule something next week, if you’d like.”
“You said you didn’t think it was on my property. Is it on my neighbor’s or part of the Sanctuary?”
“I think both,” Darren says as he examines the poles in the ground that denote the property line. “But if we get the okay from your neighbor, I don’t think the Sanctuary is going to notice. But your neighbor will see that we’re on his property taking a tree down.”
I sigh. “Let’s schedule for next week and I’ll see about talking to him.” This should be fun. And by fun, I mean like getting a root canal.
“Great.” He nods. “I’ll get it all set up. Friday okay?”
“Yes, but I likely won’t be in town. I have a charity game in Vegas or… Arizona?” Where is the game again? I shake my head. “Either way, I’ll likely be out of town. You have my number, though.”
“On file,” Darren says. “We’ll take care of it.”
“Perfect. Thank you for bringing it to my attention.”
Darren nods. I turn back to the house and note that not nearly enough time has gone by. There’s still twenty minutes to three. I may pull my hair out.
I lock the doors and then head to the bathroom to make sure I look okay. For like, the dozenth time today, but whatever. Then I’m sitting on my bed with my tablet in hand.
I’m staring at the screen, willing the time to go faster when my phone pings at five of. My heart is racing as I mentally beg that he’s not canceling.
Demi!!
I’m ready when you are.
Me
Ready!! Please call now. I’m losing my mind!
Demi!!
lol. Okay.
Then my tablet lights up with an incoming call from Demi!! I love the app we decided to use. It ties right into our phone numbers, but we can install it on any device. I take a deep breath and hit the accept button.
There’s a moment where the little circle spins and then… Elixon Kipler’s face fills my screen. My mouth falls open as I stare. Is that… no. That’s impossible. Did I dial the wrong number? We tested it with texts the other night and it seemed to work. I don’t even have any other numbers programmed in. Wait. I didn’t even make the call, so I couldn’t have dialed the wrong number…
But… this is Elixon.
Fuck, this is Elixon! I’ve been talking to Elixon for six weeks?! My body breaks out in chills as it finally turns back online. Holy fuck, I have.
My breath comes quickly as excitement bubbles beneath the surface. But then… he hasn’t said anything at all. He’s just staring at me, lips slightly parted. Not blinking. Is he frozen? Is this a bad connection? Worse, is he horrified?
“Noah?” he asks.
“I… uh… yes? Hi?”
