“He even put on his boots,” she says, chuckling. “Yeah, it can’t hurt to let him burn off some energy.”
“Exactly.”
“Joey, stay where I can see you!” she calls as we get everything out of the back of my SUV.
Joey nods, running across the ice a lot more gracefully than I would have at his age.
“You’re back!” Bodi comes outside through the garage. “Need help?”
“Here.” I toss the garbage bag of laundry at him. “Bodi, this is Serena…” I stop because I don’t know her last name. How did I never think about asking? I really have to be a lot more cognizant of what’s happening between us, even if it doesn’t go anywhere. I never want her to feel like an afterthought.
“Serena Everhart.” She holds out her hand and Bodi shakes it.
“Bodi Michener.” He smiles.
“That’s Joey over there,” she says. “He’s been cooped up in the house for more than forty-eight hours. I think he’s about to burst with excitement.”
“You stay out here with Joey, and I’ll help get your stuff inside,” Bodi says.
“Thank you.”
West and I lug everything into the kitchen, and Bodi glances at me. “She’s pretty. And she looks familiar.”
I chuckle. “Do you remember a show called Dusty Peaks?”
“Of course.” His eyes widen. “Wait a minute—that’s Marissa! Holy shit, didn’t you find her stranded on the side of the road?”
“I did, but let’s not talk about that now.”
“West, you’re home!” Lindy comes into the room and launches herself at me, hugging my legs tightly.
“Hey, kiddo.” I ruffle her hair. “Did you miss me?”
“I did!” She gazes up at me happily.
“You’re going to meet some friends of mine now, Serena and her son, Joey.”
“Is he seven like me?” she asks excitedly.
“No, he’s only three. But maybe you can help show him around the house? He’s still little.”
“Okay!” She bobs her head excitedly.
“You’re back.” Jayne smiles as I pass her in the kitchen.
“Hey, Jayne. My friend Serena is going to be staying here a few days. Until the power comes back on at her place. You okay with that?”
“Of course.” She nods with her usual friendly smile. “Any friend of yours is a friend of mine.”
“I appreciate that.”
I carry Serena’s suitcase and my duffel up the stairs to my room. Bodi follows with the bag of laundry.
“Are they staying here while we’re gone?” he asks.
“Yeah, power’s still out at her place and it’s tough not being able to shower or cook.”
“It’ll be good for Jayne and Lindy to not be alone.” He leans against the door frame with a smirk and I arch a brow.