Phoenix I'm Not by Dani Haviland

Author:Dani Haviland [Haviland, Dani]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Chill Out!
Published: 2019-12-29T16:00:00+00:00

***

The week went by quickly, the two working together in near silence, Pete pointing to problems and tools; Van hauling, digging, hammering, or sawing as the chores demanded. Lady padded around behind Van, made sure he was set up with whatever task he had undertaken, then went back to lay down next to Pete on the porch, his ever-present whittling project in hand.

“You’ve been here a full week now,” Pete said, “And haven’t asked me for anything. I don’t have much, but is there anything you need?”

“How about letting me have a chunk of that wood you’re always carving on. I have a knife, but I didn’t want to dig into your stash without asking.”

“This stuff?” Pete asked, bringing out the basket of assorted wood varieties, all about a foot long. “I’m just makin’ kindling,” he joked. “Nah. Actually, I’m making kids’ toys. What’s left over is for startin’ fires this winter. My niece spent some time in a children’s hospital when she was younger. They had lots of stuffed toys donated, but sometimes a child just has to have something made from the earth. You know, to feel connected to it.”

“Yeah. I never thought of it like that, though. I know I like to carve. I made my friend Jesse a diamond willow cane. I embellished it with exotic animal designs so it looked like a drunken totem pole.”

Pete’s face reddened as he sat up straight in his chair. “So that’s how you knew where to come looking for work?” he growled. “I shoulda known, but using the name ‘Jesse’ and ‘drunken’ in the same sentence makes it clear as new glass.”

“Um. Does it make a difference who sent me for getting the work done?” Van asked, his face even redder from embarrassment. “I mean, it all pays the same, no matter where the referral came from.”

“Hmph!” Pete said, then settled back in his chair, his indignation at having his brother sending someone to help him overridden by the fact that he really did need help at his place, and a young, strong back was very much appreciated.

“Nah. I guess not. Just don’t mention him again, if you don’t mind. Or even if you do mind!” he added briskly, then began rocking in his chair, whittling to calm his nerves. Damned brother!

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