“I know, that’s exactly it. Too much shit goes down in the park with the neighbors as it is. Doesn’t make me feel safe with Wesley around.”
He sighs, pulling a U turn and circling back home. “It’s not like it used to be. We used to have Rich, Colin, and Randall keeping everyone in line. Colin’s working in Chicago so much now, and I don’t even know what the fuck my dad does. And with your dad gone…” He gives me a look. “Yeah, it’s just different now, you know?”
“Yeah.” It sure is different.
“I’ll look into it. You got room on that ten acres for two more people?” He looks at me with a sharp smile, his teeth looking more like razors than actual teeth.
“Shit, as long as you put some distance in between our two houses. Don’t need to here you fucking all the damn time.” You can hear whenever anyone is having a good time in the park, and Rose isn’t quiet in the slightest.
He barks out a laugh. “Fuck off, not like you’re any better. I used to hear Cara cry out. Thought some BDSM shit was going on in there. Sure would explain a few things.” He lifts an eyebrow, and I shake my head at him.
“Yeah, don’t have to worry about that shit anymore. I’ve got permanent limp dick.”
He shakes his head, pulling up to Cara’s and shifts into park. “You’ll get that shit back, Jackson.”
We both open up the door and Easton walks around back to unload my chair. “Yeah? How do you know?” I ask.
“Because only so much bad shit can happen to someone. And Jackson, I think you’ve hit your quota. It can only go up from here, brother. Just keep your shit on straight.”
I stare at him, and he stares at me. After a beat, I give him a nod and head inside.
I hope he’s right, but bad shit is just how my life is and for some reason, him saying that just feels like a bad omen.
* * *
The week flies by,and before I know it, it’s move in day.
“Where do you want this?” Easton says with a box in his hand.
“Read the label, Easton. How many times do I have to tell you? Read the fucking label.” Cara walks by, unloading as quickly as she can. She’s been neurotic all day, wanting to get the house perfect and set up. I feel her. This is the first time she’s ever moved, and I can feel the nervousness and excitement nearly bursting out of her skin.
Not only that, but this is a big fucking step. We’re moving in together. Together.
I’ve got to hand it to Rich. I thought he was going to pick out just another double wide, but he went the extra mile. This place is dope.
The dark gray home with white trim is modern, and I know that’s just what Cara was looking for. The long ramp goes up to a huge porch. Rose is already talking about getting patio furniture and a swing out there. I’m not listening. I’ve never lived a life of luxury, and this house is more than enough. Slap an air mattress on the ground and I’d be content. I don’t need all these extras that Rose is gushing about, but I’m sure she’ll talk Cara into at least a few things.
When you walk in, you walk straight into the living room. It’s huge, just about the size of our last living room and kitchen put together. It has an open layout, so the living room flows right into the kitchen. There’s a huge island (I swear I had no idea what the hell it was even called), and some fancy ass appliances. All the floors are made with reclaimed wood, so no more struggling with the wheelchair across the carpet.
The master bedroom is huge, with its own bathroom and walk-in closet. It’s even got a little nook in it. For what? I don’t know. Rose called it a reading nook, but I don’t read, so I couldn’t say what the hell I’m going to use in that space.
The master bathroom has a shower that I can wheel straight inside, with a detached shower head. Now that we’ve moved, and I’m getting more strength with my upper half, Laurie doesn’t come around much anymore. Once a week, maybe, unless I need her for something. But Cara frowns every time she comes over, saying that she wants to be the one to take care of me, not some other woman.
Whatever, she’s fucking difficult.
There’s also another bathroom, an actual laundry room, and two more bedrooms. One bedroom will be for Wesley, and Cara says the other one will be my “gaming” room. She’s tired of having to watch me play COD all the time. Whatever, fine with me. Hard to concentrate with a baby and woman in your face, anyway.
“Well this one has an L. Just a fucking L on it. Is this living room? Laundry room?” I snap out of my thoughts as Easton fumes. Rose snickers as she watches him lose his shit. I can’t help but chuckle, too.
“Living room!” Cara screams from inside the house.
I look down at Wesley in my lap who is watching the scene in front of him with interest. “These people are fucking crazy, Wes. What do you think?”
He responds with slapping his hand on his thigh and letting out a screech.
“Exactly.” I nod, moving the chair forward towards the back of the house.
This might have been the best decision I’ve ever made. It’s definitely been the best investment. Wesley laughs as I drive towards the woods. He loves when I take him on a ride. Cracks the hell up every time.