Page 60 of Rise After Fall

Clay’s body swings out from behind his door. “Can we make it six feet? Then, we could get a hot tub.”

Morris looks from Clay to where he already has support beams in the ground. “If you want to help me move those,” he says.

“We can do that. Tomorrow, when it’s daylight and not so freaking cold,” Scooter says as he yells over Clay’s shoulder.

“Deal, but you have to get Langford’s approval for a hot tub. I only asked for permission to add the deck.”

“Zoey can ask. He likes her,” Scooter suggests.

Morris begins to gather the tools he has scattered in the snow as Joanna, Clay, and Scooter retreat inside.

“You can just build a deck, just like that?” I ask as I watch him pack up.

“Yeah, Graham owns a construction company, and he has the posts and let me borrow the tools. He’s going to order the rest of the wood for me wholesale.”

“Let me guess. You worked for him one summer and learned how to do all the things,” I say.

“Two summers actually,” he replies.

“I was just about to settle in for a glass of wine and a book until tonight’s episode ofNaked and Afraidcomes on. You want to watch it with me?” I ask.

“Naked and Afraid?”

“Yeah, I’m addicted to that show. Someone gets medically tapped out tonight, and I’m praying it’s not Matt. He’s my favorite.”

“Let me get this stuff inside, and I’ll meet you for a night ofNaked and Afraid.”

He emphasizes the wordnaked, and a tingle runs up my spine.

I shut the door and run to change out of the old sweats I threw on and slip into my silky pajama set and spritz on a little perfume.

When I hear him knock on the front door, I practically jump over the couch to let him in.

Standing with him when the door swings open are Scooter, Clay, and Joanna.

“Hi, everyone,” I greet them.

“Morris said he was coming to watchNaked and Afraid. You don’t mind if we join you guys, do you?” Scooter asks.

“Um, of course not. I’ll open another bottle of wine,” I say as they file in.

“Awesome. We brought two bags of popcorn—one butter and one white cheddar. I hope it’s Jeff and not Matt that gets kicked out of the jungle tonight,” Scooter says as they all make themselves comfortable in the living room.

“Sorry, they caught me out on the porch as they were heading to Joanna’s to watch,” Morris whispers as he passes me.

I tuck my disappointment in and enjoy the night with my friends—in my silky PJs.

Zoey

“I’m sorry, Mom, but you know that Thanksgiving weekend is one of the biggest skiing weekends of the year. I have to work.”

“But your brother is coming and bringing his new girlfriend. I think he might propose to this one. Don’t you want to meet her?”

“I’m sure I’ll get another chance before he decides to buy her a ring,” I say.

“Zoey, you aren’t planning to come home for Christmas this year. Can’t you at least give us Thanksgiving, please?” she pleads.

“I honestly can’t, Mom.”