Page 39 of Vespertine

Nicky took a step closer up the hill and gently touched theback of Jasper’s gloved hand to remove a big wooden splinter stuck in thematerial. He hadn’t even touched skin, and still a shiver traveled up Jasper’sspine.

“You’re right,” Nicky softly said. He looked down at his ownfingertips, dark eyelashes fanning over his flushed cheeks. “I’m angry and I’membarrassed. But when we were kids you were always there for me. It means a lotto know you still are. And Jazz?”

“Yeah?”

“I was really sorry to hear about your dad.”

Jasper nodded. “Thanks. It’s a long time ago now.”

“Were you still in college?”

“Yep. Final exams.”

“That must’ve been rough. It was a heart attack?”

“Right after he finished a surgery. He died doing what heloved best.”

“Still. I’m sorry.”

Jasper didn’t know where to look under Nicky’s steady,compassionate gaze. “So, where to with this beam?”

“There’s a skip beside the house. But wait—” Nicky stoppedJasper when he’d been about to bend over to pick up his end. This time Nicky’shand lay on his skin, and he’d never been so aware of a touch. He wanted toyank his arm away but held very still.

“What?” he asked, straightening again. There was a tremor onhis breath and Nicky’s pupils dilated when Jasper blocked out the sun.

“The wood is pretty moldy. Your clothes will get dirty.”

Jasper gently worked his arm free and grinned at Nicky, hischest expanding gratefully as it filled with air. “It’s fine. I have plenty ofblack shirts and I don’t wear these jeans very often.”

“Too bad,” Nicky said, tilting his head to the side so hecould get a better look. “You should wear them all the time. Your church wouldbe full.”

“Nicky…” Jasper glared.

“What? Just being honest. Isn’t that what your God is allabout?”

Jasper couldn’t help it—he laughed. “You’re still such abrat. Now pick up your end, Badger.”

Nicky groaned. “Fuck, I’d hoped you’d forgotten about that.”

“Not a chance. Fox and Badger. Protectors of the Forest. Whocould forget that?”

Nicky dropped his end of the beam twice, and by the timethey were halfway across the yard, sweat was dripping down the side of hisface.

“Have you been doing this all day?” Jasper asked.

“Not exactly,” Nicky managed. With an almighty heave theypushed the beam into the dumpster.

“You sure you don’t want that wood for burning?”

“Can’t be healthy to inhale all that mold.” He nodded hishead in the direction of Jasper’s chest. A large green swipe of dirt coveredhis stomach. Jasper wiped at it with his gloves but it was no good. “Besides, I’mnot climbing in there to get it back out. Come on, let’s go get a drink.” Hestretched his arms to the sky and yelled, “An alcohol-free drink!”

Jasper gave him a little shove with his shoulder. “Yougoofball.”

Nicky grinned and pushed ahead of Jasper. His lankyshoulders rose too fast, as if he was out of breath. He looked so thin, and hishair hung in sweaty strings around his neck.

“Man, I could do with a shower,” Nicky said as he pushed thepatio doors open. “Mom, how long until dinner? I reek.”

“Twenty minutes, so you have time to clean—Oh Jasper, yourshirt! I’m so sorry. I should’ve given you something else to wear. Nicky, takehim upstairs and give him a change of clothes so I can wash his shirt while wehave dinner.”