Page 170 of Seasons of Love
“Anyway,” Tyler says. “You guys up for helping clean up the playground or what?”
It’s a yes all around, but I can’t take my eyes off Milo. He’s not exactly uncomfortable with Sage’s presence. I’ve been to his store, Birchcraft, and Sage helped a lot with the Spring Fair. Is there something between them? Or maybe there was in the past?
I put my hand on Milo’s thigh under the table, and he looks at me and smiles. Then he laces our fingers together.
“The knitting club ladies are fierce,” Sage says. “They’re ready to burn their bras in front of town hall, but they’ve had an idea to do a silent protest.”
“Shoot,” Tyler says.
“We go around the neighborhood and ask people if they have old photos of kids playing at the park before it was overgrown. We blow up the photos and put them on an exhibition wall in the middle of the playground. It shows people the history of the playground and community.”
Is it normal for me to dislike Sage a little for bringing forward such a great idea?
It’s definitely not normal for me, or for any sane adult.
“I love that,” Fletcher says. “Arlo and I could paint around the photos. Some frames or something artier.”
We spend an hour making plans for the photograph exhibit before we move on to the more important part. The cleanup, which will require some expertise.
“I can’t really do weekends,” Milo says. “I can start with the grounds. Pulling weeds and turning the soil to prepare the areas that will eventually have grass. But I need to do it around my grocery job.”
“Why’s that?” Sage asks.
“Um…because during the weekend, I’m usually at Ellis’s place.”
Sage looks at me, and then it’s like something clicks. “Oh my god. I’m really sorry about earlier. I didn’t know you two were a thing. Not that I have a habit of hitting on just anyone.”
Arlo coughs, and Sage gives him the finger. “But Milo and I have been…we’ve known each other a long time. I’m sorry, Ellis.”
I smile. “No harm done. What Milo means is that he’s been working in my backyard during the weekends.”
“I’ll bet,” Fletcher says, wiggling his eyebrows.
Everyone looks at Harrison. He raises both hands in apology. “Hey, I didn’t break him. He came to me like this. You knew him first. I just love his crazy.”
“Awww, baby. I love you too.”
They’re kind of adorable to watch.
“Hold on, so does that mean you’re not…” Sage says.
“No, they totally are,” Levi replies.
“Ugh, the best ones are always taken.”
“Can we focus on the job at hand?” Levi asks. “We need to pick up Ava from my sister’s place, or she’ll want to stay the night.”
Tyler raises his hand. “I know some guys who might help restore the swings and the slides. I’ll get back to you on that.”
“Okay, sounds like everyone has a job,” I say. “Look at the time. It’s getting late.”
I get up and pull Milo with me.
“Yeah, nine o’clock is totally the new midnight,” Fletcher says.
Milo leans against me, and I put my arm around his back.
“Nice to see you all,” he says. “You too, Sage.”
