I’m really not sure how much to say. She was in a full-blown panic, but I don’t want to freak out Adam. However, it sounds like Rauthruss filled him in.

“Yeah, she got in there with no light and couldn’t get the door open to get out.”

“Oh shit.” He stops raking and stares at me with wide eyes. “Ginny’s got a thing with the dark. She okay?”

“It took a few minutes to calm her down, but she seemed all right when she went to bed. I put a fresh bulb in, just in case.” She was gone this morning before I woke up and she hasn’t answered my texts.

“That must be why she left so early this morning. I’ll check on her after we’re done here. Thanks, man, I appreciate you looking out for her.”

I swallow thickly and nod. His request to look out for her wasn’t even a factor in it or really any of the times I’ve hung out with her. I like her. I like being with her. She makes me be in the moment more deeply. I’m not looking for hookups or to get drunk, I want to sit beside her, pull her hair, and tease her. Basically, I’m five again. I was thankful that I was there last night when she needed me. Last semester me wouldn’t have been. He’d have been wasted or with a girl.

I take my shirt off and tuck it in my back pocket. It’s so damn hot out. It’s nice not to have the material sticking to my sweaty back, but now I can practically feel the sun turning my back into a barbeque grill.

Adam looks past me. “The old women at six o’clock are not so subtly undressing you with their eyes.”

I pause and lean against the rake. Sure enough, three ladies with snow-white hair are walking toward us in monochromatic cotton ensembles and thick Dr. Scholl’s sole-type shoes.

“Take it off. Scott, give the ladies something to live another day for,” I taunt him. “I get it if you don’t want them comparing our bodies and finding you lacking.”

“Good morning, ladies,” he says as they approach. He stands straight, lifts the hem of his shirt, and wipes his face. The ladies pause, taking in his abs, and when he drops the material, he tosses me a smirk. Fucker.

“You boys are doing a wonderful job.” The one in the middle drops her gaze. As she brings it back to my face, I wink.

“Just trying to make this place as beautiful as you,” Mav appears out of nowhere. The guy has a freaky ability to find the center of attention.

I hand him my rake. “I’m going for water. Make yourself useful.”