Kayak this morning, then gardening. We finished with the four-ish yards that remained. Ben came out and delegated the work and it was finished by one.
Good. In time so you don't burn. He smiles at me, pale and tired. Working in his studio he doesn't see the sun so this is good. Or at least he won't get rickets.
I'm already burning, I point out.
So I hear, he laughs. Rough night?
Who were you gossiping with?
Lochlan.
And?
He doesn't get it but he's trying to roll with it.
He's not trying and he doesn't have to like it. It's only like once a year or whatever now.
It's a cumulative problem, Bee.
Is it?
Maybe.
I don't think it is. I haven't gone anywhere except to Caleb's in a long time.
Lochlan's getting old.
Don't you think we all are?
I think he thought after a couple of years you might settle down.
Then how come he won't say that to my face. He flat-out encourages me, Benjamin-
He's trying so hard, Bumblebee.
To what?
To be everything you want. To bite his tongue. To be hands-off when you need him to be. If it helps he lets it slide. He'd do anything for you. I think it's time for you to return that favor.
I would die for him, Benny.
I don't know if he knows that, Bridge. Maybe he tells himself you would but when he goes to sleep, half the time you're not there.