Chapter 13
I am still on the porch so I can't hear what they are saying but the boys seem to be arguing about something and I see a game of rock-paper-scissors happening. It appears Gale has lost the game and he angrily turns back to tending the fire. Thom heads over my way and explains that he is leaving since all that's left is tending to the fire which is a one man gig. I nod, now understanding the rock-paper-scissors deal I saw and hand over his bonus money.
"Thank you so much for all your work today. I really appreciate it. " I tell him gratefully.
"Heck, this was a great job to have. Good, quick money and meals too? I'll work for you any old day Madge! See ya around." He says playfully and heads back towards the Seam, patting Gale teasingly on the shoulder as he passes him.
Gale shoots him a dirty look but says nothing. I realize that it's close to supper time and I should order dinner for us. This burn pile will take hours to burn out. I go back inside and call the Café to place another order. This time I skip the cold meal and order the barbecue chicken plate special. They have it every summer and it's great on a hot night. It's barbecue roasted chicken, corn on the cob, salad, bread and a watermelon slice. It's a favorite of my fathers, especially the watermelon. And because it's the special I know it'll be ready and delivered faster than if I order off the main menu. I should've paid better attention to the time and ordered dinner earlier. Would've been polite of me to send Thom home with dinner. I go back outside to sit with Gale as he tends the fire.
"Dinner will be here soon. I'm sorry I didn't order it sooner, I was a little distracted."
"You don't have to feed me dinner Undersee." He says gruffly without looking at me.
"I already explained that's how the job was intended; to include meals." I insist.
"Whatever."
"You guys did a great job today, I really appreciate all your hard work. This garden means a lot to me and the sooner I can get it going, the better so thank you." I hope my voice is honestly relaying just how grateful I really am.
"Why?"
"Why what?" I ask, puzzled at his simple question.
"Why is it important?"
"Oh, well you know how my mother is very ill? Well she used to garden as a hobby before her illness made her bedridden. When I was about Posy's age she used to let me help her out here. I only have a few memories of time with her but they're all good ones. I thought this garden would be a good way to honor her and also a way to keep me busy."
He just nods and we sit silently for awhile, just watching the flames. He still has his shirt off and I sneak a look by side glance. God, He's hot. I quickly redirect my glance but think I see him smirk a little which means he likely saw me staring again, though thankfully he doesn't address it. I have no idea what to say to him
"Madge! There you are! I've been ringing the doorbell but when you didn't answer I thought I'd come around back." I hear a voice from behind us and we both turn around.
It's Tripp again, delivering our food. I'd forgotten that I needed to be in the house listening for the delivery. My father would be mortified at my sudden lack of manners. It's as if my manners went out the door the second Gale Hawthorne took his shirt off.
"I'm so sorry Tripp! I forgot that I needed to listen for the doorbell. I'm just so used to our housekeeper taking care of that. We've just been out here tending this fire the whole time and the delivery just slipped my mind." I say apologetically.
"That's okay. Just you two having dinner tonight? Where's your dad?" He asks looking suspiciously at Gale.
"Oh my father is on a trip to the Capitol with my mother so yes, it's just myself and Gale for dinner. We've been working out here all day and this dinner is certainly going to hit the spot. I can't thank you enough for bringing it over." I say using a little more charm than usual in the hopes that it can compensate for my lack of manners.
"Oh, you're alone? I hadn't realized. Want me to come by later and hang out after the café closes? Must get boring being here by yourself. " He says, still eyeing a shirtless Gale. I can tell he does not approve of my being alone at night with someone from the Seam.
I'm about to politely decline when Gale surprises the hell out of me by throwing his arm around my shoulder and responding for me.
"Thanks man, but we're good. Probably be pulling an all nighter. I'll make sure she isn't alone tonight." He says using his free hand to take the food bag from a now open-mouthed Tripp's hands.
" Uh, oh, ok. See you Madge." Tripp stutters out and then turns and heads back to the Café. Glancing back at us as he does. I notice Gale smirking at him, one eyebrow raised. I'm so stunned that I can't even find the words to tell Tripp goodbye. My only thought is about Gale's arm being around me.
Gale drops his arm and hands over the food before I have a chance to fully process what just happened. Did Gale Hawthorne just put his arm around me? And discourage another guy from visiting me? What have I missed? This doesn't make sense.