He gets the tub for me from the barn—it’s not
so heavy when it’s empty but it’s awkward and makes a hollow
thud every time it hits his legs as he walks. “Over here,” I
say, pointing out a spot by the side of the barn, where the sun
hits the grass as it slants down in the sky. He does as I say, then
stands back as I angle the hose into the tub. Water splashes
against the aluminum, loud like rain on a tin roof, and Luke
retreats to the picnic table to watch.
From the corner of my eye I see him unlace
his sneakers, pull them and his socks off, and because I figure the
jeans are next, I turn my back to him. I don’t need to see
him naked, no matter how much the thought thrills me. Over the
sound of the water I call out, “Thanks for helping me today.”
“No problem,” Luke replies as h
