Marlowe
Grant showed up at the homestead the following weekend with a toolbox and an expression that suggested he'd rehearsed this particular request several times before actually working up the nerve to voice it.
"I heard you two are fixing the place up," he said, shifting his weight, clearly uncertain of his welcome. "I've got some construction experience. Worked a summer on a crew before I lost the job for showing up late too many times. I could help, if you'd want that. No pressure if you don't."
I studied my cousin a long moment, weighing months of complicated history against the genuine, hopeful uncertainty written plainly across his face.
"You'd have to actually show up on time," I said finally.
"I know."
"And do real work. Not just stand around trying to look busy."
"I know
