Page 68 of Perfect Pact

“If this backfires…” He glances around with a worried look.

“It won’t.”

Tony hands me back my card. “She must be something special for you to go to all this trouble.”

“You have no idea.”

Phase two: the backup. I pull out my phone and make sure Beth is still playing with the chicks before I put the rest of my plan into motion.

Me: I need your help.

Cole: Define help.

Cole is quick to respond.

Cole: Does this include a wet t-shirt contest?

Cole: Joey told me.

Me: No. *roll-eye emoji* *middle finger emoji*

Cole: Then I may be washing my hair.

Me: I knew I should have text Jase.

Cole: Well, I wouldn’t go that far.

I knew if I mentioned his brother, he would change his tune.

Cole: What do you need?

Me: I need your help remodeling a barn.

Cole: Of course. All in a day’s work. *shocked emoji*

Me: I wouldn’t be asking if I didn’t need the help.

Cole: When and where?

Me: Just be on standby.

Me: We need lots of people.

Cole: How many are you thinking?

Me: Mason Creek.

Cole: I’ll see what I can do.

Me: Thanks, man.

Cole: You owe me.

Me: I’ll add you to my list.

A debt I will gladly pay to give Beth the barn of her dreams.