Chapter 45

Russ stood in the doorway, watching as Jake reached for something on a lower shelf and hissed in a breath. Straightening, he marched past Russ, muttering, “Pills.”

“I can get…”

“I’m not an invalid,” Jake spat out, continuing on to the bathroom.

Russ sighed. “No, you’re just a stubborn fool. I’m here, let me help.”

“Go home, Russ.”

Ignoring him, Russ took a package of hamburger from the fridge. By the time Jake returned, Russ had four patties ready to drop in a frying pan once it was hot. Not wanting Jake to feel as if he was taking over, he said, “Would you get out the buns, if you have them, and the potato salad I saw in the fridge, please.”

Jake looked as if he was going to protest, sighed instead, and did as Russ had asked. He even managed a smile, saying, “Looks like I’m stuck with you, like it or not.”

Russ waved the spatula at him. “You are. So why don’t you set the table, too.”

“I thought you being here meant I got to sit back and watch while you slaved for me.”