Kyle

Back on site, I don’t even have to wait for Lee and the rest of the crew to come fetch their coffee. As soon as my truck hit the gravel they were lined up, hardhats on and hands out. “Greedy bastards,” I mumble.

“What took you so long?” Lee walks around to the passenger side, opening the door and passing out the coffees one by one. He takes a pull of his, spitting it out immediately. “What the hell, boss? If I wanted cold coffee, I would have ordered an iced one.”

“What part of free gives you the right to complain about your order?” Sliding my tool belt into place, I reach in the back and grab my hardhat. “Nothing?” I nod, ignoring their looks as I head to find Drew.

“Part of having a lead foreman is having the luxury to come in later because you know your shit will be taken care of.” He stands at the white boards, examining, not even turning to acknowledge me.

“Sorry man, I ran into the coffee shop—”

“Lewis, what the hell? Do you have a death wish?” he interrupts, swinging around.

Of course, this would get his attention. “It’s not like I want to lose my balls, I want kids someday, if it’s ever in the cards for me, but there is something about her.” I pause, trying to find the words to express why my head is all over the place. “The pull is strong, man.”

Putting the lid on the marker, he tucks it behind his ear and walks over to me, clasping a hand on my shoulder. “I get it,” he reassures me with a little squeeze. “Trust me, I felt the exact same way about Aubrey, but if I can give you one piece of advice.” He raises his hand between us, finger poking my chest. “Close the door on your past or it will haunt the fuck out of your future.”

Drew and I have always been tight, but last summer he had no one to confide in when shit started going down during his divorce. We are talking about Pandora’s box being ripped open.

His wife, Sarah, had cheated on him with her boss, which Drew walked in on, causing the divorce. And, as it turned out, her boss was Aubrey’s ex. Their worlds were beyond connected, more than they could have ever expected. It affected their whole lives, bonding them all in a way they wished would disappear, but it was the hands they were dealt and each day is a learning experience.

I wish I could say the same for me. I was going through my own stuff during his shit storm. I was on a downward spiral and Drew was the only one I could turn to. Well, besides a few unexpected women sliding in and out of my bed.

At the time, I felt like I was the good guy no one wanted and being bad, it helped me forget, but that’s the problem, right? Just because you forget, doesn’t mean it’s forgiven and I’m not sure I can forgive.

“Man, I’m working on it,” I admit, thinking about Jimmy’s sixtieth birthday party this weekend.

“Good,” he gives me one last poke in the chest, “cause your head needs to be in the game or you’re going to get hurt. Not only on the job, but in here.” He slaps me on the chest and walks off.

I know.

“Don’t forget about that lunch today,” he tells me.

“Lunch?”

“Remember?” He’s back at the white board, changing up today’s game plan. “That couple I was telling you about, who hired that overpriced architect and designer from that TV show…well, we have a meeting with all of them. Today.”

“Oh Lord.” I roll my eyes. This should be interesting. These are the kind of clients who know little about what we do, but want to tell us exactly how to do it.

“Yep, and they asked that you take the lead on the project. So, I need you to be there and here.” He points to his head. “Get in the game, man.”

“I won’t let you down.”

Heading to Spotlight to meet with Drew and the potential clients, I crank the radio and try to get my mind off every distraction. It’s working, until my phone begins to ring. Since I’m almost there, I contemplate declining the call but I see it’s my mom.

I turn down the music and press the speaker button on the phone. “Hey mom!”

“Hey honey.” She pauses for a split second, which usually is her tell that something is wrong. “How’s work?”

“It’s fine.” I drag out the words, curious as to what the small talk is about.

“That’s good. That’s real good.”

“Mom, is something wrong? You seem…distracted.”

“You know me so well.” I can hear the worry in her voice. “I don’t know how to say this, but Trinity is sick again, so your brother won’t be able to make it to the party.”

“Mom,” I whisper. “Is she going to be okay?”

“Oh yeah, nothing like before. She just has an ear infection, but since she’s miserable, they want to keep her home, in her own environment.”

“Well, good. Not that she’s sick, but that it’s nothing major.” I remember the party. “What about Jimmy’s birthday? How about I take you both out to dinner or maybe you can come to the cabin and I can cook you both up a meal.” The thought makes me excited. I was going to wait to show my mom the kitchen, but this is perfect. Just us in the cabin my dad designed before his death. “The kitchen is done and I can’t wait to show you what I did with Dad’s design. It looks—”

“Jack and Tristan invited us over to their house,” she blurts out.

And just like that, my mood is ruined. “Well, maybe another time then.”

“You were invited.”

“Mom…”

“I know, honey. I just thought since things have been going better that maybe this could work out. I know Jimmy would love to have everyone together.” She seems positive, hopeful.

“We made peace, but it’s still hard.” I’m referring to my relationship with Jack, my stepbrother. Our falling out was anything but graceful and our reunion was strained, but we do it, for our parents.

“I know…” she trails off.

“Mom, I have a business meeting in about,” I glance at the dash, “five minutes. I’m going to have to let you go.

“Okay, honey. Be smart.”

“Always. Love you,” I reassure her.

“Love you, too. Please reconsider this weekend, or at least come down for a couple hours.”

Not willing to fight this battle right now, I agree to think about it, press end and head into Spotlight to have myself one hell of a meal. Hopefully Cindy isn’t in here.

Nina

Hopping off my bike as soon as I hit the driveway, I wheel it into the garage and head in to find Niki and Gavin cuddling on the couch, watching a new series they decided to binge on Netflix.

“Hey guys!”

I put my mug back in the cabinet, having washed it before I left Java Talk. I look over at them, lost in the show.

I dig my new phone out of my bag and shoot Niki a text.

I’m home.

Hearing the ding she reaches for her phone, swipes, sees it’s from me. Pushing up and off Gavin’s chest causing him to grunt, she looks for me. “Smartass.” Glaring she flips me off and settles back in.

Taking a seat at the island, I kick off my mismatched shoes one by one as I pull out my designs and begin to examine the room, trying to decide which one really works for them and their personalities. They gave me full rein to do whatever I want, so why not do something that is out of my norm, but totally them? Opting for something bold and vibrant, I go with the gray and white theme with a pop of Netflix Red, filling the room with pillows for comfort.

Seeing the credits are rolling, I know it’s safe to approach. “Hey guys, do you think I can get your thoughts on these…” I hold up the winner, but instead of getting their input, I get soft breathing with a raspy snore.

This, right here, is what a relationship should be. There is so much love here and when they are sleeping, you can see the peace and comfort they find in each other. Getting an idea, I quickly tiptoe to the kitchen, grab my phone and snap a picture. I’ll save this for something special.

Gavin’s eyes open first, and seeing me standing here he smiles. “Hey.”

“Hi.”

“Hey, kid…” he reaches down, brushing Niki’s hair to the side as he places a gentle kiss on her forehead. “Time to get up and get a move on it.”

“Already?” Niki opens her eyes one at a time.

“Yep.”

“You know how to ruin a girl’s day.” She sits up, stretching, not seeing me there.

“How’s that? You get to work with me tonight!”

She purses her lips. “I guess.”

He tackles her with tickles, and she falls back into the couch. As she twists around, trying to escape, she finally notices me.

“Stop!” She smacks his hands away. “Hey, sis.”

“Hi. You guys going to be gone late tonight?” I decide to keep the design as much of a mystery as I can.

“Planning a party?” she winks.

“If you count painting a party, then it’s going down.” I laugh

“Ewe.” She scrunches up her face. “Just make sure to get flat or satin. I don’t want to see my reflection in that glossy shit.”

She gets up, holding out her hand for Gavin. With her small frame, she’s not able to pull him up, but still tries. “You need to lose some weight, Shaw.” She digs her feet in, pulling harder.

Standing up, he lifts his shirt a little, showing that there is nothing to lose. “You think?’ He places her hand on his rippled, washboard abs.

Forgoing words, she jumps into his arms and wraps her legs around his waist, kissing him deeply.

Feeling like a peeping tom, I walk over to the mantle and pretend to measure.

“Nina?” Niki yells from down the hall. “Credit card is in my purse. Get whatever you need.” The door slams and giggles erupt.

Going to my room, I gather up a change of clothes and head for the shower, to wash the smell of coffee from my skin before I head to the lumber yard.

Maybe, I’ll run into Mr. Tall Guy.