“There’s an inground pool, so you’re welcome to use that too,” Danika reassures.
I close my eyes and sigh. “It sounds heavenly. No neighbors, hot guys, and a pool.”
“Hot guys?” Violet questions, and my eyes snap open.
“Yeah, remember, Rex said he’d introduce us to his brothers.” I look to Dani. “Unless that’s not happening?”
“As far as I know it is. Rex mentioned they always head up there for the Fourth of July, so I’d imagine this year will be no different.”
“How are things with you and sexy Rexy anyway?” I inquire.
She beams. “Great. I can’t even believe how happy I am.”
I rub her arm. “I’m so glad things are going well for you guys. You deserve it.” Danika went through a divorce a few years back and hadn’t dated at all until she met Rex a little over three months ago. It’s wonderful to see her looking so radiant and hearing how content she is. He seems like a great guy for her. I can’t wait to observe them together some more when we go away.
“Violet, how’s your work going?” I ask. She doesn’t like to talk about herself a lot. We have to prod her to get her to share.
“Eh, it’s okay. I’m up for a promotion soon.”
“That’s awesome,” Danika replies
“We’ll see if I get it. The competition is stiff.”
I tap my head. “If they’re smart, they’ll give you the job. And if they don’t, fuck ’em.”
“If I don’t get it, I’ll deal until something better comes along. I like my job now, but I’m ready for more responsibility. And the raise would be nice, for sure.”
It’s times like these when I’m reminded how amazing it is to be working for myself. It was scary at first, making the leap without knowing if Manfax would pay off or not. Luckily for me, it paid off big time and changed my life for the better. I never take how fortunate I am for granted. I know circumstances can quickly change, and not always for the better. That’s why I make the most of each day, and I’m not afraid to be bold when it comes to men.
Which is also part of my relationship troubles. Guys like women to be assertive at first, but then they prefer a meek woman who’s going to agree with everything they say. That’s not me. I’m outspoken, and if I don’t like something, I’m going to tell you, whether you want to hear it or not. I think that can be emasculating for some men and make them feel insecure about their role in our relationship.
But if a guy can’t handle me at my strongest, I certainly don’t want to lean on him when I’m at my weakest. The only way I can see myself marrying is if I find someone who’s with me all the way, no matter the circumstances.
Unconditional love at it’s purest is what I’m looking for. It’s like looking for a unicorn or a pink elephant. I’m not sure it exists, but the thought that it might is like bait dangling on a hook in front of a fish. It keeps me swimming forward and hoping for a little magic in my own life.
2
Adam
“Bro, that looks awesome,” Rex, my older brother, calls out as I nail the next board up.
Stepping back, I check out the horizontal pattern of boards on the accent wall. “I really like this look. It’s a rustic detail that will contrast nicely with all the modern touches in this kitchen.”
Rex nods. “I agree. There’s a lot of glass, tile, and granite in here. And it’s a great way to use up all the recycled wood.”
“Right? Saves us having to cart it off the job, and it’s original to this house.” This kitchen renovation is being done on a house that’s one hundred and fifty years old.
“I still can’t believe they didn’t want to keep the original hardwoods. What a crime.”
“I agree, but it’s not our house,” Rex replies.
Unfortunately, sometimes we don’t always agree with the design choices the customer wants. We repurposed wood from the original hardwood floor after they had us replace it with tile, which seems like a crime to both of us. We sanded each individual board down, then sealed them with a coat of polyurethane and let them dry overnight. And now I’m about to put the last few boards up. The sound of my nail gun keeps Rex and me from conversing anymore until I’m finished.
Rex whistles long and low. “Nice, brother. Great idea.”
“Thanks. What do you want to tackle next on our list? I was thinking we should get the appliances in. Once we do that, we need to touch up a few places with paint and the kitchen is finished.” I swipe my forearm over my forehead, mopping up the beads of sweat.
“Sounds good.”
I spend the next hour installing a dishwasher while Rex and one of our employees move the new fridge and stove in from the garage. By five o’clock, we’re done, and the kitchen gleams with everything new. We sweep the floor and give the appliances and counters a quick once over.
The homeowners arrive shortly after we’ve finished. “Oh my God.” Mrs. Jackson covers her mouth and nose with her hands. “It’s so beautiful.” She starts to cry.
Her husband puts his arm around her shoulders. “You guys did an amazing job. It’s better than we imagined.”
I step forward and shake his hand and then Mrs. Jackson throws her arms around me. “Thank you so much.”
I smile down at her when we part and then it’s Rex’s turn to be hugged.
“We'll be back in the morning to start in on the bathroom,” I inform them.
“I can’t wait to see what you guys do with that room,” Mr. Jackson tells us.
“It’ll look great when we’re done,” I state.
“Have a nice night,” Rex calls out as we step outside. We pause to bump fists for a job well done.
“What’s the plan tonight? Are we meeting up with Larsen at Jack’s house?” I question.
“Yeah, we’re supposed to but not until seven. I’m heading home to shower first. I’ll see you there.” Rex climbs into his truck, and I do the same, getting into mine. I’m off with a quick salute of my middle finger toward my brother and a grin on my lips.
“I hope you got good eats because I’m fucking starving.” I rub my growling stomach.
“There’s pizza, wings, and fries. Eat up, because if Marshall and his friends show up it won’t last long,” Jack says, referring to his college-aged son, my only nephew.
“God, I remember being that age. I couldn’t eat enough food, drink enough beer, or get enough pussy. Those were the days.” I smile as I load up a plate.
“How has your life changed at all?” Rex inquires from beside me as he grabs a slice of pizza. “You still live that way.”
I shrug. “You might be right. But I wasn’t doing backbreaking work every day back then.”
“How’s business going?” Jack asks.
“It’s thriving. We’re booked solid for the next year,” I explain as I sit on the couch and balance my plate in my lap.
“That’s great to hear, bro. I’m happy for you both.”