by Cary Hart
“Aubrey, you are worth something. You weren’t just a housewife. You ran a household, keeping it together while your husband was working. You raised a beautiful little girl who is filled with life and wonder.” He pulls me in tighter, giving me a little squeeze. “Be proud of who you were and who you are becoming.”
Having him say those words bring tears to my eyes. Finally someone who sees my worth.
“Babe, don’t cry.” He swipes the tears away before they even have a chance to fall.
“Fine, distract me then. Why construction?”
“Well, I’ve been told I’m really good with my hands.” He snakes one hand around to massage my shoulders.
“Yes, you are,” I agree.
“Seriously though, I grew up in foster care moving from home to home, but when I was 15, I lucked out and ended up with an elderly couple and my foster dad, Ernie, had a shed where he would build honey-do projects for Maggie, his wife. I would sit out there for hours just watching him at his craft.”
“They sound like good people.” I brush the hair back from his face.
“They were. Ernie died in a car accident when I was almost 17 and Maggie died six months later of a heart attack, I think because she missed him.”
“She died of a broken heart,” I whisper, drinking in everything he’s willing to share.
“Yeah.” He ponders the thought for a moment. “Being 17, I refused to go back into the system for a few months. A friend of mine convinced his parents to take me in until I graduated. Which let me tell you, wasn’t the best experience. His parents were unhappily married, fought day and night.”
“Damn.”
“Yeah, it was crazy. BUT, that is when I met Sarah’s parents. I needed a job and her dad owned a construction company, and he gave me a chance to come work for him that summer and if I proved myself, he would give me a full-time job with benefits.”
“What an opportunity for an 18-year-old.” My chest fills with pride at the man he was becoming at that young age.
“It really was,” he agreed. “Needless to say, I got the job and worked with him until I met Sarah.” He winces. “We weren’t really dating, we just were having a little fun here and there in between her relationships. I knew better than to mess with the boss’ daughter, but I was working long hours and she offered up a few moments of fun.”
“So, is your company fairly new? Did you start it after the divorce?”
“I see you haven’t done your research. You need to do that when hiring a crew.”
“I meant to, but Kyle was so nice when I talked to him, I didn’t think there was any way he would screw me over. Plus you guys have more than 20,000 Facebook likes. That has to count for something, right?” I poke his chest.
“Yeah, it does. So, a month after I last saw Sarah she told me she was pregnant. We went to her dad and I asked him for her hand in marriage. That night he gave me his daughter’s hand and the down payment to start my own company, plus a written agreement to sub-contract through him for two years, paying back that loan but also gaining clientele. We skyrocketed and I was able to hire five full-time crews. I made enough that Sarah didn’t have to work, but she eventually insisted on having a job, saying the stay-at-home life wasn’t for her.”
“It’s not for everyone, Drew.”
“I know.”
“OK, let’s change this mood a little.”
“I couldn’t agree more. Talking position over, I’m hungry.” He flips me over, devouring me like he was having me for the first time.
Satisfied.
Aubrey
AS I HEAD TO meet Niki for our standing coffee date — every Saturday while Reece is at her dad’s — my phone pings with a text from Drew.
Drew: Just wanted to let you know I’m thinking of you.
I type out a quick reply before I go in to give Niki my undivided attention, making a quick mental note to ask why she’s switched up our spot this week.
Me: What a coincidence. I was just thinking about you too.
Drew: Good! See you later?
Me: You bet. Have a good day.
Walking in I see Niki off in the corner, hidden behind her laptop. I walk over and clear my throat and she looks up, then closes the machine.
“Another workshop?” I ask, curious as to why we are meeting here instead of Java Talk. Usually Starbucks is where we meet when school’s in session, since it’s only a couple blocks away.
“Nah, Spotlight has us doing an online Skill Path Seminar on how to interact with the confrontational customer,” she says, rolling her eyes. “And my internet is off at home.”
“Niki! Were you late paying it again?”
“Geesh, give me some credit, I have totally been adulting lately. Apparently the neighbor accidently cut the line.” She throws her hands in the air. “You know what that means.”
“Gasp!” I hold my chest, feigning pain.
“I know!” she replies.
“NO NETFLIX!” we shout at the same time, falling back into our chairs laughing.
“So any news on the suit and tie guy?”
Niki shrugs her shoulders. “Not really. I’m not sure what’s going on there, but I have been spending more time with Gavin,” she quickly states, downing her cup of coffee.
“Gavin, huh?”
“I don’t know. I just think we are better off as friends. He wants more and I’m not willing to cross that line.” It’s the same excuse she gives me every time someone happens to really show interest in her.
Niki is anti-healthy relationships. She just doesn’t realize it.
“Let’s forget about my personal life and fill me in on your situation...still giving Mr. Lover Man the silent treatment or have you been nailing some wood?”
“I nailed that wood all night long!”
“YES! I KNEW IT!” She jumps up and leans across the table to hug me.
“Niki, it was absolutely amazing. I have never felt so cared for...EVER.”
“DAMMMNNNN! Like ever, ever?” she questions as she sits back down.
“Ever, ever!” I confirm.
“OK, so dude is loving, but is he delivering the goods?” Niki looks around then pumps her hips in the air making a grunting noise. “Or is he more of the Forest Hump kind of guy?” She stands stiff as a board, humping the air making a bed squeaking noise like in the movies.
“Oh my God, you need to chill or I need to drink more coffee to deal with all this,” I laugh, nodding in her direction. “Let’s just say he was very...” I search for the word to use. “Attentive.”
“Attentive, code word for...”
“MULTIPLE ORGASMS!” we say in unison, giggling like a couple of high schoolers.
“Aubrey, I’m so happy for you. After Dougy the Douche you needed an HEA.” She puts the joking aside and takes a moment to be serious. “You deserve to be happy and right now you look really, really happy.”
“I feel happy,” I confess.
“Tell me about him. You mentioned he had a daughter.”
“Niki, she is amazing and Reece, she finally has a friend. They bonded instantly and they are the reason we went for ice cream.” I continue rehashing the ice cream shop, the kiss and the promise for tomorrow that never came.
“Did he ever explain why, after chasing you all weekend, he just gave you the cold shoulder?”
“He said his life is complicated. Acted like his ex could possibly make things hard for him.”
Now that she’s asked the question, I realize that we haven’t talked much about that day.
“Do you think he was lying?”
“Aubrey, don’t be me.” Niki’s smile fades. “Don’t make an excuse not to be happy. I don’t care what he did or what he has done and we sure as hell can’t predict what he will do, but what we do know is how you feel right fucking now.” She reaches out for my hand. “This isn’t high school, Aubrey. This is real life, where we make mistakes, talk about them, forgive and move on. Either with or without the person.�
�� She pauses, letting go of my hand to finish her coffee. “You were unhappy for most of your married life, don’t you think it’s about time you take chances for you?”
I can’t help but stare at the young woman in front of me. For not being in a relationship and being a self-proclaimed hater of love, she sure spouted off like she knew what she was talking about, a woman made of self-experience. Knowing she hates all things feelings, I save this for another day. “That was a classic Dr. Phil moment.”
“It’s summer, I get bored and currently my Netflix isn’t working.” She looks around, avoiding eye contact. “You wouldn’t believe how many self-help shows are on basic cable.”
“I wouldn’t count Dr. Phil as a reputable therapist.”
“Aubrey, you take that back. That man knows it all.” She smiles.
“Sure, he’s right up there with Jerry Springer.”
“Now that is some good TV.” Niki laughs. “Just the other day—”
“Whoa, I don’t need to know about how my baby daddy is the father of my friend’s sister’s baby. Twins separated at birth.” I make up some crap. “It’s not possible, people. Like seriously, who does this even happen to?”
“Girl, people be crazy,” Niki jokes.
After drinking my coffee and Niki getting a couple refills we’re caught up on the past couple weeks...finally.
“So where you off to?” Niki asks as we walk toward our cars.
“I’m meeting Drew at the house. What about you?”
“I have to run to Gav’s for a minute. Take his laptop back to him. Mine is in the shop.”
“Niki, be nice to the guy. You didn’t see the way he was looking at you that night.”
“Ohhh, that’s just Gav. Talk to you later in the week?”
“You know where to find me.” I wave.
“Bye skank!” she calls, flipping me the bird as she drives off.
Drew
“HEY BUD, THANKS FOR coming by, especially on your weekend off.” I pat Kyle on the back as he walks into the B&B.
“Ice cold beer and a chance to get out of the house? I wouldn’t miss it.” Kyle looks around. “Care to tell me why we are here and why we are working for free?”
“I’m not exactly sure myself. I just know this girl is different, man.” I show him to the kitchen where I need help removing the fridge that went out.
“So different, you buy her a new industrial-size fridge, bedroom set and make random repairs around the house?” he laughs. “Nothing says love like a stair railing and cold cuts.”
“Funny, real funny. Now are you ready to get to work? She is going to be home in a couple hours and I need to make sure we get this stuff done and you outta here before she arrives.”
A couple hours later the fridge is cooling down, the bed made and stairs freshly polished. Kyle bitched about it the entire time.
Now that Kyle is gone, I can set my plan in motion. Getting out the bag of candles, I create a path up the stairs and to the bedroom.
After last night, I knew there was no way my back could handle another night on the floor and since the pool house currently only has one bedroom, I figured why not just buy a new one for the B&B. We can use it until it opens, our little hideaway away from reality.
After turning down the blankets and placing a tray of chocolate-covered strawberries and champagne on the nightstand, I step back to admire my work.
This feels good. I don’t think Sarah ever needed me when we were together. It was always about how I could benefit her. Aubrey is far from being dependent, but any help she gets she doesn’t take for granted.
“OH MY! Drew!” I turn around and see Aubrey standing there with a couple gallons of paint in one hand and supplies in the other. “What’s all this about and why is there a bed up here?” Her eyes go wide at the fruit and champagne.
“Well, damn, it was supposed to be a surprise. I didn’t even have time to light the candles.”
“Oh it’s a surprise all right! Why?”
“Babe, I know the budget is tight and when I was over here the other day, I noticed the railing was loose when I had you pinned against it.” I wink.
“So you thought you would let yourself in and fix it for me?”
“Well, yeah.” I look around, still proud of what I’ve done.
“Then you thought, why not get her a bed for the master guest room?”
“Well, kind of. My back is a little sore from last night and I thought since there is only Reece’s room at the pool house that maybe when we are alone we could come here.”
“Drew this place needs so much work. It’s not ready to stay in yet. Hell, the fridge doesn’t even work.”
“Well, surprise, it does now!”
“So not only are you a construction worker, but you are an appliance repair man?” She sets the stuff down and starts walking around. I’m not sure if she is panicking or angry.
“Well, not exactly. I called my friend and told him what happened and well, he said it was shot. So, I bought you a new one.”
“You bought me a new fridge?”
“Yep, and it’s pretty sweet. It’s industrial-size and has all these neat little—”
“Damn it, Drew!” she spits out, interrupting me. “Why? Why did you do all this?”
“I-I just thought you could use the help. You know, so you and Reece can start your new adventure together.”
“Drew, that’s the thing, it was our adventure. I needed to figure this out on my own.” Her eyes are apologetic. “Not by another man who may or may not be in our lives later.”
I know she doesn’t mean it the way it came out and looking at it from her point of view, I kind of get it. This was her fresh start and I just came and marked myself all over it.
“Babe, I’m so sorry, I just thought...you know what? I’ll return it all, but I don’t think I can unfix the stairs. That was some fine-ass handy work right there.”
She continues pacing the floor for a few seconds then comes to a stop. “You know what? It stays.” She walks over to me and wraps her arms around my waist, placing her head on my chest. “I’m sorry. I just never had anyone do something like this before without wanting something in return.”
“I wasn’t expecting anything from you.”
“I know. Thank you.” She stands there holding me and I can’t help but wrap my arms around her, holding her tight. “So, you want to show me this new fridge?”
“I’d rather show you this sturdy, definitely most comfortable bed.” I pat the mattress, hoping she will forget about her shiny new toy downstairs.
“Later, but now we stock the fridge and paint.”
“You’re going to let me help?”
“Only if you want to, but you don’t have to. You work your ass off during the week, you deserve time to relax.” She seems concerned.
“Being with you is anything but work.” I pick up the paint cans. “Where to, boss?”
She gathers up the rest of the supplies, walking past me, leading the way. “The dining room.”
“Consider it done.”
“Hey Drew,” she hollers, not bothering to look back. “My back hurts too.”
Score!
Aubrey
“THANKS, SORRY YOU HAD to make a trip out here on a Sunday.” I wave to Lee, one of the WilliamSon Construction interns who does the running on the weekends. Drew wants to start on the inside first thing tomorrow and the lumber yard couldn’t deliver the supplies until tomorrow afternoon.
“No problem ma’am. Mr. Williams said he wanted this in the back room since it’s supposed to rain tonight.”
“Sure. It’s straight down the hall. You can’t miss it.” I laugh. “It’s the one with a plastic curtain for a door.” I slide on my shoes. “Let me help you. My daughter shouldn’t be home for a few more minutes.”
“No, ma’am. I can’t let you do that. Mr. Williams said you would try—”
“Gotcha. Enough said. But what I can do is hold this door open for you,�
�� I offer.
“No need, I have a doorstop for that. Mr. Williams always said to be prepared.” He pulls the rubber stopper from his back pocket, and the little innuendo makes me giggle.
“It’s OK Lee, I got this. My daughter will be home any minute and she likes it when I wait for her outside.”
“Well, if you insist,” he says, reluctantly caving.
Using a few straps and a whole lot of muscle, Lee has it all inside and stacked in just a few minutes.
“All done,” he says, holding up his hands. “Do you care if I use the restroom to dust off? I’m meeting a friend for breakfast.”
“Sure, not a problem. You know where to find it.”
“Mommmmy!” I hear Reece before I see her. “I missed you so much!” She runs around the WilliamSon Construction truck and straight into my arms.
“I missed you too, baby girl.” Picking her up, I give her an extra tight squeeze. “Did you have fun with your daddy?”
“YES! He took me to the zoo and then for ice cream and I had the same kind I had when I went with you.”
“Yes, she just had to have the chocolate ice cream with Andes Mints cause that is the name of her new bestie,” Doug says as he carries her bag of toys to the house.
“Doug,” I begin explaining. “She ordered that because mint chocolate chip is your favorite. She made a big deal out of Andes Mints because she loves her new friend.”
“Oh, I’m sure she does and I see her daddy is your new friend.” He walks past me, glaring. “You don’t have to hide him. I’m not an idiot, Aubrey, I know he’s here.”
“Doug...Reece.” I whisper loudly, reminding him our daughter is in earshot.
“She’s in her room playing with Putter.” He scans the room. “Now, where is he?”
“Thank you, Ms. Harris, for letting me wash up.” Lee comes down the hall, stopping with wide eyes when he sees Doug standing there like he is ready to kill.
