“Nah, I wouldn’t worry too much. The man in charge would have never hired you if they didn’t think you were the man for the job.”
I can only hope he’s right.
Showing up at the job site first thing Monday morning, the last thing I expect to find is Liv waiting inside the construction trailer. But she’s here in all of her blonde hair, blue eyed glory and looking like every teenager’s hot teach fantasy come to life.
Or at least mine anyway. There’s no way that my body hasn’t taken notice. I have to shift awkwardly to tried and hide the effect she has on me.
“Damnit.” She crosses her arms and stares me down. I half expect her to break out a ruler and smack my hands, or give me dentition. “I hoped, you would change your mind and go back home.”
“What are you doing here?” I question, not failing to miss for one second that she doesn’t seem all that surprised to see me here.
“Meeting with the architect.”
“Uhm. Okay but, why? That’s the part I’m confused about.” Really confused. She’s a teacher, to elementary school kids. She shouldn’t be here right now. Right?
“To review the plans and make sure he’s included all of the accommodations these kids are going to need.”
Okay. Maybe I should have read up a little more on what I’d be doing or more importantly, who all is involved. I’m not about to let her know that though. “Right. Of course.”
“You have no clue what you’re working on; do you?” Liv calls my bluff.
“We’re building a school here.”
“Not just any school, Jameson. A school and therapy center for children with special needs. A place where parents will be able to find everything they need for their children. In one place.”
Suddenly it hits me. “This was your concept?”
For the first time since she found out I showed up in NYC, Olivia smiles brightly. “Yes. It was. I pitched the idea to Mr. Eastman, and here we are.”
Holy shit. I always knew Liv would do something great with that brain of hers. I remember her talking about something one time at a party her parents hosted over the summer between college terms. She was going on about this vision she had - to create a place just like this.
“Sorry, traffic was a mess,” Leo Eastman walks in behind us with the architect on his trail. “Jameson, I see you’ve met Olivia. This is Chase; he’s got all the plans. Shall we take a look?”
And just like that, we’re moving on. Changing the subject from how kick ass Olivia is, to seeing first hand, what she’s come up with and how it’s to be carried out.
I stand back and watch in awe as Olivia goes everything with a fine tooth comb and I realize something else...this isn’t going to be an easy or quick job. There is so much going into this and as the guy running things on the job it’s going to be up to me to make sure that the whole team is on board, doing precisely what they’re supposed to do.
I want to make this happen. I want to make it perfect for Liv.
“And what is our timeline again on this project?” I ask as we finish up reviewing the blueprints.
“Six months, minimum. That’s why we called you and your crew in. You came highly recommended to us from a donor when our original builders backed out,” Leo says.
“I sure hope you’re up for the task,” Liv murmurs loud enough for me to hear.
“It’s a tight deadline, Sir, but if anyone can get it done, I know my guys can,” I assure Leo though I’m looking right at Olivia.
“We’ll break ground on Wednesday. There will be a lot of publicity surrounding this. I’ll need everyone to work well together and smile, can you two handle that?” Mr. Eastman eyes us both.
“Absolutely.” I answer at the same time that Liv replies with, “Probably not.”
A worry line crinkles on Mr. Eastman’s forehead.
“What she means, is that there will not be any problems. Olivia and I are old friends, and we will make this work,” I immediately defend.
Leo nods and dismisses us. Liv is out of there like there’s fire on her tail. Trying not to look too desperate, I slow my stride until we’re out of the trailer then I rush after her.
“Liv, wait,” I call out, thankful when she stops and turns around.
“What else could you possibly want Jameson? You’re invading my life as it is.”
“You’re right. And I’m sorry. It wasn’t intentional,”...mostly, “But I wanted to tell you, I’m impressed. And proud of you for going after this.”
I don’t miss the shocked look on her face, even though she tries to hide it. Don’t worry sweetheart; I shocked myself with that one too.
“Yeah, well. You’re not the only one who knows how to chase a dream and make things happen,” Liv quickly rolls her eyes. “Now, if you’re done pretending to be friends, I need to get back to school, and my students.”
“Not so fast. I think you and I need to talk about how this project is going to work.”
“Really, Jameson. Really? We need to talk? No, I don’t think we do. You do your job, and I’ll do mine. It’s that simple.”
“It’s not. I know you, Liv. You like to be in control. I can’t have you trying to micromanage me and my crew. I need to be in charge of this one.”
“We’ll see about that. Stick to the plans, and we shouldn’t have a problem. But I’ll be watching you.”
I’m not sure what I expected when I showed up here. I mean, as kids I had a shit way of showing her that I cared, outside of looking after her in public. Hell, I tore the heads off her Barbie dolls, hid frogs in her bathroom, you name it, at home, I tortured the hell out of her. So perhaps expecting Liv to roll out the red carpet was a little bit much on my end.
Chapter 5
Olivia
“No. You cannot make that doorway two inches smaller. It has to be that size to accommodate wheelchairs. We’ve discussed this.” There’s no mistaking the bite in my tone as I argue Elijah, one of the foremen on the job. “Where’s Jameson?” I demand.
“Jay left for the day. Had something personal to take care of.”
My irritation only grows. Maybe I shouldn’t have stopped by the construction site on my way home. Then again, I’m glad I did, otherwise - they would be wasting time tearing down framing on every classroom. This is ridiculous. “Widen the damn doorway, Elijah or I promise you; I’ll make your life a living hell.”
He has the audacity to laugh at me.
“You have no clue who you’re dealing with. I’ll speak with Jameson personally. It will be your head on a platter if you don’t fix this.” I don’t wait for a response. Instead, I storm off and make a beeline for my apartment. Once I get home, I’ll hunt down Jameson and get this straight.
It’s been mere weeks, and already Jameson’s team is straying from the plan. And the fact that he’s in charge but not at the job site? My blood is boiling, right now. He’s supposed to be overseeing all of this. And he asked me to trust him to do his job? More like fucking this job up.
Too caught up in my anger I’m oblivious to the rest of the world, and just how far I’ve already walked. I’ve almost made it to 425 Madison when my phone starts ringing - pulling me from my head.
My mom’s number flashes on the screen, and I let out a sigh.
I’ve been so busy with teaching and following the progress of the new school build for the past few weeks that I haven’t had a lot of time to check in at home. I can only put off my mom’s calls for so long. I’m sure she’s calling to guilt trip me for not being in touch.
Knowing I can’t ignore this call, I give in and press ‘accept.’ “Hey, Mom.”
“You need to come home now. Enough of this playing in the big city. Your father needs you.” She says as soon as I greet her, see what I mean about the drama and guilt tripping?
“That’s not how this works. What’s going on?” I press the phone closer to my ear and try to cover my other ear to hear her better over the hustle and bustle of the noisy city street. �
��Mom, calm down. What do you mean Daddy’s in the hospital and I need to come home?”
At the thought of my dad being sick or hurt, my heart drops, and that guilt kicks up a notch. Now I feel like an ass for not being a better daughter the last few weeks.
“I’m not discussing this with you over the phone. Olivia Frances Hawthorne, get your ass on a plane and come home now. I’ve already booked a flight for you. You’ll be here by 10 am tomorrow. I’ll have our driver pick you up from the airport.”
My mom can be so damn dramatic sometimes, and I wonder what’s going on even though I’m scared out of my mind right now. “I’m sure he’s going to be just fine, Momma. What are the doctor’s saying?”
Before I can protest further, my mom hangs up. Calling her back is useless; she sends me straight to voicemail. Add one more thing to my growing list of things to do tonight. I guess I’ll be spending my night with Chinese food and packing a suitcase after I find Jameson and deal with his incompetent employee.
I’m not in the mood for any bullshit when I stop by my favorite Chinese carry out a block from home. I place my order and thank Mrs. Chow for the best beef and broccoli in town before turning away from the counter to take a seat and wait for my food. When I do spin around, I come face to face with Jameson.
“What’s a guy gotta do to buy you dinner?”
“I think you might owe me dinner considering I stopped by the construction site only to find that Elijah and your incompetent team have decided to narrow the doorways. And the asshole refused to change it when I pointed out what the ADA standard was.”
Jameson holds his hands up in surrender. “Whoa, settle down. My team is far from incompetent, and I can assure you that I didn’t authorize that change. Monday morning, I’ll have it fixed right away and whoever did decide to go against the plan will be dealt with.”
“Good. Now, if’ you’ll excuse me, I’m waiting on dinner and not in the mood for your bullshit.”
“Hmm, that wasn’t what I heard last night. There sure was a lot of buzzing and moaning going on next door while I was trying to sleep,” He whispers in my ear.
The nerve! “Jameson. You have got to get over yourself sweetheart. I’m sure the buzzing you heard was nothing more than a reminder of the jackhammers buzzing in the concrete.”
“I’ve got a jackhammer for you, babe.” He smirks.
“Jameson. You leave Miss Livi alone!” Mrs. Chow scolds as she steps around the counter to hand me my takeout bag.
It’s my turn to snicker. “Yeah, take Mrs. Chow’s advice,” I smile innocently and reach for my wallet to pay for my food.
“I’ve got it,” Jameson offers.
“No. Absolutely not,” I protest.
“He pay. I give you extra on his tab.” Mrs. Chow smiles knowingly and hands Jameson his bag.
“That’s okay, Mrs. Chow, I can pay for my food,” I try again.
“He already take care of it. I tell you. Now you two go play nice.”
“You heard the lady, let’s go play nice,” Jameson tries to hook his arm with mine, but I pull away.
“I wasn’t kidding when I said, I don’t want to deal with you right now,” I tell him as we walk out of the Chinese restaurant.
“Come on, Liv. We’ve been getting along pretty good, lately. What’s wrong with two...friends, sharing a meal?”
“Us?” I point a finger back and forth between us. “We, are not friends Jameson..”
“I beg to differ. Regardless, it’s a nice night. We both need to eat. Why not have some company while we do?”
I don’t get why he’s been so damn persistent about this. I could and would rather be alone, inside my apartment with Peaches, without having to deal with him. I liked him better when he stayed the hell out of my way.
“Call Sara; I’m sure she’ll join you.” I snap at him as we step onto the elevator in our building. After all, I am pretty sure she’s been occupying his time quite well, considering I can still hear his bedroom theatrics happening several times a week.
“Jealousy doesn’t suit you, Liv.”
I ignore him as I step off the elevator on our floor and head straight for my apartment. He can leave me the hell alone. Before I can shut my door behind me, Jameson sticks his foot in the way, stopping me and making me groan in frustration.
“Liv. Wait. I know about your dad. I’m trying to be a good person right now.” His voice comes out serious, and gentle.
I freeze and look at him again. “What did you just say?”
He brushes past me and effectively lets himself into my apartment. The door closes behind him as he repeats himself. “I know about your dad. I know he’s in the hospital and that you’ll be on a plane back to Georgia tomorrow morning.”
Peaches yips between the two of us begging for attention. Jameson gives into her while I process what he just said.
The realization hits me. “Of course you know. Greta told you,” my shoulders sag in defeat. “What else did she tell you?”
He shrugs. “ Mom didn’t say anything more than, you need to go home.”
“What I need to do, is take Peaches for a walk and then eat my dinner and pack. You need to call your crew and explain to them that the doorways must be thirty-two inches with thirty-six inches of clearance around the door when it’s opened to ninety degrees.”
Completely ignoring the way he crosses his arms across his chest and stares at me, I reach for Peaches leash and start out of my apartment, not waiting for him to follow. Peaches gets her regular twenty minute evening walk then we head inside together. I know by how excited she is that Jameson is still on the other side of my apartment door.
Sure enough, when I open my door, he’s sitting on my couch. His feet are propped up on the coffee table, and he’s filled two wine glasses. He’s making himself right at home.
Chapter 6
Jameson
I swear on my life that I don’t make a habit of lying to people. Especially not Liv. Withholding the truth or spinning it ever so slightly? Sure. Only when it’s for her own good.
Now, is one of those times.
There is absolutely no way that I can tell her that I know how sick her dad is. Not now. She needs to get to him first. Mr. Hawthorne called me himself and begged me not to tell Liv anything. I’ve already said too much by telling her that I know she’s going home. At least I sure as hell hope she’s going to listen this time and go home.
I also wish that her parents would have been upfront with her during Memorial Day weekend instead of bullshitting her about joining them at the beach house like old times.
Liv deserves to know what’s going on.
It’s not my place to tell her.
What I can do, is try to keep her company tonight. Because I know Liv and I know what will end up happening if she’s alone with her thoughts for too long. I’ve witnessed many of Liv’s anxiety attacks - not that she would ever admit that to anyone. Nor would she acknowledge that I’ve guided her through several.
Hopefully, my display of getting comfortable in her place is enough to distract her now.
“You always were a terrible liar Jameson.”
Goddamn the woman for seeing through me.
“You know. You have to. Greta would have called you with all of the details, hoping that you would convince me to adhere to my mom’s request,” she pauses and taps her chin, once she’s hung Peaches’ leash back in the rightful place. “Or, Greta would have told you everything and told you there was no need for me to rush home. So, which is it?”
I open my mouth and start to deny my mom telling me anything but Liv holds up a finger.
“Think very carefully before you say whatever you are about to. I bet money that my parents arranged your arrival here. I know a whole lot more than you think, so the truth would suit you now.”
I admire her persistence. She’s also overwhelmingly calm right now, which scares me. “Liv,” I sigh. “You need to go home.” As the last word rolls off my tongue, Liv
’s bottom lip quivers ever so slightly, and she swallows hard. I can see the tears filling her eyes.
“It’s bad?” She chokes out.
“I don’t know.”
“I don’t believe you,” she sniffles and wipes her eyes. “You need to leave.”
“Not a chance in hell that I’m leaving you here, upset. We can talk about how you think you know your parents sent me, and watch Sex in the City, but I’m not leaving.”
Liv fights back a laugh and shakes her head, “That show has been over for a long time you idiot.”
It takes her a bit, but she finally gives in and joins me, with a scowl on her face.
We eat in relative silence for a bit, her dog laying on the floor at our feet. Occasionally Liv hiccups or sniffles but she’s not talking. That’s okay with me, for the moment. The less I talk, the less likely I am to blurt out everything that I know. It’s bad enough that I’m torn between staying here and keeping this school project going and following Liv back home to be there for her.
For now, I’ll stay and let Liv have the time with her family. And I’ll make sure this project keeps moving forward. Because I think seeing this through to keep Liv’s vision alive while she is with her family - is the right thing to do.
“I hate you,” she finally says as she gets up, carrying her trash into the kitchen.
“That’s nothing new, Liv.”
“I hate that you call me ‘Liv’ too.”
“I know,” I smirk. “That’s why I do it.”
Coming back into the living room, she sits sideways on the couch so that she’s looking right at me. “Let’s say you did know more about my dad. Would you tell me?”
“In favor of being honest, no. I wouldn’t. And I know that’s going to piss you off more, but I have my reasons. One day, you’ll get it.”
“Yep. You can go now, we ate. I’m going to pack. You. Can. Leave. But do me one favor?” She stands again. “Have sex with Sara, somewhere else tonight. Let me have what little sleep I may get without listening to you fucking her.”
Love Under Construction (425 Madison Avenue Book 6) Page 3
