Chapter 10
Ari
Bringing an image to life with paint is like having sex with someone for the first time. There’s this exhilaration right before that draws me in. Then I’m filled with conflicting emotions that dictate my actions, causing me to hesitate in some areas and move forward with gusto in others. At some point, the picture becomes clear, and I find the path to my ultimate destination. The satisfaction when I see that image match what was in my mind’s eyes is indescribable. But this? This is like…blue balls. I dip the awkward paint roller in the drab pool of paint before me. I shouldn’t complain. It’s work, it’s money, and as boring as it is, I’m still helping to create something. To make something new again so someone can call it home. Something I wish I had.
“Looks good, Ari.”
I turn to find Ray standing with his arms folded. He has a sweet way about him that put me instantly at ease when I met him the other day. He looks to be around fifty, and I can tell by the way he talks to me he must have kids, probably daughters. I briefly wonder what that might be like. Having that comfort of knowing that no matter what you do, there are these invisible arms just waiting to catch you when you fall or real-life arms that hold you simply because.
I know Mason asked him to watch out for me because he keeps checking in. He’s a painting contractor and not even an actual employee.
“Thanks. I’m almost done here, so what’s next?”
He comes to my side and leans in. “Hate to say it, but you’re faster than my regular guys. I didn’t think you’d be done this quickly.”
“Should I slow down?” I raise my brows and we both laugh. “I don’t want to get my ass kicked for setting precedence.”
“Don’t change a thing.” He walks over and folds up a ladder that was in the corner of the room. “You were contracted for half-day so you’ll get paid, but I’m sure Mason won’t mind if you leave a bit early.”
I’m sure he’s being nice, but his offer causes an uneasiness to settle in my stomach. I don’t want special treatment, or to be a hassle for that matter. “Ray, I’m here to work.” I stick my hands in the pockets of the god-awful pants they made me wear and try to appear serious. “What else you got for me?”
Balancing the ladder in front of him, he gives me a tight smile, like he’s deciding how to respond.
“I’m flexible. And capable…so put me to work.” The job is for these townhomes that are connected, so I know there’s at least one more residence because there’s more of the crew next door. It seemed odd they put me here by myself, so I can’t help but wonder if Mason told Ray to keep me away from the guys for some reason. He knows I can handle myself, but then again, I did screw up big time at the bar.
Ray head-gestures to the ground. “Grab those two cans and follow me out to the truck.”
I do as I’m told and once we are outside, I see two guys from the crew. One is sitting on the tailgate, staring at his phone, and the other is standing, drinking a Coke.
Ray sets the ladder on the grass next to the truck and takes the cans from me. “Ari, this is Steve and Hector.”
The guy sitting on the tailgate hops up, never breaking his stare from his phone. “What’s up?” he says as he passes me.
“Don’t mind Hector. He can be a real dick sometimes,” Steve says and holds out his hand. “Nice to meet you, Ari.”
“You too,” I say.
“You guys finish that molding?” Ray says to Steve.
“Almost.”
“Good. Take Ari over there and have her help you finish.”
Steve gives Ray a look like I’m his incompetent little sister.
“She knows what she’s doing. Have her take Hector’s spot.” Ray glances over to where Hector is on his phone, talking animatedly. “He’s got a trip to the carwash in his near future.”
Steve laughs. “Nice. Tell him to grab me another Coke while he’s out.” He turns to me. “Ready to get back to work?”
“Sure,” I say with enthusiasm, but when we turn to head in to the other residence, the beautiful day has me wanting to stay outdoors a bit longer. I catch sight of the mountains off in the distance, a clump of oddly-formed clouds hovering above the homes. It’s been so long since I’ve painted a landscape, the yearning tugs at me for a moment before reality kicks in and I jog to catch up to Steve.
In the other unit, I only worked downstairs, but in this one I can hear voices and footsteps upstairs. There’s also a guy working over by the fireplace. He nods when I walk by but Steve doesn’t introduce us. I shouldn’t be surprised there are no women here, but I do wonder how often they hire a woman for this type of work. I’ll have to remember to ask Mason.
Steve, who’s tall and lanky, bends over to be eye level and shows me step by step, as if I’ve never held a brush, what to do in the kitchen and dining area. I suppose I can understand his hesitation to trust me. “You good?”
“Yes, got it.” I nod and pick up the first brush, holding it up like I’m ready. I just want him to leave me be because I don’t like people watching me. I smile. “I’ll be fine here.”
“Okay, I’m going upstairs but holler if you need anything.”
I get right to work when I see him hit the stairs. It’s more intricate work than what I was doing before, but still my mind wanders and I daydream about the future. Everything will be different when I’m free of Alex and that can only happen when I get my stuff. I think about Mason and if I will never see him again once this is all over. Will he want to stay in touch? The thought of never seeing him again causes a tightness to form in my chest. It’s like I already miss him. He’s not really my type, or at least not the type of guy I’ve dated before, but when I’m with him I just feel… I don’t know, more like me than I’ve ever felt. I suppose I shouldn’t get used to that feeling.
With my mood slipping and boredom setting in, I try to refocus on my work. Painting usually makes me feel better when I’m down but this is too controlled, too limiting.
I swirl my brush in the paint and long to swipe across a vast canvas, beautiful colors blending together before me. I glance to the wall across from me. Now that’s a nice clean space. It’s practically calling to me. I pull in a lungful of air and shake some sense into my head. That was a close one. Mason would have killed me.
I turn my attention back to the job at hand and sigh. This kitchen could really use some accents. Around the bar on the decorative molding and maybe even on the cabinet molding. I scan my immediate surroundings to see what I’ve got to work with. Not much. I get up and walk over to the guy in the room. He’s sitting on an upturned bucket when he turns to me.
Going off instinct and his appearance, I speak to him in Spanish. “Que paso, amigo?”
“Just working,” he replies in English. I don’t know if it’s habit or some sort of rule, so I continue in English. “Can I use any of this stuff?” I ask, gesturing to some supplies next to him under the window.
“I’m not the one to ask.” He shrugs.
Friendly people working here. I’ll have to talk to Mason about that. “Okay, sorry to bother you.”
We both turn away, and I bend down to snag an empty paint pan and a small can of white paint. When I glance up, I’m met by a sly grin and I can’t help but return it.
I go back to my spot and mix some white with the beige I’m supposed to be using; now I have three colors to work with. I try it out, alternating two colors as I go, creating a two-tone effect that makes the decorative border pop in a subtle way. As long as I’m consistent all the way across, it will work.
I pull my earbuds from my pocket and put them in before taking my cell out and clicking to my music app. Perfect. Feeling more motivated, I get back to work. A few times I glance back at the other guy. One time, he catches my eye and gives me a nod.
Alternating brushes and colors, I gain a rhythm and make my way around the kitchen. I don’t know how much time has passed and I don’t care. I plan to finish because now I’m the only one
who can do this…at least well, anyway.
A tap on my shoulder makes me jump. “Shit!” I turn to find Steve scowling at me, so I set down my brush and pull my earbuds out. “Que?”
“What the hell did you do?” His brows are pinched together.
“Looks good, right?”
“I thought you knew how to follow directions!”
“And I thought you said Hector was the dick.” I lean my weight on a hip and feign innocence.
He points to my masterpiece and says, “You’re painting over that before you leave.”
I shake my head. “You can do whatever you want, but it looks better.”
“It’s not your decision.”
Just then Ray appears in the doorway. “Ari, you’re still here?”
“Ray, man, your little friend here decided to play Picasso and make pretties in the kitchen.”
Ray steps over to us. “I don’t see a problem here, Steve.”
“What about sticking to the plan?”
“True. And I’ll talk to Ari about that…but it’s subtle. And you have to admit, it looks damn good.”
“There you are, Ari,” Mason says, popping his head in the doorway.
Seeing him stirs up a cocktail of emotions. I’m definitely glad he’s here, but I also don’t want him to be disappointed I’m causing problems…again.
Steve flips his gaze from Mason to me and then narrows his eyes. “Oh, I get it.”
I remain quiet, feeling awkward and somewhat demeaned by the implication but also just being among these men, even though it’s only Steve that’s being an ass.
“Everything okay?” Mason asks but he doesn’t seem concerned. I don’t know if I’m reading in to it but he appears…excited.
“Yeah,” Ray says with a squinty-eyed smile pointed in my direction. “I was just telling Ari what a great job she’s doing here. She’s a natural.”
“Great to hear,” Mason says, giving me the thumbs up.
I can’t help but feel a little deflated even though he’s happy. Like his plan for the charity case worked out. It’s dumb, I realize, because I’m actually working here. I just feel out of place. “Thanks, Ray.” I give him a hard “manly” pat on the shoulder.
Steve walks right out the door with nothing but a harrumph, leaving Mason looking confused.
“What are you doing here? I told you I’d Uber back.”
“Well you weren’t answering your phone and—”
“Didn’t think either of you would want an employee talking on the phone at work,” I say innocently.
“Sure, yeah, it’s just I thought you’d be off at least an hour ago.”
Ray stands in silence, but I can see the wheels turning. He pulls out his phone and stares at it—probably an escape.
I shrug. “I needed to finish up.”
He throws a thumb over his shoulder. “I’ll wait for you outside. Just want to talk to Steve for a minute.”
Great. I give him a single head nod before he ducks outside. I don’t want to make enemies here, so I hope Mason doesn’t make it worse.
I turn back to Ray. “Hey, thanks for having my back.”
He tilts his head like a scolding father. “Steve was right.”
“What? But you said—”
“I know what I said…and I meant that too, but ultimately, you should have followed directions.”
I pull my lips together and clasp my hands in front of me. “I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.”
He chuckles. “Somehow, I doubt that.”
“Can I go now?” I say like a grounded teen. Geez, I really need to get my act together. I wonder if Mason sees me like some trouble-making little girl. And the fun isn’t over yet. We still have some breaking and entering to do at my ex’s place. I’m starting to think that’s something I will need to keep my strait-laced chaperone out of.
“Not yet,” Ray says. He puts his phone back into one pocket and reaches into another to pull out a folded piece of paper. He hands it to me.
I unfold it and scan the title. “Give Back to Your Community.” The flyer talks about volunteering in elderly and low-income neighborhoods by painting, doing repairs, yard maintenance.
“I’ve heard of this before.” Is this my punishment? Though volunteering is something my mother always did and instilled being charitable in me.
“Some of the guys go regularly.”
“Like Steve?”
“Don’t worry about him. There’s lots of different opportunities. And it won’t be just guys. Some of them bring friends, wives, so you won’t be the only girl.” He shrugs like saying the word “girl” is awkward. “My daughter has a game so I won’t be there.”
I knew he had a daughter.
“Mason makes sure anyone who participates gets taken care of. Gift cards, a little extra bonus…”
“Nice,” I say because I could use that too. But mainly I feel a little tug on my heart knowing his company encourages volunteering. “So, Mason will be there?”
He laughs and shakes his head. “Mason? No…I don’t think I’ve ever seen him there. He’s not really the type to pick up a hammer or paint brush.”
“Oh,” I say, a little disappointed. I catch myself, hoping he didn’t see it.
“But sometimes his brothers go. Logan…Justice.”
I’d rather go, knowing Mason is there but I can’t let that be a reason I don’t go. “It sounds like a great cause.”
“Next one’s tomorrow. I thought you’d be interested. They could use your help and I think you’d be great.”
“I’d love to come and help. I’ll be there.”
“Great. And you can keep that flier for the address.”
“Thanks.” Outside, I find Mason leaning against his car, talking to Steve. I slow my steps to avoid them but I can tell they’re wrapping up so I approach. “See ya,” Steve says like he doesn’t hate me.
When he walks off, I reach out and touch his arm. “Hey, Steve.”
He looks over his shoulder. “Yeah?”
“Sorry about today. Honestly, I know I should have just done what you said.”
His face is unreadable. Apathetic. “No worries.”
He keeps walking and I feel a pang of guilt. This is what I do. Act impulsively and then feel guilty after. Not to mention that Mason must have said something to him, which makes me feel not only awkward but like a complete ass.
***
“How was your first day?” Mason says when we are both in the car.
I want him to see I’m grateful, which is why I shake off the mood Steve left me with. “Great. I really like Ray, too.”
“He’s a good man. Excellent manager. I’m glad you feel comfortable with him.”
“Yeah… What were you and Steve talking about?”
He starts the car and pulls out into the street. “Just told him to give you a chance.”
“That’s it?” I ask, skeptically.
“Pretty much…”
Two words that say much more and now I feel like more of an ass. “Look, I don’t need you trying to fix everything for me.”
“You sure about that?”
I let out an exasperated sigh.
“What?” he says, stopping at a red light.
“You’re putting me in a shitty position where I have to push back my frustrations because I’m supposed to be acting grateful.”
He smirks and pulls his head back like he’s dodging a punch. “Um, is there a correct response to that?”
“I know, it sounds bad but it’s true. I mean I am grateful but that doesn’t mean you don’t piss me off sometimes.”
“Well, damn, tell me how you really feel.” He goes on the green light, a satisfied smile on his face.
“This is funny to you? Seriously, I know this is not permanent, but I need to earn my own respect on a job.”
“You’re right. I should have stayed out of it.” He gives me a quick grin. “And you should have followed directions.”
; “You’re right,” I say, wondering how he so easily disarms me.
“Good. So, we’re both right. Now let’s go home.”
Home. I enjoy the word for only a moment before I remind myself it’s not really my home.
Chapter 11
Mason
I stop at the front door, feeling oddly like I’m bringing a date home to my family. “Before we go in, I should warn you.”
Ari puts a hand on her hip and with one look I feel put on notice. “What did you say about me?”
“No, it’s not that.” Unless Logan opened his big mouth, most of my family thinks that Ari is a friend from out of town who needs a place to stay for a couple weeks. “My family can be a little…much.”
“Pfft. I’m flexible. I can party with the rowdies and do bible study with the nuns. Just tell me which way to go.”
I smile at her definition of flexible. She might not be seventeen, but she’s still a little naïve. Still, it’s sweet. “At any given time, my family could sway toward either end of the spectrum, though it’s definitely more weighted on the rowdy side. You’ll see. They’re just a little overbearing sometimes. Even Logan and Justice act like man-children half the time.”
“I’m sure you’re exaggerating.” She fluffs her long black hair adorably, like she’s backstage at a concert about to go on, and opens the door. “Let’s go already.”
Watching her saunter in with confidence throws me and feels good all at once. There’s some sort of vibrant energy she has that I’ve never been around before. She swivels back to me and flings her hair back over her shoulder, sending the waves bouncing. The one-piece shorts outfit she’s wearing is sexy and cute at the same time, and my gaze travels down her bare arms to her dark shapely legs. She’s got me mesmerized in the moment until an out of place thought wanders into my brain. I hope Justice isn’t here to see her looking like that.
“You coming?” she asks.
Pushing the errant thought away, I step up behind her and Gramps pops out from the kitchen.
Broken Bridges (Bridges Brothers Book 2) Page 8