MANTRUM

by Jacob Chance

  “I work in construction. I own a contracting business with my younger brother.”

  “That must be a lot of work.”

  “It can be, but I love it.”

  “Do you build houses or do renovating?”

  “We do whatever the customer needs, from framing to the finished product.” I lean closer to her. “Why? Do you need something renovated?”

  7

  Danika

  If he only knew how much work my home needs. With the astronomical price of real estate in Boston, I had to settle for a small condo. And saying it’s a ‘fixer upper’ is putting it mildly. But I wouldn’t hire him if he was the last contractor in the city.

  It’s difficult enough that I have to see him at this class. Trying to keep my wits about me with him all up in my face, smelling so good, is challenging. And now, finding out he’s a devoted father makes it that much more difficult.

  What is it about single fathers that hits me right in the feels?

  I become an instant sucker for them. Luckily, we only have to meet four more times. I should be able to keep up the emotional distance for that long.

  “You never answered my question.” He nudges my arm.

  “Oh, no. I don’t need any work done.”

  “Where do you live?”

  My eyes skim over the paper. “That’s not the next question, Rex.”

  He grins. “Can’t blame a guy for being interested.”

  “I don’t like to give out my address to criminals.” My lips twitch as I hold off a smile.

  “Hey, criminals need love too.” I like that he can make fun of himself. “What’s your favorite food?” He reads the next question we’re slated to ask.

  “Hmm, that’s a tough one. There are so many choices. It’s probably boring to say pizza, but I just love everything about it. It’s a versatile food. You can add any toppings you want and it completely changes things up.”

  “I bet pizza is probably the favorite for most people,” he offers.

  “Is it yours?”

  “No. Guess what mine is.” He tips his chin at me. “Come on.”

  “Rex,” I huff. “Why do you have to be difficult? Just answer the question.”

  “Come on. Take a guess. I bet you’ll get it wrong.” He eggs me on.

  “Fine.” Pursing my lips and narrowing my eyes, I study him. My gaze roams from the crown of his head over his handsome face and down his muscular torso. His body looks like it was built by eating lots of protein. “I’m going to guess chicken is your favorite food.”

  “Hey, that’s really good.”

  “I’m right?”

  “No, but it’s a good guess.” He chuckles.

  I jut my elbow into his side. “You jerk. I thought I had it.”

  “I do love chicken. However, I love steak more than anything.”

  “Steak? Really?”

  He nods. “Give me a tender, juicy steak with mashed potatoes and gravy and I’m good to go.” He smacks his lips together. “I can practically taste it.”

  I’m not sure why I’m getting overheated from watching him talk about steak, but I am. “What’s your favorite color?” I change the subject.

  “Green, like your eyes.”

  “Okay, casanova. What color is really your favorite?”

  “I’m serious. It’s green. What’s yours?”

  “Purple. My childhood bedroom was lilac and I never get sick of that color.”

  “Can I have everyone’s attention, please?” Teri stands in the middle of the circle. “I want you to exchange phone numbers with the person you’re paired up with. For the next month you will act as sponsors for one another. If you feel your control slipping, I want you to call your partner and they will talk you off the ledge, so to speak.”

  “You’ve got to be fucking kidding me,” I mutter under my breath.

  “This is awesome,” Rex whispers.

  “What’s awesome about this?”

  “I don’t have to wait until next week to talk to you again.”

  “You’re only supposed to call me if your temper starts to rise.”

  “I’ll be calling you all day then.”

  “Are you joking?”

  He nonchalantly shrugs as if this is no big deal. “It doesn’t take much to set me off.”

  I knew it. I had him pegged right as a total rage-aholic.

  Terri dismisses us after we exchange contact information. Rex texts me to make sure I gave him my real number. It’s a good thing I decided against making one up.

  He walks outside with me and we progress to the parking area. “Don’t be afraid to call me if you need to.”

  My eyes flick toward him. “I hardly ever lose my temper. I won’t be calling you.”

  “Never say never.”

  “I didn’t. I said I won’t be calling you and I intend to follow through on that statement.”

  “I’m not going to make the same promise. I really want this class to benefit me this time, and if that means calling you when I’m getting worked up, then that’s what I’m going to do. How are you at calming people down?”

  Could he be serious about this class after all? Maybe I’ve misjudged his motivation for being here. I feel a little guilty that I’ve been assuming the worst.

  “Um, not sure. I have to do that for work. Sometimes I’m successful and sometimes they just pitch a fit. Either way, they get a ticket, so it doesn’t really matter.”

  “Well, I need you to promise to do your best to help me. I’m counting on you.”

  Oh my God. He’s counting on me? I want to shout, ‘Don’t. Don’t count on me.’

  I don’t want to be his mood stabilizer. I’m not human valium. I just want to go about my life and get through this disciplinary action as smoothly as possible.

  I pause beside my car. “I’ll do what I can.” I’m not about to make any promises. I have a job that’s important to me and that has to come first. I can’t be answering the phone when I’m in the middle of work.

  He smiles. “Thank you. That’s all I can hope for.”

  My phone chirps incessantly inside my pocket. I’ve tried to ignore it for the past five minutes, but whoever it is they keep calling. It’s driving me insane.

  Moving out of the pathway of the pedestrians walking down the sidewalk, I tug the annoying rectangle from my pocket and stare down at the screen. Rex. Fuck me.

  “Hello.” I try to keep the exasperation from my voice. I’m supposed to be supportive, not displeased that he’s reaching out for help.

  “Danika.” His deep husk goes right through me, the hairs on my arms standing on end. Wow. I’ve never had that happen from someone’s voice before. Usually it’s only when I blare a song I love.

  “Rex, what’s up?”

  He sighs. “I’m trying to stay calm, but all I want to do is punch a hole in the new drywall I just put up.”

  “Take a deep breath.” I wait for him to do as I instructed before continuing. “Take one more.” Again, he cooperates. “I want you to think about what’s going to happen if you punch a hole in the drywall. Think about the possible consequences of that action.”

  “I’ll have a hole in the wall.”

  “I know that, but go beyond that fact. What if you break your hand?”

  He laughs. “I won’t.”

  “There’s no way for you to know that for sure. Unless you’re God. Are you telling me you’re the supreme being?”

  “Well, I have been called that before.” He chuckles. And as annoyed as I am at his confidence, I’m relieved he’s calmed down enough to make a joke.

  “Seriously, if you make a hole in the wall, there will be more work for you to do. That costs you time and money, right?”

  “Yeah.”

  “And correct me if I’m wrong, you have a business partner to think about too?”

  “I do.” He sighs.

  “You’re not just affecting yourself, you’re also impacting him and his wallet. Not to mention,
his reputation along with yours. Raging on a job site isn’t really professional. Is that how you want your company to be perceived—as unprofessional?”

  “No, of course not.”

  “Is your partner running around punching holes in things?”

  “No. Adam doesn’t have much of a temper.”

  “How are you feeling now?”

  “Calmer.”

  I smile. “Good.” That wasn’t too hard. Maybe I can be his support system after all.

  “Thank you for answering.” His appreciation is evident in his tone.

  “I’m sorry I didn’t answer sooner. I’m at work.” I’m a little ashamed I didn’t pick up the first, second, or third time he called. It wasn’t like I was in the middle of ticketing someone. I was conflicted about talking to him. There’s a part of me that really likes the idea of getting to know him better. However, there’s the rational part that knows it would be a bad idea to allow that to happen. But for the sake of doing my part for the anger management class, next time I’ll try to do better.

  “You really helped me. I appreciate it.”

  “Are you all set now? If you’re not, we can keep talking.”

  “I’m good. Although, I’m all for talking to you whenever I can.”

  “I’m sure,” I droll, rolling my eyes, even though he can’t see me. “I have to return to work. If you need my help, give me a call.”

  “Will do. Thanks again, Danika.” His deep voice vibrates right through me.

  “It’s Dani. That’s what my friends call me.” Maybe if he uses Dani I won’t be so rocked by his deep rumble.

  “Danika, enjoy the rest of your day.” He ends the call. Of course he can’t make it easy for me.

  Pocketing my phone with a shaky sigh, I run my palm over the erect hairs on my arm, smoothing them down. What is it about Rex that makes it impossible for me to dislike him, no matter how hard I try?

  He’s a rule breaker and a button pusher. I’m all about law and order. Do opposites really attract? I guess we’ll find out.

  “How’s work going? Is your sergeant happy with your anger management progress?” Roxanne asks.

  “Yep, I had to check in with him after the first class. And once I’ve completed it, Teri, the teacher will send him a certificate saying I met the requirements.”

  “Aww, you get a participation certificate. How 2020.” Roxanne snorts, cracking herself up.

  “So, at the last class, our teacher made us exchange phone numbers with our partners, so we can call one another if we need to.”

  “Like a sponsor?” Violet questions.

  “Of sorts. It’s not a twelve-step program, but we’re supposed to be there for each other.”

  Roxanne leans forward, her interest piqued. “What does that involve?”

  “Being available when they need someone to listen to what’s wrong and trying to calm them down. Helping them to see reason,” I explain.

  “He has it easy. You’re never going to need him for anything,” Roxanne states.

  “Yeah, you’re probably right, but I couldn’t exactly refuse. It’s part of the class curriculum.”

  “Has he called you yet?” Violet inquires.

  “Yep. He did yesterday while I was at work.”

  “Was he in a rage? Grrr.” Roxanne growls and makes her hands into claws, imitating a wild animal.

  I laugh and shake my head. “He said he was frustrated with something at work, but he wasn’t in a rage. He seemed a little annoyed, but he was fine.”

  “Maybe he’s just calling you so he can hear your voice,” Violet offers.

  “No, I think he was stressed out, for sure. He wasn’t out of control, though.”

  “When do you see him again?” Roxanne smirks.

  “Next Thursday.”

  “Hmm.” She taps her lips. “Let’s bet on how many times he’ll call you before then.”

  “Ooh, I like that idea.” Violet nods her approval.

  “You guys are ridiculous.”

  “Whoever is closest without exceeding the correct number will win.” Roxanne rubs her hands together. “Thursday is five days away. I’m guessing he’ll call you eight times between now and then.”

  “Okay, my turn.” Violet’s excitement is obvious. “I think he’ll call her four times. I’m going to assume there’s one day where he won’t need to.”

  “He might not need to, but I still think he will,” Roxanne offers.

  “I think you’re both crazy and you’re enjoying this too much. Why don’t you guys tell me what’s been going on in your world. I feel like the last two times we’ve gotten together, all we talked about was me.”

  “Yeah, but that’s because you’ve been taken out of your comfort zone for the first time since your divorce,” Roxanne mentions.

  “Come on. I’m not that boring.”

  Violet pats my hand. “You’re not boring at all. But Roxanne is right. It’s good to see something new going on in your life. Even if it makes you uneasy, it’s different. You’ve been caught up in your routine since Pete and you divorced. Maybe a little change is a good thing.”

  “Maybe. I guess we’ll know soon enough.” I’m just not sure I’d label Rex as a ‘good thing’ for me.

  “We need to decide what we’re betting for,” Violet announces.

  “If I win, I want Dani to go out with Rex.” Roxanne grins.

  “No way,” I shout.

  “I’m good with that prize,” Violet agrees.

  “Well, I’m not. You guys can’t manipulate me into being the prize. That’s not fair.”

  Roxanne arches a brow. “It’s two against one. Majority rules.”

  “What are we, in grade school?” I retort.

  “Dani, I wouldn’t worry too much. There’s a good chance Rex won’t call you as much as we both said. If that’s the case, you don’t need to go out with him,” Violet reassures me.

  “I don’t need to do anything I don’t want to.” I cross my arms over my chest.

  “Ah, but you really want to. You won’t admit it to yourself, though,” Roxanne declares.

  Is she right? Is Rex someone I’d like to spend more time with?

  He is ridiculously attractive. And I have wondered if his beard is as soft as it looks. But that doesn’t mean I want to go on a date with the guy. I’ll chalk it up to mild curiosity on my part.

  I point at Roxanne. “You think you know me better than I know myself.”

  She barks out a laugh. “That’s because I do.”

  “Fuck off. You do not. I can admit Rex is handsome, but that doesn’t mean I want to pursue anything with him. He’s not exactly my type.”

  “That might be a good thing,” Violet says.

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” I huff.

  “Pete was attractive, but he was a dud,” Roxanne blurts out.

  “No he wasn’t. He was a lot of fun.”

  Roxanne snorts. “He was fun like a toothache.”

  I glance at Violet. “You don’t agree with her, do you?”

  Violet squirms on her seat, looking uncomfortable. “Maybe a little.”

  Was Pete boring? I never thought he was, but looking back I can see that life with him was rather predictable. I never minded that about him. I thought of him as steady and dependable, two qualities I found appealing. Did I want more romance? Absolutely, but you can’t have everything in a mate.

  “You two have really taken me by surprise. I might need to find some new best friends after tonight.” I smile to let them know I’m joking.

  “Maybe Rex will take our place,” Roxanne quips, popping her eyebrows up and down. I throw my napkin at her face. “Do you want me to run a MANFAX on him?” Her eyes light up excitedly. Roxanne started a business checking into guys’ backgrounds for their new girlfriends about a year ago and it’s been a hit from day one. Who knew women were so distrusting?

  “No. Why would I need that?”

  “To see what his past dating history is
. You wouldn’t buy a used car without getting a report on it. Why should it be any different with a guy? Don’t you want to know who he’s been with. How many women have taken that bad boy for a ride?”

  “Eww, no. There’s no reason for me to know that about Rex.”

  “If you change your mind, all you have to do is ask.”

  8

  Rex

  “Danika,” I growl into the phone.

  “Rex. What’s wrong?”

  My breaths leave me rapidly as I seethe. “The electrician working here keeps tripping the breaker.”

  “Okay. Why is that getting you worked up?”

  “It’s not getting me worked up, I’m already fucking there.” Moving the phone away, I shout over my shoulder toward the room the electrician is working in. “I’m about to kick his ass if he does it again.” Placing my cell back to my ear, I wait to hear Danika’s calming voice.

  “No one’s getting their ass kicked.”

  “Don’t be too sure about that,” I mumble.

  “Take a deep breath.” She waits for me to inhale and slowly exhale. “Take another.” I do as she says, and it does help me to feel slightly calmer. “Why are you angry about this?”

  “I need power to light the area I’m working in. And he keeps laughing. I think the fucker might be doing it on purpose.”

  “Maybe you should take a break from that job. Can you go get supplies or grab lunch? A change of scenery might do you some good.”

  Glancing at my watch, I notice it’s almost two. “Yeah, I can go pick up a sandwich. I meant to go before now, but I lost track of time.”

  “I think that’s a great idea. You’re probably just hangry. Maybe you need to visualize a big, juicy steak. Remove yourself from the situation for a little while. Maybe by the time you come back, he’ll be done.”

  “I’m picturing the steak right now.”

  “How does it look?”

  “You’re serving it to me in a French maid’s costume, so it doesn’t get any better than that.”

  “Rex,” she squeaks. “You’re shameless. Now, where were we? Oh, yeah. You’re going to leave for a little while.”