Being the foreman on the job, I’m the last one who will see it.
But, being as I’m a new foreman and Henry Blake hasn’t seen my finished work before, he’s due to show up any minute to do a check himself. Whether or not everything passes inspection, I have to have approval from my boss to make sure I did what was asked and get approved for another job.
I’m not nervous, because I did the job that was asked of me. I never slacked. I pushed myself harder than I’ve ever pushed before and didn’t sleep full nights to make sure this job got done on time.
The inspection takes hours and when he finally meets me in the kitchen, he gives me all the necessary paperwork and shakes my hand.
“It looks good.”
I blink, not willing to hope that it’s finally done. “We passed?”
“Yup.” He nods and starts to gather all of his supplies. I walk him out just as Henry pulls into the finished driveway. He shakes hands with the inspector, someone he apparently knows and they chat for a few minutes. I wait impatiently while they wrap up their conversation and Henry makes his way to the front door, taking note of all the little details on the outside of the house before meeting my eyes.
“Mr. Blake.” I reach out a hand and grasp his, then I lead him inside.
“Archer, looks like you did a nice job,” he comments, and I feel my chest swell with pride.
“Thank you, sir.”
We walk around the house, noting the different styles and appliances they got, he makes a joke about everything being high tech now and I laugh along, agreeing. We walk into the backyard where the landscapers put in a nice area with a firepit for the new owners, it’s a nice place, secluded so that no one will be able to bug the homeowners and they can find peace out here.
I want something like it someday. Some place away from the city where we can just be and not have to interact with people all the damn time.
And when I say “we,” I fully mean Viv and me.
“Well.” Henry clears his throat and turns to look at me, his arms crossed over his chest. He’s every bit as intimidating as Warren said he was growing up, and I know I’m about to hear words that will make or break my career. “You did a fine job. Came in at budget, got it done on time—which was no easy feat—and got it passed on inspection in the first go around. That’s not always done.”
I nod my head humbly, not wanting to interrupt him for fear of pushing him one way or another.
“I think it’s safe to say I’d like you on as a permanent foreman for Blake Construction.”
I release a slow breath, trying and failing to remain calm. “Thank you so much, sir. I won’t let you down.”
He nods and says, “Listen… I wouldn’t normally say anything because it’s not my business.” I lift a brow in confusion and wait. “I talked with War, and he explained you and your girl were going through some stuff.”
I bow my head, embarrassment rushing my neck. Thanks a lot, Warren.
“I’m not trying to make this my business but I thought maybe I could help you out.” He shakes his head. “I remember getting started in this business, all those hours away from home and Lin was home with our baby alone a lot. It’s a lot of pressure on the spouse, it’s not easy. So I thought it might be good for you two to come up sometime and the girls could talk about it.”
“Oh.” This is not at all where I thought he was going with that. “That would be… Well, um…” I scratch my neck. “We’re not really… back together. Yet.”
I watch Henry smirk and then chuckle. “Yet. I like that. Well, let me know when you are.” I nod my agreement. “I’ve got another job ready for you that I’ll need you on first thing Thursday. You up for it?”
I shake his hand with mine. “Yes, sir, you got it.”
I take one last look at the house, taking a picture of it before storing it away on a new photo album on my phone and jump into my truck. I smile, thinking of the bright future before me. I know there will be twists and turns, ups and downs, but one thing I know for sure is Viv will be the woman by my side through it all.
As my final plan formulates in my mind, I hit dial on Enzo’s number and say, “Hey, I need your help with something. Can you get everyone together…”
Chapter Fifty-One
“Standing up for yourself is so hard. Doing it to your male superior is the worst kind of confusing. You know you’re more capable than them, you don’t see them pushing an eight-pound baby out of their vagina, and yet, they still make us nervous. What’s that about?” – Quinn
VIVIANA
I could do this. I could do this.
I wasn’t even nervous.