We each get changed into soft, waffle cotton robes and sit on the settee, enjoying the view and sipping herbal tea while we wait for our therapists. I drum my fingers on the side of my mug, my mind filled with thoughts of The Open Door. When Hunter and I are together, it's easier to push the construction problem to the back burner, but as soon as we’re apart for more than a few minutes, the worry creeps back in. There has to be a solution, I just don’t know what it is. The warmth of the tea seeps into my palms, grounding me as Jesse’s voice cuts through my thoughts.
“So, any luck finding a solution to your work issue yet?” he asks with a friendly smile. “You still seem a little preoccupied.”
I let out a sigh, looking up from the steam rising off my chamomile. “I haven't figured out a plan yet. I’d love to be able to put it out of my mind until I get home, but I can’t stop worrying about finding a construction company.”
I let out a sigh. Maybe this massage will relax me enough that I can actually enjoy these last few days of the cruise.
“So, after we talked at the beach the other day, I thought of something,” Jesse says. “I don’t know why I didn’t think of it at the time, but I have some contacts in the Seattle area who might be able to help you. Why don’t we go for a quick drink after we’re done here, and I can let you know what I’m thinking?”
“Yes, absolutely,” I say gratefully. “Literally, any ideas or contacts you have would be really helpful.”
Our massage therapists enter the room just then, and we get settled onto our respective massage tables. I take a deep breath and try to clear my mind, allowing my therapist to use her magic hands and try to push all my worries away.
An hour later, Jesse and I are both feeling like Jell-O as we slide off the massage tables and back into our clothes.
“Oh my god, Danielle was right. I feel like Superman right now. I feel like I could leap tall buildings in a single bound.” Jesse’s voice is dreamy as we thank our therapists before making our way to the concierge lounge.
Llanzo is there when we arrive, and he grins at us from his spot behind his chrome-and-glass desk. “Looks like you two guys are nice and relaxed.”
“Oh, we just had massages at the spa. I feel like a new man,” I gush, and he laughs.
“You know it. A good massage will do that to you.”
Jesse and I grab a cozy booth next to a window, and we both order sparkling waters.
“So, your shelter idea sounds amazing,” he says. “But I know finding good construction firms is difficult. It’s a constant problem in San Diego too. But I thought about something after we talked the other day. I actually have some family up in Seattle, and they own a pretty successful little renovation company. It’s called Hot Dam Homes.”
“Really?” I say. “I think that was on the list of companies my coworker contacted. Hold on though, I’ll check.” Because Martin is incredible at his job, along with the email updating me, he included a detailed spreadsheet of who he contacted, notes about each company, and what their response was to his inquiry. Grabbing my phone, I open up the spreadsheet he sent, and sure enough, Hot Dam Homes is there. “Yeah,” I say, disappointed. “It looks like he’s already contacted them. They were at the top of his list. It says here they’re booked out for the next year!”
Jesse’s eyes widen slightly before he chuckles. “Wow, really? That’s amazing. The last time we talked, the company was just getting started. I probably shouldn’t be surprised they’re doing so well though. Mason and Dylan Campbell are incredible guys.”He pauses, pursing his lips. “It’s been a couple of years since I’ve talked to them.” He gets a sad look on his face for a moment before giving his head a tiny shake. “Sorry. I was so focused on trying to save my marriage for the last couple of years that I guess things like talking to my extended family kind of fell off the table.”
“Man, I’m sorry, Jesse,” I say, grabbing his hand and giving it a supportive squeeze. “It sounds like you really did everything you could to work things out with your husband. I’m sorry it didn’t work out the way you wanted it to.”
He swallows hard, and when he meets my eyes, his are filled with tears. “Yeah, me too.” He clears his throat, blinking away his tears with a weak smile. “Anyway, I’d be happy to give my cousins a call to see if they might be able to squeeze you into their schedule somewhere. My cousin Mason is queer, and so is our other cousin, Sam, who works with them. I’m sure they’d be interested in helping wherever they can on a project like this."
His offer of help is like a lifeline, thrown to me in the midst of this daunting project. Martin’s words echo in my mind, reminding me to let others support me and to remember my reasons for doing this in the first place. I need to let go of my ego and let people help me where they can. It’s the only way the shelter will get built. It’s fast becoming obvious that this isn’t a one-person job. And with Martin’s advice proving true so quickly, it feels like a sign that I’m on the right path.
Of course, the thought of telling everyone about The Open Door still makes me feel a little light-headed. Shit, even telling Hunter—maybeespeciallytelling Hunter—means I could be setting myself up to look like an incompetent failure yet again. But I think I need to take that chance anyway.
“That would be amazing,” I smile at Jesse. “I told you how nervous I am about telling people about this project. It’s just scary to tell people when I know there’s still a good chance Icould fuck the whole thing up. But maybe it’s time to just face that fear.”
Jesse’s eyes are kind. “Have you told Hunter about it yet?”
I laugh, eyes wide. “Oh, god, no. I think I’m more nervous to tell Hunter than anyone else.” It’s my turn to look down uncomfortably. “Until recently, Hunter hasn’t been my biggest fan. He’s always sort of thought I was kind of a flake. But I think maybe he’s just easier to read than the rest of my friends. I know they love me, but I think they’re all of the same opinion.”
Jesse cocks his head to the side, thinking for a moment. “I don’t know your friends, obviously, but I'd be very surprised if that's what they think of you.” He pauses to take a sip of his water. “Plus, I have eyes, and I see the way Hunter looks at you. I don’t know what he used to think, but he sure as hell doesn’t think you're a flake now. That man looks at you like you hung the moon.”
I gawp at him. “Oh, no, seriously, Hunter and I are just friends. Maybe friends with benefits, but that’s it.” I ignore the pointed stab in my gut when I say those words.
Jesse just looks at me evenly. “Penn, I’m telling you. Hunter does not think you’re a flake. He looks at you like you’re the center of his universe. I think you should give him a chance and tell him about your shelter project.”
Chapter twenty-two
Hunter
After Penn leaves for his massage, I stay out on deck reading and enjoying the late-afternoon sunshine. A while later, I head back to the cabin, intending to maybe nap or enjoy the sunset and the warm ocean breeze on our private balcony. But I’m not in the room more than a few minutes before the familiar antsy, restless feelings of anxiety start gnawing at me. Soon, I’m unable to sit still, going around the room and straightening every little thing into right angles and checking the time every few minutes, wondering when Penn will be home from his massage. It’s fucking ridiculous. How can I possibly be missing the man when he’s only been out of my sight for a couple of hours?
Finally, I’ve had enough and decide to head to the lounge for a drink. Maybe I’ll grab a bottle of wine for us to share later tonight. My gut tightens pleasantly when I imagine sharing some wine while I read him some sexy excerpt from my current book.
