Jenna taps my knee. "You okay? You blanked out there for a sec."
"Oh, I’m fine. I just realized…Weare the town." I'm already smiling. "What's the address of this church? While you're busy shooting, I have an idea."
We arrive at our destination about ten minutes later, after sharing stories of our favorite TV shows and childhood books. I notice that Jenna doesn't talk much about her family. She mentions her mother, and that her father left when she was ten, then changes the subject back to photography. I don't press the issue, though of course I’m curious.
I do a quick survey of the church to make sure it's safe, then give Jenna some space to take her photos. Pulling out my phone, I send a message to the group chat between my brothers.
I know I’m not the only one sick of these potholes all over this area of the mountain. We’re looking for problems to throw money at. Why don't we fix them? We don't want anyone going off the road this winter, right?
I quickly begin researching asphalt curing temperatures, then send another note.
Looks like we probably only have about three weeks before the temperature becomes too unstable.
Kaden: Damn – why didn't I think of that?
Kingston: Yeah, seriously. Why didn't we think of that months ago?
Kai: We were all busy getting girlfriends and being super distracted. Kellan is the only one left with his eye on the ball.
It doesn't feel like the right time to tell them I've met an incredible woman.
I look over to see Jenna crouching by the steps, zooming in on a section of old brick. Then she swings her camera up to shoot the spire and stained glass with the brilliant blue sky above. I can't wait to see her photos. I can already tell that she's talented.
Kane: So do we ask permission from the various towns or just inform them this is being taken care of?
As long as the work is done correctly and is 100% free, I'm sure they'll be fine with it.
Kingston: Everyone will be MORE than fine with it. People complain constantly.
Kaden: Apparently hot asphalt repair will last the longest. It'll take some trucks and supplies, but the actual labor is straightforward. We just need to map out where all the holes are.
What if we made an app? Everyone in the area could drop a pin wherever there’s a pothole or the edge of the road is getting ragged. After a few days, we can just drive any roads that haven't been covered.
Kingston: That's a great idea. Maybe not having a girlfriend does make men sharper, LOL.
Kaden: I'll start organizing the supplies. Kingston and Kane, can you start working on the app itself? Bare bones, obviously, then we can refine it together.
Kingston: Sure.
Kane: On it.
Kai: I'll look for training videos so we can put a workforce together and get everyone up to speed.
I'll start finding the workers themselves.
Kaden: Perfect. Go team!
Kai: LOL!
My chin jerks up as I hear Jenna come over. "I think that's enough for today."
I close the chat and glance at the time on my phone. "Perfect. If we go now, I'll get you home a bit early."
We pass through downtown Pinesley so I can take the other highway home and Jenna can see a different section of the forest. I look over and squeeze her hand as we pass a parking lot filled with men just standing around.
"I can't tell if that's a drug deal going down or they just have nowhere else to go," she sighs. "It really looks like a ton of people around here need work."
"You're right."
