He waved. “Great. Thanks again, Roxanne.”
She forced a smile and shut the door. As she took off down the street, she couldn’t help feeling as if this would somehow come back to bite her in the ass.
****
Jonah had spent the last three hours in Ethan’s conference room, going over the plans for the new development. He wouldn’t be handling the construction. It was offered to him, but he declined. The project would’ve made him a lot of money, but not without a multitude of sacrifices on his end. Jonah had his plate full as it was, and this development might put him over the edge. Between his current projects, a home he was remodeling and everyday life, Jonah was spreading himself thin.
“How does it look?” Ethan walked in with two coffees.
Jonah grabbed the mug with one hand and grasped the back of his neck with the other. “Aside from the timeframe they’re giving you, everything else looks in order.”
Jonah may not have been in charge of the project, but he acted as a personal liaison for Ethan. When his friend called, asking him to look over the plans and details, Jonah didn’t hesitate. They had a history and a friendship. A deeper connection than most people.
Ethan sighed, cupping his jaw. “By months or years?”
“My guess, about six to nine months. The project manager was being optimistic.” Jonah shrugged with a smirk. “And a little unrealistic. He isn’t accounting for delays on materials, weather restrictions and anything else that could push out the date.”
Jonah glanced up when Ethan remained silent. He stared back at Jonah with a knowing look. Ethan didn’t need to say a word. He could read his face. Jonah shook his head and stepped back from the table. “Got way too much going on, E.”
“Just hear me out.” Ethan held up his hand. “The deal hasn’t gone into full contract. I could probably get you more money. A little finesse with the investors.”
More money was always an incentive that might work on him, seeing as he had a new surprise bill come in last night, courtesy of his little brother. If Ethan had thrown out numbers, Jonah might’ve folded. It was the last thing he needed.
“I’m barely handling the shit I got now, man.”
Ethan cocked a brow. “I could buy you some time to figure things out, move around your schedule. I’d really like someone I can trust on this project.”
Words meant little coming from most people. The word trust was thrown around too often, lessening its meaning. He appreciated it coming from Ethan, knowing he meant it. But it changed nothing.
“I just can’t, E. But if you have any concerns, questions, or need me to come in and evaluate, you let me know and I’ll be here.”
Ethan drew in a breath and smiled. “I appreciate that. I need someone to tell me when I'm getting screwed.”
Jonah chuckled, sipping his coffee. “You need something. You call. I’ll make it happen.”
“And I’m paying you, Jonah.”
This had been a battle between the two of them for what seemed like forever. He understood it. Ethan had money and wanted to pay him for the job. His friend couldn’t fathom that he’d already paid Jonah ten times over, years ago. Even if Jonah brought it up, which he wouldn’t, Ethan would play it off.
“You don’t pay friends for favors.”
Ethan folded his arms. “When are you going to let me payyouback with a favor? Christ, Jonah, if we were keeping track, I’d be in debt to you.”
He sipped the last of his coffee, placed the mug on the table and smirked. “Then, it’s a good thing no one’s keeping score. If I need something, I’ll call.” He glanced at the clock on the wall. “Gotta run.”
He moved through the conference room with Ethan at his back. It was hard to believe what the building had been before the gutting and remodel. It was one of Jonah’s pride and joys. Too fancy for him, but he always felt proud walking in and seeing what he’d built.
“We missed you at the auction.”
Jonah tensed. He had gotten the invitation and RSVP’d with a no. Events like the gala weren’t his thing. He was happy to donate, but showing up in a suit, mingling with people whose homes cost more than he made in the last ten years?No fucking way.
“Yeah, not my scene. Appreciate the invite though.”
“I told her you probably wouldn’t be interested, but she’s stubborn. She insisted I give you one anyway.” Ethan snorted. “I think she may’ve been a little disappointed you declined. She’s accustomed to getting her way.”
Jonah stopped at the elevator, punching the button. “Kenzie?”
She’d hounded him for weeks about going.
