I turned on music to listen to while I worked. I got into an easy rhythm, plying each piece away from the subfloor, careful to ensure that I didn't damage any of the other planks.
I paused to admire my work and stretch my back. We'd been able to salvage a good amount of the existing floors, and I found some old planks in our warehouse that were a good match.
A key sounded in the lock, and I turned to find Angela and Ayla opening the door.
"I’m grabbing a juice from the fridge." Ayla rush past.
Angela pulled off her knit cap. "I didn't realize you were working today."
"I thought I'd get a head start on removing the damaged planks." I waved at the pile of new wood planks on the side of the room. "Those are the replacements."
She moved to inspect the new planks, placing one next to the other old boards. "I can't even tell the new from the old."
I stuffed my hands into my pockets so I wouldn't reach for her. It was hard to be in this space and not remember what she was wearing the last time I saw her. "I was able to find some older planks that were a perfect match."
"That's amazing. I didn't even know you could do that. I just assumed you'd replace the entire floor."
I rocked back on my heels. "I prefer to salvage whatever I can."
She smiled. "That's a point in your favor."
"I didn't realize you were keeping points." This back and forth felt a little like a flirtation, and it was different from the conversations I had with women at bars.
Angela dropped to her knees. "I was at Belle's bookshop yesterday, and Maverick was there to do the measurements for her new patio. There was some tension there. He accused her of being a high-maintenance client?—"
I whistled.
"And she insinuated that he might not be the best person for the job. It seemed personal."
"I knew he was looking at the possibility of installing a patio. I wasn't sure it was a done deal." Maverick could be a bit of a hot head, but I'd never heard that he'd accused a client of being high maintenance before. Cooper wouldn't be happy if it got back to him.
"He said he was the only one who could work on the project."
"He prefers to take on challenging projects, ones that are unique and stretch his abilities."
"I got the sense those two have a history," Angela said as she moved over to the counter to place her jacket over it.
I chuckled. "You're kidding, right?"
Angela frowned. "There was tension, and comments were made that made me think they had something going on at some point."
I laughed, shaking my head. "Maverick was the kid getting into fights and skipping classes. Belle was the quintessential nerd with a book in her hands at all times. Back then, I think she even wore glasses. Total good girl. No way she would have given him the time of day."
Angela raised her brows. "You might not know everything about your brother that you think you do."
I sobered. "I suppose that's fair."
Ayla skipped into the room. "Are we going to the bookstore?"
"I just need to grab more stock from upstairs. You want to come with me, or do you want to stay with Hudson?"
"Stay here with Hudson," Ayla said with a smile.
"Please stay out of his way. He's here to work," Angela cautioned as she moved toward the door that led to the stairs.
"Got it." Ayla winked at me.
Angela disappeared through the door, and I heard her footsteps on the stairs.
