Christian jabs him in the ribs. “Shut up, bro.”
Del cackles before turning to me. “How about you, boss? Any plans for the weekend?”
I finish the last stroke with my paintbrush before sitting back on my heels and looking up at the beefy man. Del is twice my size with broad shoulders and thick tattooed arms. He’d intimidated me the first time we met, but deep down, the guy’s a gentle teddy bear.
“Nothing except for a good long soak in the hot tub,” I say.
He grins. “One of these days, you’ll invite us over. It sounds like heaven.”
I chuckle. I like my crew, I really do, but no way in hell am I inviting them over to use the hot tub. That thing is sacred. Even my daughter’s friends have to be vetted and approved before climbing in.
My knees creak as I climb off the floor.
After disposing of my brush in the dump bucket, I seal off the paint can and reach for the iPad on the counter to start my inspection.
I walk slowly through each room, noting every detail. Aside from a few missed tape pieces on the floor, everything is perfect. Pristine. The old house has come a long way—from an abandoned project home sold at an auction to a modern two-story beauty. The only room we didn’t touch was the game room in the basement. Everything else has been sanded, waxed, primed, or painted. It’s truly some of our best work.
The kitchen is my favorite part of the full remodel. The warm sage color coordinates perfectly with the ivory cabinets and marble countertops, creating a place of comfort and peace—exactly what my client deserves after her brutal divorce.
Carlos enters through the front door, face as stoic as always. “The trailer’s loaded, Boss, aside from your stuff.”
“Good. Have everyone gather in the front room. I’ll be right there.”
He nods and disappears down the hall, his voice booming through each room as he barks commands. If Del is intimidating in size, then Carlos is intimidating in tone. He’s been the best team lead since we opened the position.
I take one more loop through the lower level of the home to get a few photos on my phone. This is definitely going to be a job we talk about for years to come. It’s earned a place on our Wall of Pride at the shop.
Finally, I meet the crew in the front room. All seven of them are spread out, hats askew, holding open energy drinks or water bottles. Their conversation dies quickly, waiting for the final word.
I clap my hands together. “Well, I think it’s time to call it, guys. This job is finished. Great work.”
Everyone cheers. Ahmed curls forward, bracing his hands on his knees as he huffs out in relief. “Finally!”
I can’t help but laugh. Hell, I am just as relieved as he is. We’veearnedthis victory.
“This project has been a challenge from the start,” I continue. “I think I aged a year just dealing with the electrical issues. But you all kept showing up, every day, and you didn’t complain… much.”
A few of them laugh, nudging Ahmed playfully. He’d slipped into his native Arabic tongue at least once a day.
“We all had to push through, and your dedication did not go unnoticed. So, drinks are on me tonight. Or food, if you prefer. Whatever you want. Meet me at Graham’s Bar in an hour and we’ll toast a job well done.”
The chorus of agreement echoes loudly through the empty room. Someone throws a fist in the air while another claps me on the back. It’s not uncommon for me to invite the crew out after work—we do it on a weekly basis—but this was a tough job, and we celebrate those. Always.
“Should I take the trailer to the shop first?” Carlos asks as everyone disappears.
“Yes, please. Call Darren to let him know too.” My brother is at the Southside Plaza site today, but he likes supporting our crew as much as I do. He’ll want to be a part of this.
Carlos nods. “Will do. See you soon.”
Finally, with everyone gone, I call the homeowner to tell her the house is done. She arrives within twenty minutes for a walk-through, hoisting her two-year-old daughter on her hip. Her praise as we walk from room to room fills me with pride. She’d lived here during the entire process, of course, but knowing this is the end always hits differently—a mix of awe, joy, and disbelief.
It’s my favorite part of the job, seeing them happy.
After getting her final sign-off on the iPad, I thank her one last time before heading out.
I text my daughter to let her know I’m on my way home. A minute later, my phone bursts into song.
I shake my head in amusement. Georgie frequently changes her personal ringtone just to keep me on my toes. Today’s tune is “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift.
