“What? How?” Tamara sputtered. Why in the world would Thomas have any idea of how Andre was being treated? “He has nothing to do with that project and we aren’t giving anyone preferential treatment.”
“I know that, but one of the subs got to talking. Andre made some changes in the field related to Sheetrock in the building and we went with it. Because we didn’t agree with a call made in the field on one of Thomas’s projects, he’s claiming favoritism.”
“What kind of changes?” This was the first she’d heard of potential changes. Not that she needed to be updated on every change a contractor made. That was the point of having a building official like Robert, who could handle this type of issue.
“The supplier didn’t have the right type of drywall. Andre chose a different one that still meets the intent of the code. Thomas’s project had a completely different issue. His contractor was trying to get around meeting the code requirement entirely, so we said no. He got wind, and now he’s stirring up trouble. Can you make him back off?”
Sighing, Tamara stood. “First, let’s go talk to Steve. He’s already worried about calls for favoritism because this is Mayor Miriam’s pet project. Let’s get him up to speed before he gets wind of things. Then we can see if we need to settle things with the mayor and the rest of council. Then, I’ll deal with Thomas.”
Robert put his hands together as if praying. “Thank you.”
She pointed. “And, Robert, Thomas is not my boyfriend. Never call him that again. Understand?”
He nodded. “Understood.”
By the time five o’clock rolled around, they’d gotten Steve straightened out. Robert explained the code differences and why Andre’s changes were approved versus the change on Thomas’s project. They also called the mayor. She’d heard the rumblings since Thomas was getting the engineers working with other builders wound up. She and Steve also called each council member and explained what was happening, including the one who didn’t like Tamara. Thankfully, the majority of the council understood and agreed to stay out of the mess. The one who didn’t like Tamara grumbled, but he couldn’t argue with Robert’s logic and knowledge of building code, so he eventually accepted what they told him. Her entire day was shot, but they’d managed to cut everything off before it could grow into a bigger deal.
She’d saved her last phone call for the end of the day. She would put Thomas in his place. He answered after two rings. He must have been expecting her call.
“Hello, Tamara,” he said in a smug voice.
If she rolled her eyes any harder, she’d give herself a headache. She stood and stared out of her office window to the walking path in front of town hall where her office was located. “Robert already explained why your changes weren’t approved. We’ve explained the code difference to both the town manager, the mayor and the rest of council. I don’t play favorites and it would be in your best interest to never try to drag my name through the mud to get what you want.”
The line was silent for a few seconds before he answered. “I just wanted to make sure everything was on the up-and-up.”
“No, you just wanted to cause a problem. The next time you have questions about a project, discuss them with my staff, not another contractor. And don’t you ever spread rumors questioning my integrity.”
He must have heard the anger in her voice because when he spoke again, he tried to sound worried. “I’m sorry. I just want to make sure you’re okay.”
“It’s not your job to make sure I’m okay.”
“But I care about you, Tamara. I don’t want to see you hurt.”
The fake concern in his voice made her want to throw up. “Then don’t hurt my reputation by lying about me.”
“You can’t trust him, Tamara.” All concern was gone. Now he sounded just plain desperate. “Remember what I told you about my nose.”
“I remember. And he told me why he broke it. Do I need to call his cousin for a second opinion?”
Silence before he spoke. “He’ll leave you. Just like his dad left his mom. He’s not trustworthy.”
If he thought that would work, he really didn’t know her or Andre. Andre had been true to the promise he’d made when they’d agreed to keep seeing each other. He was open and honest about his feelings. When he was having a shitty day and knew he wouldn’t be good company, he told her. When he was having a great day and wanted her to know about it, he called and they talked for hours. The same went for her. He understood when she might be cranky after a council meeting and not in the mood to talk or when she was excited about how a meeting with the public had gone and wanted to celebrate. He wasn’t just her lover, he was also her friend again.
“I trust him,” she said. “That’s all that matters. My relationship is not your concern. Don’t call me unless it’s about work. Goodbye, Thomas.”
She hung up the phone.
ASSOONAShe’d gotten the call from the mayor updating him on the spreading rumors that he’d used his relationship with Tamara to get things approved on his project, Andre had been livid. He’d considered calling Thomas and reminding him that he would be happy to give him a repeat of that black eye from high school, but he wasn’t a hotheaded kid who used his fists when he got upset anymore. He was sticking around Peachtree Cove, and he was going to prove to everyone that he was a man they could trust and respect. He explained what happened to Miriam, and she understood, saying Tamara had already given her the same explanation.
His heart had swelled, knowing she had defended him already. Other than his mom, he wasn’t used to someone standing up for him. Tamara had checked and verified that his decision with the Sheetrock was the right one and supported him and her staff. Just as he knew she would. It was part of the reason he liked her so much.
After Miriam, he spoke to the sub who’d started the entire mess. Andre made it abundantly clear that what happened on their job site was their business. Talking about changes they made could easily be misinterpreted and cause problems. The sub understood, and Andre made it clear that if it happened again, he’d be looking for someone else to work with in the future.
He had to get a permit for another project at town hall at the end of the day and decided to go up and see Tamara before leaving. He wanted to check in on her even though he knew she would be okay. Tamara wasn’t one to back down or be easily cowed by a few baseless rumors. Still, he knew she didn’t want their relationship to threaten her job. A small part of him worried if this would have her question being with him again.
Tamara’s door was closed, but he could hear her voice on the other side. He raised his hand to knock when the muffled sound of her words came through. “I trust him. That’s all that matters. My relationship is not your concern. Don’t call me unless it’s about work. Goodbye, Thomas.”
She was talking to Thomas? Had to be about him and the mess Thomas had tried to start. He didn’t care about her talking to Thomas. Nothing about that dude threatened Andre or his feelings about his relationship with Tamara. He trusted her. The thought surprised him as it sunk in. He hadn’t allowed himself to trust anyone for so long. Hearing her say that she trusted him opened the pathway to his own realization.
