I know what I’m doing, but it requires all my skill to keep up my pace. And more than once, I end up distracted by listening to their conversation, and I have to swallow my pride to take instruction, guidance on how to do my job the way this crew expects it done.
Hope I’m not messing up the opportunity. I want the work, and I realize how much I want Sue’s respect, too.
The sun gets higher in the sky, beating down on us, and I pull my T-shirt off. I’m dripping sweat and buzzing with the satisfaction of getting shit done.
“Hey kid,” Sue says. “Do me a favor. Head downstairs and get us the other jug of water.”
I must bekid.
With a short wave, I agree and head down to the street level, back to grunt work like hauling water. As soon as I reach the bottom of the ladder, Nicholas appears.
“Oh!” he says. “Hi!”
I wipe the sweat off my forehead. I’m suddenly very aware of the fact that I don’t have a shirt on as people pass by, hurrying along the sidewalk and across the street.
“Hey.”
Nicholas smiles gently at me, and a light flush goes across his cheeks.
I strangle a groan.
Are my nipples hard?
Fuck. I think my nipples are hard.
“I’m working with Sue,” I say, gesturing up at the roof. “She needed someone to fill in.”
“That’s what I hear.”
Of course he knows. Everyone knows everything around here.
“How’s it being on Sue’s crew?”
“Awesome, actually,” I answer. “And honestly, I’m a little relieved. Nance scares the shit out of me, and she’s always dressed like she’s on a crew. I thought she might be there, too.”
Nicholas laughs. “She’s like you. Her scowl is actually harmless.”
I furrow my brow at him. “I rely on this scowl to keep people from bothering me,” I say, and Nicholas laughs.
“Nance has her own business,” he explains. “She makes doll furniture. Sue built her a workshop in their house.”
“Doll furniture?”
“It’s a very skilled trade.”
“I can only imagine. Human furniture is difficult enough.” I ease back on my heel, aware I’m taking too long, but I can’t help but extend the conversation just another minute. “How’s your day?” I ask.
“Good. We have a lot of orders. I’m off to grab a quick lunch with Finn.”
That’s the friend he was so excited to see. Frustration clenches in my gut, but I’m not sure why. It’s not like I want to meet Nicholas for lunch myself. And Nicholas has been clear that this guy is only his friend. Even if he were something more, it’s not my business. We’ve agreed that we’ll let each other know if either of us hooks up with someone else.
“Cool,” I say.
“He’s gathering information on my new competition. I’m helping him navigate the small-business world here. It’s a working lunch.”
I nod, way more relieved to hear that than I should be. “Glad you’ve got some eyes on the competition.”
Weird to see him on the street like this. Want to touch him.
