But that’s bullshit.
Of course it’s worth it. This Montague job is the biggest one of my career. The kind of job that makes a name for you if you get it right. If I knock this out of the park, I won’t have to chase work anymore because clients will be lining up around the damn block.
And my guys need this. Work’s been slow, and we’ve been taking jobs that are way below our skill level just to keep the lights on.
I drag a hand through my hair, flicking another glance at the guys by the door. Damn, but they’re dedicated in their quest. Already onto a new smoke, and right now, it’s looking mighty tempting.
Anything to shut off the thoughts racing in my brain.
What do I do? What the fuck do I do?
I shift against the wall, tapping the back of my head lightly against the brick, like it might knock an answer loose.
I need the money. Twenty-five grand, even split between my crew, is a hell of a bonus this time of year.
And let’s be honest, Kiki could use it too. It’s not likepeople in Sparkwood are lining up for her services. She needs the work as much as I do.
So even if we can’t stand the sight of one another, even if the best we manage on that job site is a few words of cordial banality, I know she can bring Montague’s vision to life.
And I hate that I don’t have any other option but to call her.
I scrub a hand over my jaw, exhaling through my nose.
Fine.
If that means putting up with her for a few months, then that’s what I’ll do. I can keep it professional. Keep my distance. Treat her like what she is now—someone I used to know, nothing more.
Because my son is my first, last, and only priority.
Kiki is just part of the job. A piece I have to deal with for a while. A few months, maybe. Then it’s done, and I never have to see her again.
I push off the wall and blow out a slow breath as I pull my phone from my pocket.
Let’s get this over with so I can head back inside, get out of the fucking cold, and buy myself a much-needed drink.
I flip through my contacts, my thumb hovering over her name, my pulse kicking up despite my best effort to remain steady.
Come on, Eddie. Don’t fall apart. Just sound normal. Cool, flat, completely unaffected.
I tap.
Kiki answers on the second ring. “Eddie? Oh my God. How are you?”
A few words out of her mouth and I’m already wrecked, my grip tightening like a vise around the phone as I stare out at the dark street.
This is not going well.
“Yeah, I’m fine.” I don’t bother asking how she is. Truth is, I don’t want to know.
“How are things with you and Deirdre? Are you two better?”
Her questions throw me, and I pull the phone away from my ear, shooting it a side-eye.
Why the hell does she care how things are between me and my ex-wife?
“They’re okay, I guess. Not sure why you’re asking.”
“Oh.” Her voice falters. “I just thought… never mind. My mistake.”
