Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 82747 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 414(@200wpm)___ 331(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82747 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 414(@200wpm)___ 331(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
"I'll speak with the company," I assure him.
Unlike Hammertime Construction, I've done my best to correct some of the things my father had done in the business that ensured it wouldn't last for generations. The company I just took delivery from changed hands and they seem to be doing the opposite, cutting corners wherever they can, and I just can't tolerate it. I won't continue to deal with a business that won't help my business grow. Life is too short for that.
If I have to go into town and pick up all the supplies I need after hand selecting them from the manufacturers, then I'll just have to do that. I won't have lesser quality work tainting my name because I might have to go out of my way to ensure the quality expected from us.
"Appreciate it, boss," he says with a quick dip of his head.
I fully expect him to go about his business. There's another small job across town that I have them slotted for to round out the rest of their day, but after the extension cord is wound and secure, he stands there watching me.
"What?" I snap, more irritation in my voice than I realized I felt. "Sorry."
He waves his hand as if it's no big deal. If anyone understands attitude, it's this guy.
"It's just..."
I pinch the bridge of my nose and shift my weight on my boots. Donnie isn't the one to just stand around and shoot the shit. That's more his brother's speed, so I know to pay attention when this man has something to say, although I get the feeling I'm not going to like what comes out of his mouth this time around.
"It's just what?" I nudge, wanting to get this over with.
"You were in a lot better mood yesterday."
I stare at him, waiting for him to get to the point.
"I mean when Riley was around. Not after she drove out of here like the devil was nipping at her heels. But before, during breakfast." He tosses the electrical cord toward the other tools they'll need to carry to the truck. "Right now, you look like a whipped puppy, like a man who lost something he doesn't know how to get back."
"You're right," I concede. "What do you know about it?"
Donnie shakes his head, a sad look on his face. "Not a damn thing. I've never been the best at reading people's intentions, and the times I thought I knew what was going on.. well, those are the times I got hurt the most."
I feel a tinge of pain for the guy. The sadness in his tone speaks of personal pain and loss, but I know better than to ask him what or who he's talking about because it would be a waste of energy. He isn't going to tell me anything personal unless he's in the mood to do so, and Donnie is never in the mood to be vulnerable with anyone. His twin, on the other hand, will share everything, especially the shit no one wants to hear.
"But anyway," he continues after a long sigh. "What else do you have going today?"
I lift my hand, scratching at the back of my neck.
Honestly, I had planned on checking in with them and doing some work, but now that I'm no longer sitting outside of Riley's house waiting for her to arrive, my skin is itchy. I'll probably end up right back over there.
"I think I may head back over to the house to do a little more cleanup. The company I had come in from the city did the bare fucking minimum, of course."
"Of course," Donnie says, irritated on my behalf. "If the soot is cleaned up, maybe hire a local company to do the rest."
I shake my head, doubting there's anyone who will clean to my satisfaction.
"I saw a flyer in town the other day," he continues. "Dust Bunnies or something like that. Maybe look 'em up and give them a call. I'm going to round the guys up and head across town."
"Let me know if you run into any problems," I tell him, but these guys have been working for me for years. They could probably run this company as well as I'm trying to without blinking.
I bend down, grab an arm full of stuff, and help him carry it back to their truck.
"Hey," Ronnie says as he comes from around the back of the vehicle. "Did Riley make breakfast again this morning?"
"No," I say quickly, needing to shift gears away from the woman because I’m already antsy from the night I had without her. "Is the issue you had with that Drocer woman going to cause me any problems when we close out that job?"
Ronnie tilts his head as if he's running through his interactions with her in order to answer the question accurately.