Page 30 of The Rest is History

“Hey, kid. What’s up? You done with that stump up top?” He casts his eyes to Reece.

“Yeah, Deacon’s clearing now.”

“Nice. We’re making good progress on this one, eh?”

“Sure are. Bren, office people sent someone down here.” I point to Reece, who holds out his hand awkwardly.

Brennan dusts his hands on his jeans and looks at Reece questioningly. “Inspection or somethin’?”

“No,” Reece says quickly. “No. I – I’m looking for a job? They said you might have something for me.”

“He’s Asher’s friend,” I say. “We suggested he go to the office and ask.”

They shake hands. “Oh. Okay, then. You and Asher recommended—?” Brennan looks at me and lets out a chuckle. “Reece, was it?” he asks in Reece’s direction.

“Yes. Reece Carter.”

“Right. Right. Okay. Reece, give me a minute with Sawyer. You can wait over there.” He points to his mobile office off to the left, several feet away.

I look at Reece. Why is he so nervous? This is the easiest job anyone can get. And Brennan is the most laid back guy in the world.

“Take a seat inside, no problem,” Brennan says. “I think I’ve got some bottled water in there if you want.”

“Yes. Yes, of course. Thank you.”

As soon as Reece is out of earshot, Brennan puts his arm around my shoulder and steers me further away from the mobile office.

“You recommended him?” he asks with a raised eyebrow.

I laugh. “What? Somethin’ wrong with him?”

It’s Bren’s turn to laugh. “Sawyer, don’t fuck with me. That boy looks like he would cry if his nail broke.”

“Shut the fuck up, Bren. That aint’ right. And he’s not a boy. He’s almost thirty.”

“Aint’ never seen a man so pretty in my life but that’s beside the point. He’s Asher’s friend, you said? Where’s he from?”

“Arizona. Look, Bren, I’m gonna shoot straight with you here. He’s an accountant, okay? He’s got a nice, rich dad over there, but he’s trying to make it on his own. Starting from scratch and all that. I know he looks a little . . .” What’s the word? . . . “Polished. But let him work with me. I’ll show him the ropes. He’ll be fine. Just give him a chance.”

“You sure? ’Cos I aint’ sure.”

“I’m sure. Everyone has a story, Bren. Everyone needs a chance, right?”

“Right. Right. Okay. I’ll put him next to you.”

I give Brennan a grateful pat on the back. “Thanks, Bren. I owe you one.”

He laughs. “Just tell Asher to bring home the championship this year again. We’re on a winning streak.”

“I’ll tell him. Go, Eagles.”

“Let me get him some paperwork. Reece, right?”

“Yeah.”

Brennan chuckles. “Even his name is pretty.”

Brian and I are sitting under the shade cloth with our early lunch when Reece comes out of Brennan’s office.

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