Page 16 of Love Under Construction

“It’s settled then,” Trey assures me. “You got a few minutes to come in for a drink before you go? It’s a wonder Vicki hasn’t already come out here to yell at us.”

I chuckle. “I wish I could. I’ve got to get the truck back to my dad and get my ass back to the airport.”

“Next time then. I’ll call you tomorrow night to work out more details about my time in New York.”

“Perfect. Thanks again,” I give Trey a bro hug and hop back in the truck.

* * *

Mr. Hawthorne’swords are still playing on a loop in my head Monday afternoon.

Mr. H’s words do not convince me. Not with how hot and cold Liv was all weekend. One minute I think she’s letting me in, leaning on me. The next she’s pushing me away and wishing I’d get out of her hair.

One thing is for sure; Liv’s going to need meor someone, in the coming days. No matter how strong she is, she’ll need to know she’s not alone and judging by the little interaction I had with her mom over the weekend; I don’t think Liv is going to get the nurturing she’ll need from Mrs. H.

Shaking thoughts of Liv from my head, I try hard to focus on the job at hand. We’re running half a day behind because of the goof up with the doorways. After a long lecture from me, I think I’ve finally got these guys back on track. While Elijah and some of the guys fix the messed up doorways, the other half of the team has closed off one room already on the East side of the building. Soon these rooms will start to look like adaptive classrooms, much like Liv envisioned.

At the end of the workday, I find myself wishing that Liv’s could be here to see how much progress we’ve made.

Pulling out my phone, I snap a picture of the one closed in rooms and send it to her.

Me: Soon...they’ll be children floating through this room. Learning, growing. Because of you. Can you envision it?

She doesn’t answer right away, and I desperately hope that it's not because something’s wrong.

I’m relieved when she finally responds after I’ve gotten home and showered all the day’s dirt off.

Liv: I’m not sure I thanked you for your part in bringing The Mason Center to life. You’re moving full steam ahead it seems.

I want her to know how invested I am into seeing this through.

Me: If I had known about this project, I would have been the first bid and done all I could to have gotten it off the ground sooner. How’s Pops?

Liv: He’s...okay? I don’t know how to describe it. We spent some time talking today, reminiscing. I read a book to him while he rested.

Me: Wish I could be in two places at once. If you need anything, will you let me know?

Liv: I still don’t get why you’re doing all of this.

Me: I don’t know why either :p … Joking. It’s hard not to like you Liv. Even with all your sass.

Liv: Snort. I’m not sure how likable I am right now. Ask my mom; she’s still disappointed that I don’t roll out of bed dressed to the nines for the day.

Me: I think your mom is grasping for control of anything that she can at the moment because so much is spiraling out of her control. Ya know? I’m sure it’s still very annoying. But you two are in this together. Remember that.

Even though I wish I could shake some sense into her mother, and I question her ability to nurture Liv, I hope they can pull together.

Liv: I guess you’re right oh wise one. Thanks for checking in. I’m going to eat something and try to rest for a little bit while Dad sleeps.

Me: I’m here. I mean that. Rest well, Liv.

Heading into the kitchen to make myself some food, I take a detour and flip on the tv in the living room for background noise. I’m busy listening toSports Centerwhile cooking up some chicken when there’s a knock at my door. I flip my chicken over and turn the heat down just a little, so it doesn’t burn and head to check to see who could be outside my place.

Looking through the peephole, I sigh.Sara.

I open the door, only slightly and block her from coming inside.

“Hey, Sara. What’s up?”

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