Page 3 of Love Under Construction

“We all tried to tell you Charlene wasn’t a good fit man. You should take advice from your friends once in a while.” I laugh.

Harley mumbles something then says, “Let’s just vow to never speak of her again, too, while we’re at it.”

“Jeez, feels like living at home with my parents. Do I have a curfew too, Dad?”

“You know, I forgot what a wiseass you are.”

I jokingly blow kisses at Harley, “You know you love me, man.”

He snorts in reply. “Shut up and watch the game, would ya?”

* * *

Collapsingthe last of the cardboard boxes, I toss it on the recycling pile near the front door of the apartment and head for the shower.

I still have a list of things I need to do before this new construction project begins. Starting with finding housing for my crew that’s coming up from Georgia. That can wait til Monday. Tonight Harley mentioned there was some kind of Memorial Day party going on for the residences up on the rooftop deck. He suggested I check it out. Unfortunately, I’ll be flying solo because Harley’s working third shift down at the precinct.

Moving here is probably the craziest damn thing I’ve ever done, I’m still not sure that the city is any place for this country boy, but after spending nearly two years away fromher, I started looking for the perfect opportunity to move my business. J.L.Phoenix Construction has done well since I graduated from college and opened its doors. So well, that I was able to leave one of my foremen back home to run a smaller version of the company in our home town, while I expanded North.

This project I put a bid on is a unique one and from the details I have, it’s going to be time-consuming. My company wasn’t the only company to make a bid on it either. We were only hired when the first company fell through. I hope that completing this job with the skill and professionalism I know my guys have, will gain us some traction up here. Otherwise, I’ll be taking my ass right back to the country when this is all said and done.

Something I don’t plan on doing unless I’m bringingherwith me.

Trying not to think about work right now, I quickly get myself together. Twenty minutes later, I’m showered and dressed. I grab the snack food from the counter, and the case of beer Harley suggested I bring. I’m not usually a people person, per se, but I figure it won’t hurt to get to know my new neighbors.

One of which I’ve managed to avoid crossing paths with her for my first week here. Heading out before she wakes up, coming home long after she’s gone to bed, wasn’t intentional. I realize this may make me sound like a real creeper, but I’m pretty sure fate had a hand in the fact that somehow the only other friend I have in this big city happens to be living in the apartment right next door to Olivia. When Harley was telling me about the other tenants and Liv’s name came up, I had to work hard to school my expression. That last thing I need is an old college buddy trying to play matchmaker.

I take the elevator to the rooftop deck, when the elevator dings and the doors open there she is, standing right on the other side of the threshold. There’s no more hiding when her eyes lock with mine as I step onto the patio.

“Jameson,” she practically growls.

“Liv! Fancy seeing you here,” I feign surprise. “What are the odds?”

My whole childhood our parents pushed me to look after her, and I tried - only to make up for it by screwing things up the very next day. Every time. When she left, things changed. I think I finally woke up and realized what I was missing all along. Not that it would matter.

The young woman next to her elbows her in the side and gives me a shy smile. “Olivia! Do you know this fine specimen? Don’t be rude; introduce me!”

Here we go.

“No. He’s not important. And certainly not someone you need to meet,” Liv sends a death glare my way, and I can’t help but smile.

Shuffling things in my arms I extend my hand to the brunette, I wink, “Aww don’t pay her any mind, I’m Jameson. Liv and I are good friends. We go way back. And you are?”

“Tilly,” she stumbles over her words as her face flushes.

I can’t help but wonder just how much my new friend Tilly has had to drink already.

“Tilly. Pleasure you meet you. If you’ll excuse me, I’m just going to step over there,” I nod to the refreshments, “and set all this stuff down.”

Tilly giggles like a schoolgirl and waves, “I’m sure I’ll see you around.”

There’s one in every crowd.

After I’ve dropped off my contribution to tonight’s shindig, I grab myself a beer and crack the top. Jake, the maintenance guy who I’ve run into a few times, finds me and briefly introduces me to his lady and a few of their friends and conversation flows smoothly. As everyone mingles, I’m introduced to more people, and I can only hope that I’ll remember their names later. That is if I could focus on anything but Olivia’s icy glare - following my every move.

I’m pleasantly surprised when she corners me after the burgers and dogs have finished grilling, and everyone is stuffing their faces.

“What. Are. You. Doing. Here?” She grits out.

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