Page 16 of Generation Lost

“Can I ask a favor?” Grant turned to look at three men standing behind him.

“You can ask me anything,” said Grant.

“We’ve been living out of our cars for a while now. Would it be alright if we camped here? We won’t make a mess, and we can watch the area at night for you.” Tru and Brooke stared at Grant, watching his wheels turn.

“If you have tents and would like to camp here, you have my permission. But what I’d really like to do is put you up in a temporary apartment until we can get you something of your own.” Tru gave a nod and a smile to Grant. She knew that Mr. Matthew would have wanted it this way as well.

“You can’t be serious. It’s just for a week or two until we get paid. We don’t want you to go to all that trouble. There’s space for us to camp out here, and there’s running water.”

“There is,” nodded Grant. “You have my permission to run any electricity to the boxes we’ve got up and running. If this is what you’d prefer, I understand. I just want you to be comfortable and well-rested in the mornings. I need for you to stay safe, and we need a safe job site.”

“I can’t thank you enough, Mr. Zimmerman,” said the younger man.

“It’s just Grant.” He looked around at the others, all enjoying their meals. “Are there others? Are there more than just the three of you sleeping in your cars?”

“I think so,” whispered the young man. “I can’t say for sure, sir. But I think so.”

Grant walked away to make a phone call, and Tru handed the young man a plate of food.

“Thank you, ma’am. Is he really like this all the time?”

“He is,” smiled Tru. “Our whole team is. My husband and Brooke’s husband all work for the company doing different things.”

“Different things? Different than construction?” he asked.

“Yes. We own a lot of different businesses.” She smiled at the young man as he nodded. “Eat up while it’s hot.”

As the men and women finished their meals and got back to work, Grant made a point of walking around and telling them what a great job they were doing and how beautiful their work was. He believed in constantly supporting and encouraging his employees, coaching them when needed, and ensuring that they truly wanted to work for him. When the sun began to settle low in the sky, they all looked up, shocked by what they saw.

“Quitting time!” he yelled through the bullhorn. “Gather around.”

“What’s going on?” asked the same young man from earlier.

“Well, I’ve been thinking that I might need constant security here on the site. I know it’s a lot to ask, but if anyone would be willing to stay here, I’ve had those twelve travel trailers brought in. They all have their own kitchens, space for up to four people to sleep, a bathroom, everything. I’ll make sure there are generators to run the electricity, and we’ll have a sewer truck to come out and pump the bathrooms at least once a week. You can connect to our water source here. It would be a big favor for me if you or anyone is willing.”

The three men from earlier stepped forward right away, nodding at their new boss.

“I’d be happy to,” said a woman. “I’m not married, no kids, and I’m living in a motel near the interstate. This is much better for me.”

“Perfect,” nodded Grant.

In all, he had fourteen volunteers for the trailers. Two women decided to bunk together, and two men took one together. All were either living out of their cars or in not-so-desirable temporary housing.

“You folks get a good night’s rest. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Mr. Grant,” called the young man, walking toward him. “We can’t thank you enough. I can’t thank you enough. I feel like my world just took a major turn for the good.”

“You’re a hard worker, and I’m lucky to have you on my job site,” smiled Grant. “Remind me of your name again.”

“Albert. Al. My friends call me Al.”

“Al,” nodded Grant. “Get a good hot shower and relax. You’ll find that the trailers are all stocked. I’ll see you in the morning.”

As Grant drove away, the others began settling into their new homes. The trailers had been placed in an old-fashioned wagon circle, making it like a small community. They couldn’t believe how beautiful the insides were. Fresh linens, comfortable beds, and, just as he’d promised, fully stocked cabinets and refrigerators.

“Are we dreaming?” asked one of the women.

“If we are, don’t fucking wake me up.”

---