Page 209 of Banter & Blushes

“Neither, thank you. I’m happy with it, just as it is.” Looking around the dated but well-maintained restaurant, he nodded his head, “great place you have here. Have you owned it long?”

“Thirty years this spring. Oh, gosh… actually, thirty-five?” She looked at her friend for agreement. “Time certainly flies.” She took a long drink from her coffee. “Have you been in construction long?”

“Uh,” he thought, “forty-plus years now. Had my company for about thirty.”

Joe’s eyes lit up, “So, Mitch. Tell us about yourself. Married, single, looking?” She rattled off the list.

“Right to the point, aren’t you?”

Elva felt her face flush. “Don’t mind her. This is a business meeting, after all.”

“I don’t mind. Not one bit.” He took a sip of his hot coffee, soaking in the mellow flavor. “Divorced for forty years, married to my work, one could say. I have one grown daughter and a dog.” He answered like he was in the hot seat.

Taking mental notes, Josephine nodded. “Elva isn’t married either. Or seeing anyone. Completely single.”

Completely?Elva raised her eyebrows in response.

“Not even a dog,” Joe added.

“Okay, thanks Joe,” she tried not to laugh. “We should probably get to the purpose of the meeting, don’t you think?” She was hoping her friend would back her up.

“This seems like a worthwhile purpose,” she grinned back at Elva from behind her coffee mug.

Clearing her throat, she pulled out a pen and paper. “So, Mr. Mitchell,” she began.

“Mitch, please.” His eyes insisted.

“Mitch,” she corrected, “your bid was considerably less than the others. I’m just going to cut to the chase about it, if you don’t mind.”

“Not at all. Efficient. I like it.”

“Are you planning to use sub-par supplies or are you not going to pay your crew? I don’t understand how your bid is so much less.” She waited for him to explain.

“You are good.” He smiled before continuing. “I can assure that everyone will be paid and we use only the best supplies we can find. When Cal called me and explained what your group was trying to do for your town, I was intrigued. A few years back, I got certified as an EMT myself and then as a firefighter. It was never a career I saw myself in, but I volunteer my time when I’m able at the station near my house up north. I can say it’s one of the most rewarding things I’ve done, aside from raising my Penny. I see this project as a way to give back even more, so I discounted my personal labor time to free and I’m confident I can work out a deal with Cal to get supply prices decently low depending on the market when this project finally gets the green light. I also know that you’re looking for funding and that takes time. Fortunately for you, I have a lot of time.”

“Really?” Elva was nearly speechless, which rarely happened. “You’re a contractor, EMT, and fireman? It sounds like time is the last thing you have.”

“I work out a lot too, I think it’s important to take care of oneself especially at our age,” he winked at Joe who’s head was turned to the side trying to figure out what his faded tattoo was across his muscular bicep that peeked out below his rolled shirt sleeve.

Nodding her head up and down, Elva tried to get back to their apparent business meeting. “I don’t want you to end up at a loss over this project.”

“The idea of building a station for you and to help so many by cutting down on response time for any major health concern is a wonderful opportunity to give back. And I have a feeling that I’m going to gain way more than I’d ever lose.”

“That’s very admirable of you, Mitch.” Joe’s face was resting on her hand while she stared at him, hanging on every word. “You are just a breath of fresh air, aren’t you?”

“Yes, well,” Elva cut off her friend trying to reroute the conversation, “do you have questions for us about the project?” She offered.

“I know you’re waiting on funding, so the timeline isn’t exact. But I assume you’d like this built as soon as possible?”

Nodding her head she agreed, “does that work with your current project schedule?”

“I’ll make it work.” He took out his notebook and jotted down a few notes. “Do you have a location picked out?”

Ruffling through her folders, she pulled her readers down onto her face to find the property sheet. “Yes, here it is.” She pulled the sheet out, “it’s owned by the town already, so it’s just a matter of getting it approved for the site.” She looked up to find him smiling at her.

“I’m sorry,” he tried to lower his gaze, but he was locked on her, “I’m not sure quite what’s wrong with me,” he cleared his throat and took the paper from her to look over the property information to compare to the building plans. “Yes. I think this is a very efficient use of space, which will be very important for a well-run station.” Mitch nodded his head in agreement with his own assessment. When it came to work talk, he was all business. All measurements and plans, lumber costs and labor. But something felt different about this project right out of the gate. Something felt different about today.He felt different.More at ease. Softer even. His eyes blinked more, his heart rate normally beating fast and ready to go felt quieter. Looking into Elva’s eyes made him feel at ease. Which was something he didn't remember feeling in a very long time.

“Everything in its place,” Joe chimed in, watching the two look at one another. Never one to be involved in any matchmaking herself, she watched Elva set up couple after couple over the years. She was giddy with excitement. Elva looked from her friend to their guest.

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