Page 4 of The Beachgoers
“Over near the marsh. A big old bungalow. Could be a major project.”
“You need me on it today?” Neil asks, dragging a hand through his windblown hair, tucking those dog tags beneath his tee. “If you give me a few minutes to clean up, I’ll go with you.”
“No, I’ve got this one,” Jason tells him as he lowers his sunglasses to his face. “Why don’t you just go inside and chill. Unpack.Andbe ready to work tomorrow.”
“All right, boss. I’ll make up for any lost time. Don’t mind swingin’ a hammer on a Saturday.”
“We really need to. Because between our flip and this potential job, we’ll finally be able to get that new studio and workshop.”
“Sweet, Jay. Business will be legit.” Standing beside his Harley, Neil boots up the kickstand, grabs the handlebars and carefully walks the bike toward the old barn behind the house.
As he does, Jason turns the key in his truck’s ignition. Before taking off, though, he throws a glance over at Neil. Neil catches it, so Jason gives a wave before putting the truck in reverse. Backing down the long driveway, he talks to himself, too. Says only three words as he gives one last look at Neil headed into the barn.
“God damn it,” Jason whispers, as though he knows trouble’s on the way with Kyle and Lauren now. And Neil.
Ready or not, like it or not.
