Page 42 of Fighting for the Forbidden
“We’ve lost a few.”
“Already?”
“The rumour’s gone around that wages might not be paid, and a few of the newer ones have jumped ship.”
“Christ.”
“Bert’s also handed his notice in.”
“Are you shitting me?” Bert worked with Steve on the contracts. We’ll be fucked with both him and Steve gone.
“I tried to convince him to stay, but his son’s set up on his own and he said it was the perfect time to support him.”
“Fabulous. He’s helping the competition,” I say with a strained laugh. “What are we going to do?”
“Chris said he might know someone who could help?” I bite my tongue from asking what he knows about the building industry. I soon realise that I’ve no idea how to fix this, so if Chris knows a guy, then it’s more than I’ve got. “Plus, I guess it frees up office space so we can—”
“Are the garages still full of Dad’s crap?” I ask, remembering something Lauren said to me on the way home.
“Yeah, why?”
“What do you think about converting it into offices? We could apply for planning to extend to the side, so we’d have stores. It wouldn’t be perfect, and it might not be a long-term solution, but it would save us some serious cash in the long run.”
“I think…” She trails off, walking over to the window to look out at the driveway and the garages I mentioned. “I think we’ve got enough space for a few vans out there. We could pave some of the grass if need be. I think it’s perfect, Ben.”
“Are you sure? I don’t want to crash your home, but it might be the new lease of life the business needs.”
“It’s not my home anymore, Ben. This place belongs to you, remember?”
“I know, but—”
“No buts. If you want to move the business here, that’s your call to make. Just give me some warning before you decide to kick me out as well.”
“I won’t do that. This is your home.”
“It was. It was my home when your dad was here with me. It’s only been a house since then.” The honesty in her voice makes my heart ache. I had no idea she felt the same way about this place that I did. “It deserves to be a home once again. I’d love nothing more than for you to raise a family of your own here.”
A giant lump climbs up my throat at the idea of living here with Lauren and starting a life together. I’ve no idea what she sees for her future and if I’m in it, but I know exactly what I want, and it seems Mum does too.
I nod, unable to speak around the lump blocking my throat.
“I’ll leave you to sleep. I just needed to tell you what was going on.”
“I appreciate it. Thank you,” I manage to get out before she leaves the room.
“Jesus,” I mutter, rubbing my hand over my face.
The prescription painkillers Mum gave me work like a charm, because as soon as I find a semi-comfortable position, I’m out like a light.
