Page 34 of Summer Heat
I checked that the phone was still recording, then refocused on Maya. She lifted the hammer, which appeared to be smaller than the one that Shep was holding, and swung it in an arc through the air, striking the tub.
Maya lowered the hammer. "It didn't break."
"Try again. But swing it harder this time. Pretend you're really angry at someone."
This time, Maya swung it harder, and the tub cracked.
"There you go. You're doing it."
Maya's lips were pursed in concentration as she swung a few more times, each strike hitting the tub with more force.
I was mesmerized by her determination and perseverance. I didn't think she'd do it, much less keep doing it. I was proud of her.
On the last swing, Shep lifted her goggles. "You did it."
"Now what?" Maya asked.
"We keep destroying stuff until I can carry it out. Everything in this room will be removed so that we can bring in new things."
"Are we going to get a new house?" Maya asked sweetly, looking up at him. She'd grown to trust him in only a few short days.
"You're going to get a new home. I just don't know what it will look like yet." Shep dropped to his knees in front of her. "But I bet you can pick it out with your mom."
Maya looked over at me. I was off camera. "Can we get a new home, Mommy?"
"That's the plan," I said lightly, not wanting to consider moving out. I'd begun to think of it as our home, which was reckless.
Then I hit End on the video because I was feeling emotional. Who knew demoing a bathroom would bring up so many feelings?
"I'd say this is a good first start. What do you think, Momma?" Shep's gaze flitted to mine.
"Sure is," I said, hoping my voice didn't crack. We needed this reprieve from our life. We needed some time to regroup.
I hadn't even lifted a hammer, and the act of breaking the tub's surface was cathartic, even for me.
"I'm proud of you, Maya. You did such a great job. You're going to be a great contractor one day." Shep furrowed his brow. "I forgot the most important part of your uniform."
He ducked past me into his room and returned with a small hard hat that he fixed to her head. This time, I snapped a picture of her looking up at him while he set the hat on her head. Her gaze was so trusting, and his was filled with affection.
My heart couldn't take any more of these interactions.
Chapter Ten
Shep
I'd never taught anyone what to do on a construction site. It was my dad's job to guide my younger brothers, and he never involved my sister, much to her frustration.
So it was nice to show Maya how to demo a bathroom for the first time. It was different looking through her eyes.
I tried to ignore the phone on the stand that was recording our every move. Most of the footage wouldn't be aired. I doubted that anyone would want to watch me teach Maya how to wield a hammer. Surely, these videos were amateur at best.
The popular rehab shows on TV were probably scripted. The hosts swung the hammer once, and the viewers assumed they had a hand in every aspect of the renovation. But in reality, there was a skilled crew completing the work.
When Maya needed a break, I took over while she stood in the entryway, observing me. I was able to make quick work of the tub. Then I began peeling the tile off the wall.
It was tedious but satisfying work. I was clearing out the space for something better. It felt good.
When I lifted my goggles and wiped the sweat from my brow, I caught Kinsley's gaze lower to my stomach.
