Page 25 of Cut up
They both answer in unison. “Sure.”
“Well… I need some help getting my stuff from Sean’s. I really don’t want to face him alone, especially after what happened last night. I don’t know when he’ll be out again, so I just need to rip the band-aid off and get my things. Would you guys please help me? Whatever time works for you.”
Lucas steps in immediately. “Yeah, course we’ll help. We’re free now, but I know you’ve got work soon, right?” I nod. “How about tomorrow?” He continues. “You’re welcome to stay here tonight if you want, but either way, we can head over to get your stuff in the morning and get you settled. Sound good?”
Uh,this man. He’s so kind.
“Thanks. I won’t stay tonight. I’ve already paid for the motel, and all my clothes are there. Plus, Gizmo’s still there. But I’ll come back in the morning after check-out, and we can head over together, if that’s okay? I seriously appreciate you helping me.”
Lucas looks like he’s about to say something, but Tyler chimes in first. “That sounds great, Cammie. I’m glad you took up the offer. How cool is this? We’re gonna be roommates for a bit!” He laughs, and I can’t help but laugh with him.
“Alright, guys. I’ll message you in the morning with an update.”
They both walk me out to my car.
Lucas gives me a big hug before I go, and I don’t really want to let go.
As I drive to work, my stomach’s full of butterflies.
A little nervous. A lot excited.
Tomorrow’s going to be a big day.
17
Living the dream
I end up getting caught up with paperwork after Camille leaves.
This is one of the tough parts about running your own business. When things come up unexpectedly, you’re the one who has to deal with it.
I recently finished my Bachelor of Engineering, on top of my carpentry trade I did in high school.
Between the two, I’ve learned to handle almost every aspect of building a home. Carpentry is still my main hands-on focus when we’ve got a project going, but now, with engineering under my belt, my team and I can take on bigger builds like commercial jobs, industrial spaces, large-scale projects. I do all the design work in-house now, which streamlines everything.
I started this business six years ago. It’s my passion. There’s something deeply satisfying about turning someone’s dream intosomething real—something solid and lasting. And yeah, it helps that it pays bloody well, too. Career-wise, I’m living the dream.
I’m getting closer to a stage in my life where I’ll have more free time, and then I can start building the rest of my life the way I want.
I built this house with that larger goal in mind, a big home to grow into. To build a family in.
Even though I’m not ready for that right now, I can picture it so clearly.
A couple of kids running through the halls. Toys scattered across the floor. Mess in the kitchen. Laughter echoing in the backyard while I chase little feet around. My wife, holding our babies in her arms.
Camille smiling at me with love in her eyes.
Camille? I shake my head. What the fuck Lucas? I’ve known her for, what? Twelve hours? And I’m picturing her holding my babies?
I need to calm the fuck down. No strings. Remember?
I don’t even have time for a relationship right now. She’s doesn’t want anything serious, not after what she’s just been through. She’s not ready, and neither am I.
Wiping my hand down my face, I end my last client call and head out back to the gym to blow off some steam.
I need to sweat this out and clear my head.
It’s way too soon to be thinking like this. I know that.
