Page 55 of Loving Josy
Esteban leans back, crossing his arms. “Huh. I didn’t think I’d ever hear you say that.”
“Why?” I ask, narrowing my eyes.
He shrugs. “You’re like a work robot. ‘Must build. Must fix. Must avoid feelings.’” He does a stiff, jerky impression of me that’s so bad it’s almost funny.
I roll my eyes. “Thanks for that. But seriously, I’ve been feeling it. And I’m guessing you have too.”
His smirk falters, and for a moment, he looks as tired as I feel. “Yeah,” he admits. “I’ve been running on fumes. Between the workload and my neighbor’s future drum prodigy, I’m about ready to snap. I haven’t even had time to find myself a lady to spend the night with.”
“So let’s do something about it,” I say. “Hire a manager. Someone to take over projects, deal with clients, and let us step back a little.”
He whistles low. “A manager. That’s a big move. What if we hire another genius like last year’s guy?”
I groan, the memory of that disaster flashing through my mind. “We’ll vet them better this time. No hammering screws.”
“Or using a level as a straightedge,” Esteban adds, grimacing.
“Or leaving coffee rings on the blueprints.”
We exchange a look, both of us cringing at the parade of idiots we’ve dealt with. Then Esteban sighs, rubbing the back of his neck. “Okay, let’s do it. But if we end up with another screw-hammer guy, I’m holding you personally responsible.”
“Fair enough,” I say, grinning. “Now let’s get back to work before you start reciting the entire list of past disasters.”
“Too late,” he says with a wicked grin. “Remember the guy who thought you could paint a wall without taping off the edges? Freehand, baby.”
I groan, shaking my head. But as we dive back into work, I feel a sense of relief. The thought of lightening the load—and spending more time with Josy and Everly—makes me feel a little lighter.
I’ve been so worried that I won’t have enough time for my girls. Time is flying so fast, and July will be here before I know it. I’ve got nothing ready yet. As it is, we’re already in the middle of April, and Josy is six months pregnant. We’ve spent nearly every free moment together these past weeks, getting to know each other again.
I love everything about her; the good, the messy, even the scared part of her that’s still fighting to accept that we’re a done deal. I don’t think she realizes it yet, but wearea couple. She might not have said it out loud, but actions speak louder than words. We’re together, whether she wants to admit it or not.
We spend all our time with each other, and I’ve even spent nights holding her in my arms. Those nights are everything to me. Feeling her soft, warm skin against mine is the kind of peace I didn’t know I needed.
We haven’t been intimate since Christmas, and that’s okay. I’m giving her all the time she needs. I’d rather suffer through the worst case of blue balls than rush her into something she’snot ready for. And trust me, it’s been thelongestfour months of my life.
Having her so close, watching her grow my baby, seeing how stunning she looks in those dresses that hug her curves... It’s killing me. But I’ve been strong. I have to be. For my girls, I’d do anything.
My phone pings, and I grab it from my back pocket.
Austin: Can we meet for drinks today?
Esteban: Dude, I’m so tired today, but for you, I’ll make it happen.
Me: Sure. Is everything okay?
Austin: Yes. I just need a little bro time.
I hear footsteps in the hallway and glance up to see Esteban, phone in hand, rubbing the back of his neck.
“Dude,” he says, lowering his voice like we’re about to uncover some classified information, “why do I feel like Austin’s about to drop some serious news on us?”
I nod, already feeling the same. “Yeah, he’s got that vibe. Like when he made us meet him for lunch last year just to tell us Violet had a stalker messing with her.”
“Exactly! Cryptic Austin is never just casual. Let’s hope this time it’s good news,” Esteban says, his face a mix of curiosity and apprehension.
“Fingers crossed.”
As he heads to the kitchen, I pull up Josy’s text thread and shoot her a message.
