Page 10 of Glass & Groundwork
I heard a door close, and wondered if he was settling onto his bed, and imagined how sexy he might look, taking his glasses off and putting them next to his bed. An intrusive thought I absolutely didn’t need at the moment.
“I was serious about it, Jasper. Very serious. It’s yours.”
The swoon that was building inside me was barely contained. “God, you say that so easily, but I’m not sure you know what it means.”
“I think I have an idea.” Gio’s voice was calm and smooth like the honey he bottled.
“It’s a lot of work, Gio. The barn is incredible, a perfect space, really, but if I want to build it into the kind of hot shop I’ve been dreaming of, there’s so much to do. I’ll handle all the costs of it, of course, but I don’t want to disturb you with all the work. And… it’s going to be permanent. Nothing can’t be undone, of course, but if I do this, I’m hoping it will be a shop that can serve me for a long time. I’d be around… a lot.”
Gio laughed softly, not sounding at all concerned. “I’m aware that construction is a part of the process, and there’s no time limit to the offer.”
“Are you sure? What if you get sick of me?”
“It’s a big farm, Jasper. I think we can manage.” There was a hint of amusement in his words, a sound that was rather pleasing, and made me feel a little better.
“You really mean it? I don’t want you to regret it. Admittedly, I want this so fucking bad, I'm ready to jump on it, but I want to make sure I’m not overstepping or crossing a line to get there. That’s not how I want to start my business.”
“I appreciate your concern, but I promise you’re not overstepping. I offered, without conditions. Well, don’t burn it down, that would be a condition, I suppose.”
I couldn’t stop the smile that was building as the yes became more clear and the quote I wanted to accept became more attainable. “Part of the construction will be to ensure the place is as safe as it can possibly be. By the time we’re done with it, it’ll be able to withstand pretty much anything.”
Another laugh came from him and I wanted to soak in the rich sound. “See? That sounds pretty good to me. Do whatever you need to do, Jasper, I believe in you. That being said, if it would make you feel better, we could put something in writing so you don’t have to worry about me changing my mind.I won’t, but I don’t want you to feel like it might fall out from under you.”
Every worry I had vanished with the idea. Contracts were something that had become ingrained in me growing up. “Always have a contract.” “Contracts protect both parties.”Lessons I had heard over and over. “Oh my God, yes! Thatwouldmake me feel better, actually. Are you sure you don’t mind?”
Gio’s deep, calm voice reached through the phone like a hug. “I really don’t mind. Come on by whenever, and we’ll get it all sorted.”
“I think I love you,” I breathed out, feeling unbelievably relieved.
“Ah, well, um, okay, then.” His typical calm and cool tone suddenly shifted, making him sound unsure for the first time.
It was then I realized what I said, and rushed to cover. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to say that, I’m just so grateful and excited. Please tell me I didn’t just screw everything up.”
Gio shouted, “No!” He cleared his throat and continued, “No, it’s fine. Sorry, it just caught me by surprise. We’ll get those papers signed as soon as possible, so you can rest assured nothing will jeopardize it. I… better get back to dinner.”
“Right. Right. Dinner. Say hi to everyone for me, and thank you. Seriously. I’m beyond excited, and I can’t thank you enough for helping make this happen.”
“I’m happy to be able to help, Jasper, though I have no doubt you would have gotten there on your own.”
“Thank you, Gio. I’ll talk to you soon.”
“Have a good night.”
We hung up and I punched a fist in the air. “Yes! This is happening. It’s fucking happening!”
I looked at the quote once more. Third tier. Dream shop. I had enough set aside for the deposit that would be required. The remainder I had in my trust, it was just a matter of accessing it. With a click on the reply button, I was already working out the conversations that I would have to have in order to get the funds. It would suck, but I could bite the bullet, knowing it was going to get me my studio.
The next day I received e-sign documents from Grove Hills Construction and transferred the deposit. The work was set to start soon and it all felt completely surreal. My life, as I knew it, was about to change. If only I had known exactly how much it would change. Though…if Ihad, I probably wouldn’t have done anything different.
Jasper
Weeks had passed since I signed all contracts, both with the contractor and with Gio. Construction was moving along and I stopped by the farm regularly to check on it. I hadn’t stayed for dinner yet, despite the continual offer. I felt like I was already intruding enough with all of the ruckus and trucks, that it seemed strange to insert myself into their cozy family time, too.
Gio often popped by to check on me and the progress of the barn. His kids did, too. It was sweet to see how invested they all seemed. Or curious, at the very least. But I liked them. They made me feel like I belonged, even if I hadn’t been able to convince myself I did yet. I liked what they had here, liked what Gio had created for them. I couldn’t imagine what it would have been like as a young person to have the kind of judgment-freesupport that he offered them. Though, I felt a portion of it now. And Gio…damn, he was handsome and sweet, and made me feel so good to be around him, even if it was just brief check-ins.
Each day I came to the farm, I thought about staying for dinner, but each time, I talked myself out of it. It was his time with his family. While I knew the open invitation was genuine, and the kids often encouraged me to stay, I couldn't bring myself to do it.
Instead, I focused on the end goal—the shop. It wasn’t that I had anything to contribute during the construction phase, but I felt like I needed to be there, or at least check in, while they were working, not wanting to leave any issues that might come up to Gio. It wasn’t his responsibility, it was mine.All mine.Fuck, that wouldn’t get old. Every time I thought about it, a smile stretched across my face.
