Four Kicks - Stephanie Brother Page 0,18

she’s texting.

David eventually finds me and we walk around the festival for another hour or so. I don’t see my bosses again, but I also don’t have much of a chance to talk with David since his friend is with us the whole time.

Finally, we say our goodbyes and David drives me home. When he parks the car and makes moves to walk me to my door, I stop him. “It’s been good reconnecting with you, but I don’t think we should go out anymore.”

If I were expecting a protest, or even questions, I get none. David’s expression is neutral, and maybe he’s even relieved. I was afraid that I was imagining our lack of connection or having too high of expectations for our relationship, but his response, or lack thereof, convinces me that I’ve made the right decision.

12

Hungry wolves about to feast

At Monday afternoon’s office meeting, I linger behind after Amy leaves. I’m not sure which of the men to address, so I direct my words to all of them. “It was really nice of you to buy things from my parents at the festival.”

“They were things we needed,” Landon says. “We’re putting together welcome baskets for our homeowners.”

“Well, I’m guessing you didn’t need to buy so much, but thank you. You really helped them out.” I look each man in the eye, and I like what I see there: kindness. None of them makes any suggestive comments about expecting any sort of sexual payback for their generosity.

“You’ve been helping us out immensely, so we’re glad we could do something that helped you,” Nathan adds.

“I’m just doing my job.”

“Speaking of,” Derek says, changing the subject, “I’m expecting documents to be delivered here around lunch tomorrow, and I won’t be able to get away to pick them up. Could you bring them to me at the Williams site as soon as they arrive?”

“Sure thing.”

The next day, those documents don’t arrive until after four. I phone Derek who asks if I can stop by on my way home because he needs to work late.

The Williams build, which looks nearly complete, is on a prime hilltop plot of land overlooking the ocean. Even with the yard still torn up and muddy, the house itself exudes luxury. It’s massive, with three stories and a wraparound porch. There are also ramps and wide doorways, making entry accessible for wheelchairs.

Several trucks are parked in the driveway and it turns out that all four of my bosses are here. All of the contract workers have gone for the evening.

Derek asks me to wait as he reviews the paperwork I’ve brought. After he makes a quick call, he asks if I’d like a tour. “I realized this is the first time you’re seeing one of our homes.”

Ash and Landon are in the kitchen and they join us, seeming interested in my reactions to their work. I must admit that I’m gushing a bit as I encounter the unique features of the house.

Landon explains that the homeowners will be bringing the wife’s mother to live with them, and they’ve designed an attached mother-in-law suite and included an elevator to accommodate her. In addition to the accessibility features, there are innovative built-in bookshelves, workstations, and benches, and other unique designs that set the home apart from anything I’ve ever seen.

“This is amazing. How long have you been doing this?”

“A few years,” Ash says with a shrug.

The men can’t be more than a few years older than me. The work is especially awe-inspiring considering their age.

As they show me around, I’m impressed not just by the results I see but also by the obvious pride the men take in their work. It’s clear that they don’t build houses just to make money; they’re very thoughtful and creative in making attractive and practical dwellings for people.

Descending to the ground floor, I catch sight of a gazebo behind the house. “Can we go see that?” I ask, pointing. “I’ll bet the ocean view is incredible.”

Derek looks down at my feet. “Sure, though your shoes may get dirty. The landscaping doesn’t go in until next week.”

Luckily, I have flats on today. “That’s fine. They’ll wash.”

We exit through the back door to find Nathan on the patio. He’s on his phone and gives a distracted wave. When the three men and I are nearly to the gazebo, he jogs up behind us. “Hey, what’s up?”

“Hi, Nathan. I just had a tour. I wanted to see the view out here.”

The gazebo matches the home beautifully,