actually know about construction and managing projects of this size?”
“More than you.” There is so much dryness in his words that I’m surprised my eardrums aren’t chapped.
A burst of laughter comes from upstairs. “I don’t need her screwing around and distracting the other workers. I wouldn’t think you’d like it either.”
Donny’s bark of laughter shoots through the phone. “Screwing around with the men.” More laughter. “Thanks, man, now I’ll have that image in my head for the rest of the day.”
“I don’t know why you think it’s so funny. It’s not a very professional way for your employees to act.”
“First of all, if you think Tiger has anything sexual going on with any of the men, then you’ve taken one too many hits to the head. And second of all, I resent the implication that me or my employees are anything but professional. You’ve been there all of an hour? You have no clue how we work.”
“You’re right, but—”
“Listen, Cash, I promise you that Tiger’s the best person for this job.”
“Fine, but why does she have to live here? I’m sure the Lyons family own other properties for her to live in.”
“I want someone on site at all times, and that’s why I added the provision in the contract to let her live in the pool house until the project is complete. I’m not changing my mind on this, so if you have a problem with her, I’ll tell her to pack everything and everyone up and clear out.”
I squeeze the bridge of my nose with my thumb and forefinger. “No, that’s not what I want. I need this house to be move-in ready as soon as possible. I’ll make it work with the princess.” I blow out a huge breath and scrub my fingers through my hair. “And, hey, man, I was really sorry to hear about Maggie’s cancer. I’m glad she’s better.”
“Thanks, but you need to know that so-called princess is the only reason I didn’t lose my mind and my business during the time Maggie was sick. Tiger is the real deal, and I suggest you try having a conversation with her and get to know her. There’s a whole lot of incredible human underneath the beautiful façade. Listen, if there’s nothing else, I’ve gotta go.”
It’s clear Donny is sick of this conversation. “No, there’s nothing else.”
“I’ll let you buy me a beer when I get back in town.” My old buddy, Donny, was back.
“You got it.” I hang up and move into a small empty room off the kitchen that smells of new paint.
There’s a cot folded up in the corner, but it’s otherwise bare. There’s also a functioning bathroom next to the room. Other than these two places and the kitchen, the house is in varying stages of repair. The work that’s been done is excellent, and the attention to detail is really impressive.
I make my way back to the living area, which is partially complete. Dark exposed beams are beautiful against the gleaming white paint of the of the vaulted ceiling. It’s perfect for my mom, if a bit large, but she’ll love it.
But will she really?
I chew the inside of my lip. She’s so touchy about some things, and our old neighborhood is one of them.
I glance around this huge house I own.
Sun glints off the Bugatti parked in the drive.
The weight of my Patek Philippe watch rests on my wrist.
I’m Cash Fuckin’ King now, and not that King boy from the wrong side of the tracks anymore.
Loud banging comes from upstairs, and I’m tempted to follow the sound, but I don’t want to get in the way. Plus, I don’t think another run-in with Tiger is a good idea, no matter how much I want one, which is a weird thought. I’m usually conflict averse with the women in my life. As soon as things start to get heavy and messy in a relationship, I’m out. So why do I want to go pick a fight with the former Miss Texas, USA?
No idea. I leave before I give in to the temptation.
This isn’t how I planned for my peaceful and ego-boosting trip home to go. Not at all.
I turn on the car and sit in the air-conditioned interior. The regal façade of Wayland Estate looms in front of me, screaming old money with its vaulted porch and big white pillars across the front of the house. The circular drive only adds to the elegance of the home. I remember driving past Wayland