My run this morning hasn’t done what I hoped it would. Anger still rolls just below the surface of my skin. I still don’t have any answers as to why the crew that was doing a great job on my house was moved to another project.
I can’t help but think that Donny is blinded by Tiger’s loyalty during Maggie’s illness, and therefore has given her more responsibility than she can handle. What other excuse is there for her to make such an irresponsible decision?
My temper cools somewhat when I see some unfamiliar vehicles parked in my drive. At least the new workers are here. I half expected them not to show, and I was going to have to find a new construction company to complete the renovations.
Through the back window, I can see James, the crew chief, along with five men and a woman standing around the kitchen island while Tiger talks to them, probably catching them up on the project. At least she had the good sense to keep James on the job.
My hand goes to the knob on the back door. I suck in a breath, expel it from my lungs, and ready myself for the fan questions about my shoulder and the playoffs. With my endorsement smile plastered on my face, I enter the kitchen. The first thing I notice are the circles under Tiger’s eyes. My immediate reaction is to make sure she’s all right, but I’m stopped when she raises her tired gaze to me.
“Oh, I didn’t see you there.”
I shake my head. “No problem. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
She addresses the crew. “Guys, this is the owner of the house, Cash. He’ll be in and out for the duration of the project.”
“Good to meet you all.” My stomach muscles tighten like I’m preparing for a punch, and I wait for their reaction.
They all murmur a greeting but that’s it. I glance at Tiger, then back to the group. “I’m glad to have you here.”
Tiger rolls up the house plans. “All right, does anyone have any questions?”
The six of them shake their heads.
She nods. “Great. I look forward to working with you all.”
James claps his big hands together. “Alright, let’s get to work. We’re upstairs today.” He ushers them out of the kitchen.
I stare after the group, and I’m sure I look like one of those cartoons with the birds flying around his head. What the hell just happened? I can’t say when the last time was that I met someone and didn’t get the whole fan treatment. Not that I’m complaining, but that was peculiar.
Tiger loops her bag onto her shoulder.
“What just happened here?”
“What do you mean?”
I point to the stairs. “That. Did you tell them not to talk to me?”
She rolls her head on her neck. “Cash, I’m too tired to deal with your ego.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“They don’t know or care who you are.”
“How do you know?”
Her delicate fingers rub at her eyes. “I made sure they didn’t know who you were when I hired them.” She moves past my stunned ass on her way to the door. “If you need anything, let James or Donny know. I’m taking a personal day.” She leaves me standing with my mouth hanging open like the moron I am.
My butt hits the counter behind me, and I stare off into space. I pull my phone from my pocket and call Donny.
“Cash.” The weariness in his tone lets me know what an ass I’ve been, as if I needed any further evidence.
“I just walked into my house, and the new crew didn’t recognize me.”
“Huh. I guess she did it. She said she could hire a crew who didn’t know who you were. I told her she was crazy, but she was determined.” He chuckles. “Damn that woman is something else.”
“Why would she do that?”
The sound of his exasperated breath whooshes through the phone. “Jesus, King, are you going to complain that she found people who wouldn’t hassle you about that hundred-million-dollar shoulder? Because if you are, I’ll pull my crew out today and give you the name of another construction company.”
“No, that’s not why I’m asking. I … I just can’t believe she’d do that. I want to know why.”
“You’ll have to ask her, man. So, are we good?”
I scrub my fingers through my hair. “Yeah, we’re good.”
He disconnects the call, and I’m left to look long and hard at my fool self. I am