I lean against the wall and watch him as he gets to work. He spends quite some time just taking measurements and drawing up a plan. I am told he needs to do math, so I need to stop talking.
From what I can gather, he is now cutting wood and putting the base of the bookcase together. He uses the drill and puts several screws into the two-by-four to connect it to the wall.
“You said you learned this from your grandpa?” I ask curiously.
He continues to work as he answers, “Yeah, my mom’s dad was a carpenter. Came over from Italy and worked an honest day’s work until he died.”
It’s an unexpected admission. Roman exudes so much power and confidence; I would have thought he came from money.
“Were you two close?”
“Yeah. He was my role model. Always wanted to be like him.” There’s a sadness in his voice.
“How long has he been gone?”
“He died when I was nineteen.”
“I’m sorry,” I whisper. “I’m sure he would be very proud of the man you are today.”
There’s a bitterness to his laugh. “I doubt it.”
I don’t want to push the conversation further in this direction, where I imagine there are some deep wounds, and luckily, the doorbell rings. It’s probably for the best.
“That’s the pizza,” I announce. “I’ll be right back.”
After I pay the delivery guy, I grab the six-pack of beer and walk back into the room, holding up the food and drinks.
“Break time,” I announce as I take a seat.
He puts down his drill and joins me on the floor as I open the pizza box. The aroma of cheese and pizza sauce instantly floods my nose.
“Ugh, I’ve been craving carbs all day,” I admit. “I even worked out so I could eat as much as I wanted without guilt.”
He grabs a slice of pizza and leans against the wall. “Is that why you’re wearing next to nothing right now?”
I look down at my attire. “I wouldn’t call it next to nothing.”
While he chews his food, his eyes scan my body, which makes the hairs all over my skin stand on end. “Close enough.”
“Well, we’re friends now, so you can’t complain,” I say as I take a huge bite of my own slice.
He cracks a smile. “I see. Friends who are still attracted to one another?”
“Did I say I was attracted to you?” I ask.
Honestly, some of that conversation is a blur to me. I was so caught off guard.
He gives me a stern look that makes me laugh. “You know you did.”
“Fine,” I admit between bites. “But I believe you said you were extremely attracted to me.”
“Is it a competition now?” he asks with amusement.
“Hey, you brought it up. I’m merely pointing out facts.”
He shakes his head. “You’re not going to let me live this down.”
I’m surprised by how light and easy it is to be around him now that everything is out in the open. He’s, like, a totally different person, but he obviously has a brooding side to him if he’s feeling out of control.