“Thatdamned job,” Statler grumbled. “We should have broken ground in April, and here it is August. At this rate, we’re going to be freezing our asses off before we even have any steel in place.”
Vince felt a little bad for Statler. But only a little. Statler was always traveling far afield to take on difficult jobs. The conditions for the one he was waiting on, sounded sketchy as hell. But what did Vince know?
The good news, though? Next tothatjob, Vincent’s project would be a cake-walk.
“So what have you got?” Statler tipped a beer bottle to his lips and took a good long sip.
“Antique cape with a bathroom that time forgot.” Vincent launched right in. “It was clearly installed in the 1940’s, and everything in it is bad. Pepto-Bismol tiles, popcorn ceiling—probably asbestos—and a tub you wouldn’t want your goat to drink out of.”
Petula snickered.
“So a total gut, then?” Statler asked, unphased.
“Absolutely. But as a bonus, Dad says he’ll supply all the lumber needed, for free.”
“That’s helpful,” Statler told him. “Since we never know what we’ll find on the underside of an old bathroom. If there have been any long-term leaks, even years ago, some of the floor joists might have to be replaced once we rip up the floor.”
“That’s all inyourwheelhouse,” Vince replied with a smirk. “My bathroom expertise comes from showering, brushing my teeth, and pissing… Uh, sorry Petula.”
“No worries,” she responded cheekily. “I’m used to Sothards who piss.Especiallyones who don’t put the toilet seat up.”
Julian didn’t refute the claim, but his face was suddenly crimson.
Note to self. Don’t pee on Lace’s toilet seats.
“So, when can I come take a look?” Statler asked, deflecting attention from Julian. “We’ve almost wrapped up a prefab install just outside of town that my crew can finish by themselves, so I’m available whenever.”
“Tomorrow? Eight AM?” Vince asked, his excitement growing.
“Great. You got it. Just shoot me the address.
Damn.It looked like this was really going to happen.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
“What do you mean you’re switching your day off?”
Captain Dick-head looked like he was about to blow a gasket, which was a little over-the-top for Lace simply telling him she’d be absent on Tuesdays instead of Fridays.
“Something important has come up,” she placated. “It requires my attention elsewhere on Tuesdays.” She kept her voice as calm as possible. “Next week, however, will stay the same until the change is implemented.”
Her chemo team had told her to missnextFriday, and start up the following Tuesday with her new schedule.
“After that, switching my day off to Tuesday will be necessary.”
“Bullshit,” the man squawked, his face red. “Utter bullshit. I’ll be calling your bosses, little Missie.”
Little Missie? Who the hell said that anymore?
“That’s your prerogative,” she told him, attempting to ignore his misogynistic comment.
Damn.It was a good thing Lace had texted her office first thing this morning and already received approval. Her higher-ups knew what she was going through with her treatments, andwouldn’t disclose anything personal to Captain Pussy-pants if he called.
And seriously? Her bosses truly appreciated that she was still carrying on with her job despite her circumstances. Especially since they were so short staffed with all the current budget cuts.
Theyhadn’t even blinked at the change.
“But FYI, my bosses already know,” she informed the spluttering jerk.