Whiskey and Country

“Okay, so I think we went through all the basics,” Mike said after we looked over the blueprints for the new residential project a second time. A new mountain lot had been bought and cleared to welcome a twenty-cabin gated community with a covered pool and playground area.

I’d have a team of eight to bring this project to life in a six-month timeline. The delays were tight but with hard work and dedication, doable.

Adrenaline rushed into my veins. I rubbed my hands together. This building site would be my second home for the next few months. It was different from the ventures I led in Chicago, but just as exciting. Because it was new. And it would provide homes for twenty families.

I scanned the plans once more, taking in every little architectural detail.

Yeah, I was in the right place.

“Too big for ya, son?” Mike teased with a side grin.

“Nah. Perfect. Can’t wait to get started. I can already picture it in my head. And what it’ll look like once it’s done.” I closed my eyes for a minute, seeing it all. “When can I begin?”

Mike let out one of his belly laughs. “Not so fast. Next week. Take a few days to meet the guys. Survey the building site. Check out the order forms we placed to make sure you missed nothing. And next Monday, you’ll be ready to roll.”

“How about weekends and nights? Do I need to ask permission to have the guys work longer shifts?”

Mike’s lips stretched bigger, and he clamped my shoulder. “Nick, Green Mountain isn’t some big shot city with short deadlines and high stress levels. Here, we work regular-hour days. Unless, and I repeat, unless there’s some sort of emergency or a big fuck-up we can’t deal with otherwise. You’re not here to burn yourself out. You’re here to enjoy life. And work. And find a balance.”

“Huh, okay then.” Mike’s words were the opposite of everything that had ever come out of Cody’s mouth. “Well, that’s new to me. I’m not used to this pace.”

Mike chuckled. “Guess you’ll have to learn how to live.”

He wasn’t wrong. Back home, I put in so many overtime hours that some weeks, I forgot which day we were in because my weekends and nights were nonexistent. And often blurred together.

“Hear me out,” he said. “I agree it’s early to talk about this, but I’m pretty sure Tucker already opened his big mouth.” Mike winked. “Anyway, I’m thinking about retiring next year. Or selling parts of the business until I’m ready to let it go. If you like it here and you can see yourself living in this town full time, maybe we could discuss it over a drink someday. None of the guys are interested in running big projects, even less running a business. You have the drive. That sparkle in your eyes when you study blueprints. Anyway, I’m putting it here—in case… Sorry, I should have waited to dump all this on ya. I just see so much of my younger self in you.”

I stared at the man. “Wow, I’m flattered. You haven’t even seen me at work yet. But I’m really excited to be here. And who knows, I might fall in love with the town”—or a certain redhead—“and choose to establish myself here long term. Gimme a month to get settled, and we’ll have that drink. Deal?”

Mike’s palm met mine. “You and I will get along just fine, son.”

I mirrored my boss’s easy grin and followed him to his truck.

Opening my phone to message Tuck, my eyes took in Dahlia’s name and I re-read the first conversation feed we shared the other day.

Dahlia: Hi friend. Just making sure I had your contact right.

Me: All good. Glad it’s settled.

Me: While we’re at it. I made a reservation for our date. I’ll send you the details later.

Dahlia: Can’t wait. Hope you’re having a great day.

Me: You too. See ya soon.

The exchange was a balm to my heart. Yes, I couldn’t wait for date night to come fast enough.

We messaged each other every few days since then, and somehow, it was like I was talking to a friend I’d known for a while. Not a girl I just met.

With a newfound lightness waltzing inside me, I hauled myself into my vehicle and drove away.

The next few days passed quickly. I was so busy familiarizing myself with Hilton and Sons’ procedures, my new work team, the purchase orders, and scheduling and sequencing every other trade to make sure no one steps on anyone else’s toes that I didn’t see the time come and go.

Dahlia: Still on for tonight?

Me: Yes. Six okay for you?

My heart throbbed a little faster in my chest while I waited for the three dots to stop bouncing.

Dahlia: Absolutely. I’ll be ready *happy face emoji*

My heart swelled. This woman. I couldn’t wait to see her again.

Me: I’ll pick you up. Send me your address.

I was about to put my phone away when it went off again.

Dahlia: Hey Nick?

Dahlia: I’m happy we’re doing this.

I exhaled, a stupid grin now overtaking my face.

Me: Me too.

It was late afternoon when I spotted a few minor mistakes on the plans and half-a-dozen extras that had to be dealt with before we began the next Monday. It couldn’t wait. I crossed my fingers, hoping it wouldn’t take hours to find a solution. No way I could be late tonight. After an hour-long discussion with the architect and concrete guy, we found a middle ground settlement that pleased us all and required only a few twitches to the original blueprints. I had done these last-minute meetings countless times before, and right now, it felt like being back in known territories. When I finished, a surge of excitement invaded me. It felt good to be back.

Sideways, I glanced at the time and jumped to my feet.

Damn. I had to hurry home, freshen up, and change, or I’d be late.

For that woman who had the power to transform the course of my life.

Derek’s Bucket List –14. Nick: Having a meaningful encounter and finding something that makes you truly feel alive