The Beginning of Us (291 page)

I’ve got to see her again. I figure I will because she is so close with Derrick, but I want to spend more time with her just her and I. I need to bring her up in conversation with Derrick to make sure he is cool with me pursuing her. After all, I don't want him going all Kevin Costner on me like in the Bodyguard.

I decide to send Derrick a quick text to see if we can meet at the pub down the street after he gets off work tonight. At least if he has a little buzz, he won't want to punch me when I tell him I want to talk about seeing Char.

Derrick agrees to meet for dinner and drinks at the pub and I’m still on a high from earlier today.

My evening plans are set and I need to get moving on the rest of my day. I quick head up to my room, change into running gear, and get out the door with Manny for our daily run.

Making my way through the neighborhood, I’m at peace; everything is finding its niche. This may be the place I could one-day call home. Before I get my hopes up I need to land this job with Taylor & Sons Contracting and find a way to ask Char out on a date.

I got in my workout, ran a few errands, finished up stuff around the house, and I’m making my way over to my interview. So far this day has been productive.

I’m nervous, anxious, and excited to meet with Roger. I’ve always worked for my dad while in high school and college. But after I graduated I wanted to help him build his business.

Shit, I miss the old man and wish he was still here. Things would be so much different. Fucktard Keith wouldn't be running the family business and Dad and I would be putting our stamp on the east coast.

No need rehashing old wounds, it is what it is and I’ve got to live with the consequences of my mistakes. I’m starting fresh here in Boston and about to land myself a great job doing what I love to do.

I pull into the large industrial park off the highway and take the first turn to the left. Down the long road I spot a huge stone building with the words Taylor & Sons Contracting across the front.

"This is it, Riley, don't fuck this up." I say to myself. I’ve always found that psyching myself up before a big move helps.

I make my way through the large entry way and approach the receptionist at the front desk.

"Hi. I’m Riley Kincaid to meet with Roger Falcone." I say with a professional smile.

"Thank you Mr. Kincaid, please have a seat and I’ll let Mr. Falcone know you are here to see him."

I take a seat and nervously wait for Roger to come through those tall, dark, wooden doors. About five minutes later the receptionist calls my name and asks me to follow her.

She leads me through the large doors and down a few hallways to a large conference room to the left. I enter the room and there’s a short and stalky man walking my way. I extend my right hand and introduce myself to him with a firm handshake. He does the same and asks me to take a seat along the long table in the center of the room.

For about an hour we discuss my experience working for my father and my education at University of North Carolina. Roger tells me he’s impressed with my vast knowledge as a building contractor and would want me to meet with Bryce Taylor, owner of Taylor & Sons Contracting.

"You have a lot of potential Riley and there’s a great opportunity I think you will enjoy. We lost our head building contractor when his family relocated down south. This is an intense responsibility, but with your experience, education, and background I think we can make this work."

I’m in shock, dumb struck, flabbergasted. I came into this interview hoping to get a job on one of their crews and here this guy is telling me he wants to offer me the head building contractor role. I don’t know what to say, well yes I do. I just can't find the words at this exact moment.

As Roger stands, I do the same and extend my right arm in his direction.

"Roger, I’d be honored to become a part of your team. I won't let you regret this decision."

"Well I like your enthusiasm Riley, but how about we see if Bryce is available and take this interview upstairs. He knows we are meeting right now, so this shouldn't be a problem. Give me one second to have my assistant page him."

While Roger walks out of the room, I wander over to the wall full of floor to ceiling windows. I’m still feeling a bit of shock laced with a huge amount of excitement. This is happening. I’m getting a job. Not just any job, but one that can be the career I’ve always wanted. My dad would be so proud of me right now.

I turn as I sense Roger approach the room.

"All set Riley? How's about we make our way up to the big man's office and make this official?"

"I say, lead the way." I’m like a kid going to pick out a brand new bike.

Bryce Taylor is just how I had imagined him. He’s distinct, professional, and tall with dark brown hair, a thick mustache, and dark brown eyes. He’s wearing casual clothes today in a polo and khaki pants.

Bryce stands when we walk into the room and walks our way. As I shake his hand and move to take a seat in the sitting area of his office, I have a feeling as though I’ve seen this man somewhere. His features resemble something or someone, I just can't figure out what or who.

After another hour of sharing my work history and college education, Mr. Taylor insists that I call him Bryce and welcomes me to the Taylor & Sons Contracting team.

Roger chimes in and says he needs to excuse himself to get my HR paperwork on the books, but looks forward to seeing me here Monday morning at nine. I stand to shake his hand and thank him for meeting with me today.

As he leaves the office, Bryce continues to sit and I’m not sure if our meeting is over or if I should sit back down. Talk about an awkward moment. So I figure I better say something and fast.

"Thank you again for this opportunity Bryce. I promise I won't let you down."

"Oh I’m sure you won't Riley. Roger and I have a lot of faith in you and your talent. You will make a great member to our team." He says as he begins to stand and walks over to his desk.

"I’ll be out of town next week visiting my daughter that just moved to Los Angeles, but not to worry Roger will make sure you are set up on Monday."

"Sounds good to me." I reply.

"Well it’s been a pleasure talking with you this afternoon, but I have to rush you out. My youngest daughter was supposed to stop by a half hour ago and I’m certain she is sitting out in the lobby pissed as hell that I kept her waiting."

"Of course, no problem. I’m meeting my roommate for dinner soon. Thanks again Bryce."

He leads me out the door and walks over toward a female looking over the view of the city.

"Hey baby girl." He says as he approaches her.

As she turns around, I realize why Bryce looked so damn familiar. Fuck me!

"Riley?" She says

"Hey Char, didn't expect to meet you here." I reply with a shaky tone to my voice.

Her father looks back in forth between the two of us with a questionable smirk on his face.

"Can I ask how the two of you know each other? Or don't I want to know?" Suddenly Bryce is staring daggers in my direction.

"Don't be silly Daddy; Riley is Derrick's new roommate. We just met the other day when I went over to cook dinner for Derrick."

Phew saved by my girl. Wait what did I just think, what the hell is wrong with me?

"Bryce thank you for your time today, I look forward to working with you. Char, it was great running into you again. I do need to head out though to meet Derrick before he thinks I bailed on him. Have a safe trip Bryce; see you when you get back."

With that, I show myself to the elevator, out of the building and run, not walk to the Durango.

Chapter 7

Saturday August 18, 2012

CHAR

I wake and throw myself into a sitting position from the loud ringing noise of my cell phone. I glance over to my alarm clock and see it reads 9:15.

"Shit!" I scream.

I jump out of bed pulling on a long tee-shirt and grab my phone from my dresser.

"Hey Derrick!" I exclaim.

"Where are you Charlie? You have me worried sick. You were supposed to be here an hour ago." He says with panic to his voice.

"Ugh, don't be so dramatic. I’m fine, I just overslept."

"Are you coming or not? I’m not going to wait for you all day."

"God Derrick, you’re a pain in my ass you know that? It’s not my fault I forgot to set my alarm. Give me 30 minutes and I’ll be in your driveway."

"Fine, but not a minute later. Riley and I are leaving at ten and if you’re not here the bus is leaving without you."

"You won't leave me, I’m bringing the food remember." Ha gotcha Peters.

"Ok, well hurry up." He says in a firm tone.

"Bye" I say and hit end on my phone.

Holy shit, Riley is coming with us. Damn it to hell, how am I going to be at Derrick's house in 30 minutes and look good for Riley?

Today Derrick and I were planning on taking his sailboat out onto the lake and make a day of it before I over slept. We’ll just have to deal with spending the late morning and afternoon on the waters. No biggie, it will still be fun, especially since Riley is coming.

I hurry to my bathroom to freshen up; thank goodness I took a shower and shaved my legs last night. Once I’m fully primped and looking presentable, I rush to my bedroom grab my outfit that I set out last night and get dressed.

I’m a hyper planner and always prepare ahead of time. In less than 10 minutes, I’m clean, dressed, and ready to go meet my boys. Yes I said it, my boys. Derrick is my best friend and I want to be more than just friends with Riley. I’m a big girl and not afraid to admit I want that man. Hopefully after today we can see what sparks fly.

I throw my bag and the fully packed cooler into the back seat and hop into my Jeep. It’s a beautiful sunny day. I’m going to insist we take my ride because I took the top off.

Within seven minutes I’m in Derrick's driveway and hitting my horn. I jump out of the Jeep and stand against the side patting my foot to the ground. I feel like being sassy today so as Derrick comes out of the front door I put on my most impatient glare.

"What the hell Peters, let’s get a move on here. Don't keep me waiting all day."

I uncross my arms from around my chest and leap over to him in a big hug.

With a giant smile on my face I tell him how sorry I am for over sleeping and promise him a fun day on the water. He forgives me when I tell him about the yummy snacks I’ve packed in the cooler.

As soon as I release him from my grasp, I see Riley walk out and shut the front door.

I don't know if any man could look this amazing on a Saturday morning. Today he must be wearing his contact lenses because he’s not wearing his glasses and his shades are up on his head. His hair is in a messy look that I love and he’s wearing a black tee-shirt and very interesting camouflaged swim shorts.

I have to restrain myself from jumping into his arms, so I walk over to him and throw an arm around his waist to give a friendly hug. Wow, he smells a-ma-zing.

"Ok boys, let’s get this party started. Hop in the jeep, I took my top off just for you to enjoy the beautiful ride to the lake."

I hadn't realized what I just said until Derrick fell to the ground laughing. Riley's face turns bright red from holding in a fit of laughter himself.

"Ha-ha, assholes. You know what I meant. Grow up and let's act our age." I try to say without smiling.

I hop back in the driver’s side and Riley insists on being my copilot. I don't complain, but Derrick gives him an odd glare and says something about being slow and warning him about shit last night.

I ignore the two of them, put my shades back on my face, and crank up the radio.

Within 30 minutes we’re approaching the Mystic Lakes and ready to head to the docks. I’m super excited to spend a day relaxing out on the water. It’s been a while since I took Derrick up on the invite, but after all of his begging and pleading Wednesday night I just couldn't say no.

RILEY

I’d already text Derrick that I was running late from my interview so when I show up at McCarty's Pub he has a table and two beers waiting.

"Cheers pal, here's to celebrating a great day." He says raising his beer in the air.

"You have no idea how excited I am about this opportunity." I said as I clink my beer bottle against his.

I spend the next half hour or so explaining to him how the interview went with Roger and how shortly after he took me up to Mr. Taylor's office. I continue to tell him that I was given a bit of a shock when I walked out of his office and Char was standing their waiting on her dad.

"I didn't know what to do; it’s like having your pants pulled down twice in one week." I say covering my face in embarrassment.

"I must say it’s a coincidence with the two of you and I’m not too sure I like it. I'm going to give it to you straight Riley. Charlie is like my kid sister, I’d jump in front of a train for those Taylor girls. I won't let anyone hurt her. I mean it. No one will ever hurt those girls again."