Page 16 of When We Were More
“Holden Aron, how does that young lady have any idea what your penis looks like?” Mom whisper-yells at him.
“Okay. That’s enough talking about pencils around my daughters. I’ve got to get these two home so Lena can nap before she turns into a little monster.”
Ten minutes later, bill paid and coats on, we’re outside and I’ve got the girls into their spots in the car. Everyone gathers around to hold court while Layla doles out goodbye hugs and kisses. Of course, Harrison gets the biggest hug. I smile watching my brother with her. It’s one of the few times he seems relaxed.
Once Layla is in the car and my family is walking away, I hear Holden, still focused on our conversation from the restaurant.
“C’mon, Hay, we’re twins. Tell them I don’t have a pencil dick.”
“Hey, we’re fraternal twins. I don’t know what you’re packing down there.”
“We should probably go back in and ask that server for more details. What do you say, Hayden?” Harrison teases.
As their voices fade, I pull my car door closed and smile. Thank God I have girls…
CHAPTER 9
Henry
I stand back and watch as Tommy places brick after brick on the framing around the stove alcove in Matilda’s kitchen. There’s no question he’s skilled at this. He’s the company’s best stone mason. I’ve watched him do six courses of bricks now, and he’s taking great care. He’s been meticulous with each one. So, why did I convince myself that I needed to stay and supervise the project?
It’s clear that Matilda’s great-grandfather put his heart into this room. With every update or restoration entrusted to our company, especially ones like this century farmhouse, I never take for granted the skill the original craftsmen had. As a master carpenter, I see the beauty in it. Especially considering they didn’t have all the equipment and tools modern day brings us.
“Boss, are you gonna stand there and watch me all day? I’m pretty sure I got it by now.”
“I’m heading out soon. I just wanted to make sure you were comfortable. Restoring this brick is going to make this part of the kitchen stunning.”
“Well, you don’t have to babysit me. I promise I’ll do my best work.” I give him a tight smile and nod. I have no doubt he’ll do a great job.
I also know that I’ve been delaying leaving because I’ve been hoping to see Matilda. I tell myself it’s because I need to discuss the backsplash for this area, but that’s only a small part of why I’m still here.
I want to see the saucy brunette. I’m not usually the kind of guy who riles women up, but with her, I can’t seem to stop. Historically, I’ve always tried to treat women like my dad treated my mom. Not the unwavering love part. That’s not me. I’ve never wanted it, and I’ve never felt it. But I respect women, am upfront about what I am and am not looking for, and generally don’ttryto piss people off. But when Tillie’s mad, her fire shines through, and I can’t get enough of it. It’s possible I’m pressing her buttons on purpose to get a reaction out of her.
I glance down at my watch, noticing it’s six o’clock. I need to get home and shower. The kids are with my mom this evening, so there’s no rush there, but I’m pretty dusty from working hard all day. Nevertheless, I enjoy coming and seeing the progress here, as well as being part of restoring some of the original beauty to this room.
I turn away from Tommy and walk to the stack of trim still off to the side, take a small piece of it in my hand, and trace the curve of it. It’s beautiful craftsmanship, and not easy to achieve such a nice result.
After a few more minutes, Tommy wipes off his spatula and looks up at me.
“It’s probably time that we both get home, don’t you think?”
“Yeah, that’s fine. If you have any questions tomorrow, you can call me, all right?”
Tommy’s response is a mumbled “mmm hmm.” I watch as he gathers his tools and carries them through the door leading to the basement.
I stand there for a minute, staring at the brick. I wasn’t sure we’d be able to save this framing because of the location of the damaged bricks, but with a little skill and a lot of luck, we were able to salvage it. Hell, the expression on Tillie’s face when I broached the subject of restoring it versus taking it down and replacing it with something else was enough to make me melt. I was sure if we had to do the latter, it would break her heart, even though she hadn’t vocalized it. So, I strategized and decided we should go for it. I’m glad we did, because it’s going to be gorgeous when done.
After several minutes, Tommy comes back upstairs. He says goodbye and leaves. I shut off the lights—since Tillie isstillnot home—and leave through the back door, locking it as I go. My phone dings, alerting me to a text, and I stop to read it. Whenever the kids aren’t with me, I always check my messages immediately.
Holden: You on your way? Hayden and I will be there soon.
I take a second to respond, or else he’ll keep texting until I do.
Leaving a job. Be there soon.
That’s my intent. To leave now. But as I’m coming around the corner to the front of the house, I hear it. The most captivating laughter I’ve ever heard.
I stop walking when I see Matilda standing near a man who I’d guess is several years younger than her. He’s smiling at her, his posture relaxed with one hand tucked in his jeans pocket andthe other holding a clipboard. He’s good-looking, and it grates on me for some reason. Probably because she’s beaming up at him, or because he’s grinning at her and most definitely has noticed how stunning she is.
