Page 9 of Save the Drama for your Mama
“Yeah—and every time I wiggle, I lose a hair,” he said. “Is it a surprise I’m almost bald?”
“Your head is small. It looks good on you.” I chuckled, sensing he was coming around.
“Nice try, buttering me up.”
“Look—I’m ready to rock and roll and finish this thing. Nothing is going to stop me now. Assuming no interruptions, which I don’t expect any at all, I’m about three weeks out if I calculate two-thousand words a day. That’s doable, right? Three weeks? Please say yes.”
Sal sighed. “Okay—lastdeadline extension. I can buy you another three weeks, but that’s it. Got it?”
“Got it,” I said. “Thank you.”
“Don’t make me regret this. Keep me updated.”
“Will do.”
After disconnecting the call, I blew out a breath of relief, then opened the desk drawer, pulled out this book’s writing prop, my lucky beret, and slid it on my head. I returned to my laptop and rubbed my hands together.
“Let’s do this,” I mumbled to myself, staring at the words “Chapter Ten” at the top of the page, followed by the blinking cursor.
I opened and closed my hands and wiggled my fingers a few times before setting them on the keyboard.
“Here we go . . .” I wiggled my fingers again.
An ominousvroomoutside caught my attention. I was imagining things because it sounded like the distinctive roar of my brother’s Ferrari, which was unlikely since he lived in Las Vegas, over five hours away.
I set my fingers back down on the keyboard and—
Vroom. Vroom. Vroom.
“Please, no . . .” Sighing, I stood and walked out of the library and toward the living room in the front of the house, Romeo bringing up the rear.
Before I could even get to the window to look out, the front door swung open and my brother yelled, “Super Cooper!”
Chad stepped inside, flanked by two men I didn’t recognize. Romeo went crazy, barking, running in his direction, then taking turns to sniff the three of them.
“How did you know I was here?” I asked.
“I didn’t until I saw your car in the driveway,” Chad said, giving me a hug, then clapping me on the back. “But I’m glad you’re here since I can fill you in on the latest. Good news! We’re starting the restoration tomorrow.”
I jerked my head back, wondering who the good news was for, because it certainly wasn’t for me.
“What are you talking about?” I asked. “What happened to starting at the beginning of the year like we discussed?”
“At the time, that was their next open spot on the calendar,” Chad said. “Lucky for us, one of their other jobs was put on hold because of permit problems with the city. We’re here to do another walk-through. I had no idea you were going to be here, but since you are, you can handle the rest since I’m heading to Cabo tonight. It’s perfect.”
I loved my brother Chad, but he was immature, impulsive, with a tendency to prioritize his own desires and pleasures over more responsible concerns, and over the desires of anyone else involved. That included his only brother—me. I looked forward to the day when he achieved the ability to engage in more altruistic thought. Until then, I got to oversee his attempts at adulthood and guide him where I could. He meant well, but I would not let him hijack my summer.
Chad gestured to the guy on his left, who looked like a young Al Pacino, dressed all in black, his hair slicked back, and a scowl on his face that made me believe he could bust my kneecaps.
“This is Dale Monorail. He works with the city, and is also on the board of directors at the Coronado Historical Association. He’ll be stopping by once a week to make sure everything is up to code. He’s on our side.”
Dale nodded. “Abso-freaking-lutely, I am. I won’t be bustin’ your chops too much. I’ve been known to beveryflexible. You keep me happy, I keep you happy, if you know what I mean.”
I had no idea what he meant.
Dale leaned in closer. “Between you and me, I love lobster and crisp hundred-dollar bills.”
“On the same plate?” I joked.
