Page 45 of Just Breathe

Jane

After the guys dropped me off at home, I called Michelle and thankfully she was just worried about me. She was glad I was ok, and I still was ok to come back for my shift tomorrow and my last one on Monday night before I went back home. I sent Paul a text that I’ve been busy working and that I’ll call him later. I jumped into the shower, washing away my episode and getting all these tangles out of my hair, with tons of conditioner.

After I showered, brushed my hair and put a little makeup on, I felt like a new woman. I walked to the coffee shop for a snack for the guys and some iced tea. The bell signaled my arrival, and I saw Darcy.

“Hey girl!” She smiled at me as I walked to the counter. “You’re coming in a little late.”

“No work today, thankfully. I just came for some pastries and some of your iced tea I hear a lot about.” I noticed the pastries were kinda low.

“Sorry, since the festival starts on Saturday, we have a lot of visitors. Our pastry choices are limited. Let me see if we have anything else in the back.” She left before I could stop her. “Mary just finished her delicious protein bars. They have peanut butter, chocolate, walnuts, oats and caramel.” She gave me a small piece to sample.

“Holy crap, that is so delicious. I’ll take eight of those and four teas, please.” I licked some caramel off my finger. “So what festival is happening this weekend?” I asked before she went into the back.

“It’s the Pints festival,” I heard her yell from the back. “It’s basically a beer festival. Local breweries and larger breweries come to serve beers. They even have an amateur beer section. There’s also food available and some local vendors come out and sell things.” She came back to the front with a box.

“Wow, that’s sounds awesome. I might have to check it out. Where do I buy tickets?” I took my wallet out to pay.

“Yes girl. You definitely should. We’ll have a little booth there selling coffee, tea, pastries and some small sandwiches. You can buy tickets when you get to the front. I think it’s ten or fifteen bucks and you get a free beer.” She finished filling the last tea glass. “Do you need a drink caddy?”

“Sure I’ll take one. Then I’ll definitely make it a point to come.” She took my card. “I’m off on Sunday. I’ll probably see you then.” After she charged me, I took my items and walked towards the door.

“Bye girl, see ya soon,” she called out to me.

“Bye.” I opened the door and walked out to my car. I forgot the guys said it was a little farther away than I normally parked, but it was fine. The weather was perfect, and I felt I needed some sun. I arrived at my car, set the drinks down, and started the car. I took off to the house, excited to see the progress. So many people were in the town that it took me a little longer to get to the house.

I pulled up the driveway seeing the beautiful house. It was still missing the patio up front, and it looked like two window trims were different colors, but it was coming along great. I didn’t see the guys in front, so I parked by the truck. I took down the protein bars and tea with me, walking to the front door. “Hello!” I called out, walking to the living room. I noticed the new flooring, and it looked amazing.

“Uh.. can I help you?” An older gentleman walked up to me, his Spanish accent thick.

“Hola. Mi nombre es Jane. Estoy buscando Aiden,” I said hello, and that I was looking for Aiden in Spanish.

“Hey Jane.” Callum walked up to me.

The gentleman nodded at me, saying hello and went back to work.

“I didn’t know you spoke Spanish.” Callum looked at me curiously. “Aiden is going to be relieved when he hears this.”

“I know I don’t look it, but I am Hispanic. My mother and father are from Mexico but immigrated here when they were children.” I handed him a tea and a protein bar, noticing that his knuckles looked really beat up. His eyes lit up and went straight to eating.

“Mmmmm.” He groaned. “Mary’s protein bars are the best.”

“Jane?” Aiden came out of the kitchen looking really frustrated.

“Hey! I brought snack and teas.” I held up my offerings to him.

“Jane speaks Spanish,” Callum said with his mouth full.

“Are you for real?” He looked at me, looking hopeful, gesturing to follow him to the kitchen as Callum went back to work.

“Yeah, do you need help?” I followed him and saw a few men talking amongst themselves.

“Javier couldn’t come today, and he’s the one worker who speaks decent English. They aren’t understanding the changes in the plans that were made. Can you translate?” He pointed at a few papers on the floor.

“Yeah, of course.” I set the snacks and tea down.

We spent the next thirty minutes going over the plans as I translated it to the workers. I realized just then that my Spanish wasn’t as good as I thought it was or I was lacking in construction terms. Once everyone was on the same page, I passed out some of the protein bars cut in half and shared some tea with them.

“You’re a lifesaver.” Aiden smiled at me as everyone got back to work, doing what needed to be done.

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