Page 72 of He's the One

“They’re both offsite today. We’re taking down the scaffolding later this afternoon. You know how Andy hates that. The lazy bastard.”

“I’m on the ground with the marquess’s son. He wants to come up and have a look around. Is that okay?”

Bez didn’t answer.

“Only for a few minutes,” Col said.

“Make sure you’re both wearing safety helmets and high-vis vests. And he’s your responsibility.”

“Thanks.” Col tucked his phone away and turned to Theo. “Sure you want to do this?”

“Yes.”

Theo’s tone was maybe a little too confident and Col wondered if he was really up to this. He collected what they needed from the portacabin, and made sure Theo had his helmet secure before he adjusted his own. “Start climbing. I’ll come up behind you.” Then if Theo slipped, Col had the chance to catch him.

Theo climbed slowly but steadily, though Col noticed he didn’t look down. Col did his best to keep his eyes on Theo’s feet but it was hard. Something else would be hard if he fixed his gaze higher.

“Step to the right when you get off the first ladder and wait for me,” Col said.

When Col was at his side, Theo shot him the tiniest smile before staring back at the stonework in front of him. He didn’t look like a guy who was okay with heights. That guy would have been looking outwards, admiring the view.

“You want to carry on?” Col asked.

“Yes.”

Col could tell Theo was scared, but he’d rather see him cautious than cocky about what he was doing. Theo’s pace slowed the higher they climbed. Col didn’t say anything, just let him move at the speed he wanted and Theo eventually made it to the roof and stepped off onto the wider area of planking.

“Put your hands here,” Col said at his ear and guided him to the pole running horizontally in front of them. “And open your eyes.”

Theo whimpered and wrapped both his hands over the metal.

“What are you doing back here?” Bez came over to Col.

“Got a job in the gardens.”

“What? You’ve not given up stonemasonry!”

“No, but I was rejected for everything I applied for.”

“Fucking hell. Frank’s fault?”

“I have my suspicions.”

“I don’t know why the hell he let you go. You’re one of the best in the team.”

“Thanks, Bez.”

“I’ve not heard of any jobs. I know you want to be a carver.”

“I’d have taken anything but gravestones.”

Bez shuddered. “I don’t blame you. So what did you want to see up here?”

“Did any unexpected issues crop up with the roof after you’d started?” Col asked quietly. “I’m thinking of something major that hadn’t been incorporated into the quote.”

Bez glanced at Theo, who was taking pictures. “No. There’s always something unexpected but nothing we hadn’t made allowances for.”

“Was there any need for more masons at any point in the renovation?”

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