Page 86 of Vodka and Violets (The Hamiltons)

Xander stood in the middle of the bar and looked around in wonder. The crew were making great progress. When they’d started demo, he’d been concerned that it would take months rather than weeks before the renovations were complete. Now, he could totally see them coming in ahead of schedule.

He’d come in this morning with the intention of offering to help, but it was obvious that he would be more of a hindrance. Logan’s guys had worked together for years, apparently, and it showed. That level of teamwork made him think of the men he’d served with. He knew that Kolby was now settled happily back home in Montana with Callie, but he should give the others a call – see how they were doing.

“Anything you need, boss?” Logan asked.

Xander gave him a rueful smile. “Not a damn thing. I was planning to ask you if there’s anything that you need from me – thinking I might be able to help.” He laughed at the look on Logan’s face. “Don’t worry, I’ve figured it out for myself that you don’t just not need me, but you don’t want me. It’s best for everyone if I get out of the way, right?”

Logan grinned. “I wouldn’t have put it exactly like that.”

“That’s okay. You don’t need to. I get it. I can see that I’d only be in the way if I tried to help. Is there anything else you need from me – any questions?”

Logan shook his head. “We’re all good for now. That’s why the original questionnaire I had you fill out was so detailed. Of course, you can change your mind about anything at any point, but in doing this for as long as I have, I’ve learned that it’s best to make sure that I understand your vision as well as your requirements before we even start.”

“Nate was right when he told me that you were the guy for the job.”

“I worked for him for a few years. I still do, but they’ve slowed their schedule on new builds in the development. The housing market has been quieter for a while, you know?”

Xander nodded.

“Hey, have you guys thought about where you’re going to live?” Logan grinned. “Any chance you’ll be looking for a custom build?”

Xander laughed. “Sorry. But no. Tori’s seen the place she has her heart set on.”

“Oh yeah, where’s that?”

“It’s just up the road from here, up in the hills on the way to North Cove.”

Logan frowned. “Do you mean Smoke and Laura’s place?”

“No. Just past them.”

“Oh, the Flanagan house?”

Xander nodded.

Logan laughed. “Okay. I wouldn’t have thought that place would ever sell, but I can see why Tori would like it.” He looked as though he was about to say more but he didn’t.

Xander gave him a wry smile. “The rest of the house is great. Have you been inside? It’s nothing like you’d expect.”

“I haven’t, and I don’t mind telling you that I’m curious as hell to see it.”

“Well, it looks like we’re moving ahead on buying it. Once we’re settled in, and once this place is finished, you and your fiancée should come over – Roxy, isn’t it?”

“Thanks. I’ll look forward to it. And I know Roxy would love to see the place, too. In fact, she’s been asking me about getting you guys to come out with us all. Would you be interested?”

“Thanks. We would.” He liked the idea of getting to know more people in town. Of course, they knew Russ and Ria and the older guys at the gym, and Smoke and Laura, but he knew that there was a whole gang of couples their age who hung out.

“Great. I’ll let you know the next time we all plan to get together.”

“Thanks.” Xander frowned when his phone rang. “Sorry, I need to get this.”

“No problem. I need to get back to it.”

“Hey, Smoke. What’s up?” Xander made his way out of the bar as he answered.

“Hey. I was about to ask you the same thing. I came over to Laura’s store to see her and thought you might be over here – wondered if you want to catch up.”

“I am and I do. I’ll be right there.”

---