Page 67 of Versions Of Us

She’s seemingly uninterested in my offer, her gaze drifting out through the window to the tavern across the street. Trouble brews behind her eyes and I realise she’s as wary of me as I was of her no more than five minutes ago.

“It was just a thought,” I begin, ready to retract my proposal.

She turns back to me, her lips twisting upward ever so slightly. “Well, the bathroom situation is pretty dismal up there.”

“Then it’s settled,” I say. “Just don’t make me regret it.”

Chapter 29

HENLEY

Ican’t wait for this shift to end. Every muscle in my body is fatigued and I literally feel as though I’m hauling ass around this bar, every minute that passes longer than the one before it.

Mackenzie moved in with Kristen yesterday. I’m happy that fate has given the two of them the opportunity to become closer. I’ve always thought it would be good for them to connect, but damn this loft is quiet without her. I almost miss her sarcastic complaints and the sound of her tone-deaf voice echoing from the shower.

I have a feeling my nights will be even more sleepless than before. I’m sure Mackenzie had thought of me as her security but honestly her presence had made things more bearable for me too. Last night, I’d tossed and turned for hours before I finally gave up and crept downstairs to the old, abandoned room.

I’d spent a few more hours there, cleaning and filling holes in the dry wall. I’m amazed at the progress I’ve made with it in such a short time.

After removing all the debris and dust from the timber flooring, I was surprised to find it in better condition than that of the rest of the place. I’d replaced some of the skirting that had been ruined with water damage and moved a couple of old, damaged pieces of furniture out of the way.

Of course, there’s still so much work left to do. There are chunks of drywall missing that need to be replaced completely, but I’m hopeful that I’ll be able to make another visit to Bill’s Hardware when my next pay check comes in.

I’m running out of cash fast. I had some money put away in an account that I’d saved before I left, but between groceries, my hardware purchases and supporting Mackenzie, there isn’t a lot left.

I’m wiping down the bar when Mick and Jay Nelson approach, otherwise known as the Nelson brothers. Mick slaps a hand down on the counter.

“See, Jay! I told you he was back!” he exclaims loudly.

“Henley!” Jay yells. “Where the hell have you been, man?”

“Hey guys,” I respond in a low voice, not wanting to draw any further attention to myself. “What’s up?”

“It’s good to see you, dude,” Mick reaches across the bar and slaps me on the shoulder.

“Yeah, you too,” I say. “Can I get you something?”

“We’ll take two beers. Whatever’s cold.” Jay slumps down on a stool while I pour Heineken from the tap.

“You guys been busy?” I ask, hoping to distract them from their first question.

“We got slammed over the winter, but things have slowed down a bit. Which is shit for business, but it keeps the old man off our backs.”

I manage a laugh as I slide their glasses along the bar.

I worked with the Nelson brothers for a while, not long after we finished high school. Their father owns Nelson and Sons Glass Repairs and he had always hoped that his two boys would take over the family business one day. And maybe if they laid off the pot, they might actually be successful with it. With the bloodshot stares they aim at me coupled with their chill demeanour I’m guessing that day hasn’t come.

An idea forms in my head and I glance behind me to make sure Dylan isn’t within earshot. “Hey,” I say, leaning across the bar. “I’ll be needing some work done soon if you’re interested in doing a quick job for cash.”

“Sure, man. Whatever you need,” Jay replies, taking a long draw from his beer.

“Cool. Just need to keep it on the downlow.”

“Oh, it’s like that, huh?” Mick gives me a conspiratorial wink.

“Nah, mate. Nothing dodgy,” I assure him. If these guys have been involved in dishonest dealings, I don’t want to know about it. “Just need some windows replaced. I’m working on a project, but it’s kind of a surprise.”

“No worries. Let us know when you need it done and we’ll be there.” Jay tips his beer in my direction. Mick gives me a nod. Then they both stroll over to a table along the far side of the tavern to join a group of tradies eating lunch.

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