That Day, Karen Deen [early readers .txt] 📗

“Fuck off. I’m never late. Otherwise, the boss is like a growly bear for the rest of the morning.”

“Enough chitchat, let’s get to work.” I grab my phone and start my playlist through the speaker before Ricky can beat me to it.

Standing down on the grass and looking up at our day’s work, I’m happy how this is all coming together. It gives me a real buzz to build and create something. I know Ricky is always complaining that I’m a perfectionist, but I know how important the fine details are. They can make a whole world of difference in more than just building. The funny thing is I see Ricky now getting fastidious with his work. They say the best way to teach an employee is to lead by example. Maybe I’m doing some good here.

“Good afternoon, gentlemen.” Jodie’s face appears over the top of the railing, looking down at us.

“Stop smiling,” I say to Ricky, “she’s not looking at you when she said gentleman, not men.” I give Ricky a playful shove as I head back up the stairs to give my sister a hug. I haven’t seen her since Friday afternoon.

“Whatever,” he calls after me and then goes about picking up the timber offcuts that are on the ground. I hate a messy job site.

“Why is it the only hugs I seem to get from you are dirty, smelly ones,” she grumbles, pulling away.

“Because you only seem to visit me on the job site. What do you expect?” I reach for my water to take a drink. It’s been a hot day, even with the breeze that we always seem to catch, being next to the ocean. Today it wasn’t enough to stop me from sweating. “Are you just waking up after night shifts?”

“No, I’ve been over at Mom and Dad’s. Woke up to a message saying Mom had cooked me spinach-and-mushroom pie, and I wanted Dad to look at my car. It’s making a funky noise.”

“Firstly, ugh, you can have that green stuff all to yourself. Secondly, why didn’t you tell me about your car? I would have come and looked at it while you were on shift.” I lift my cap and then run my hands through my hair before putting it back on, just to try to cool down a little.

“Argh, no thanks. You are an amazing builder, but you know absolutely nothing about cars. That’s what Seth is for; Dad said it’s time to have a professional look at it. I’ve already dropped it off to him, and he gave me a loaner car to drive until he’s got time to look at it. Stick to construction, little brother.”

“Wow, I’m so hurt. I can’t be perfect at everything.” I hold my hand over my heart like she has wounded me.

“I am,” Ricky yells from below us.

We both laugh. He has the cockiness that I remember having at his age. Thinking you’re unbreakable, that you know everything, and that you’re God’s gift to women. Oh, how the years and your experiences smack that out of you.

“Har, har, whatever you think. Those dreams you have at night must really be entertaining,” Jodie yells back at him as we high-five. We really do act like ten-year-olds, but who cares.

“Putting up with you two together is worse than going to the dentist. For fuck’s sake,” he mumbles on his way back up the stairs past us on his way to the truck with a load of trash.

“Hey, I take exception to that,” Jodie says. “My dentist is sexy eye-candy. Why do you think I have beautiful white teeth?” She pulls a stupid smile to show us her pearly whites.

“What, has he got sexy nose hairs up his nostrils? Because that’s all you get to see, lying back in the dental chair.” I laugh at her now screwing her face up.

“Umm, no, that’s disgusting. He has the best bedside manner, I must say.”

Ricky comes back after dropping off his load. “Mhmm, I’m sure he does, for every pretty lady who comes in.” Ricky smirks as both him and I stand with our arms crossed, looking at her smugly.

“Oh my god, I don’t know why I bother with you two, seriously. I’m out of here.” Walking towards her car, Jodie stops and turns to me. “Kurt, Seth said to tell you he will be meet you at the gym tonight at seven, because apparently I’m the messenger girl.”

“I can’t, I’ll be at Asha’s…” And now I know I’ve just blown any chance of my sister leaving. “I’ll call him now,” I say, trying to get my phone out of my pocket.

“Kurt Ronald Dolan, don’t you dare. Spill the beans, little brother. Who is Asha, and is that where you were the night of the storm? A secret little rendezvous?” She walks back towards me, pinning me with her stare, watching for every slightest facial expression from me that will give her a clue.

Ricky gives a wave and heads for his truck. “I think that’s my cue to leave early today, hey, boss? We both know she won’t give up until she draws blood from you. I don’t want to be witness to that.”

“Any excuse to hit the surf early, not that there’s much swell out there this afternoon. Yeah, fuck off, and don’t be late in the morning,” I call after him, trying to keep a straight face.

“You really want to go there?” Ricky looks like he thinks he has one up on me.

“Just go, you idiot. See you tomorrow.”

“Don’t have to tell me twice. See you, Jodie.” With that, he is out of here before I can blink.

I undo my tool belt, so I can start to pack up. I should have known it was useless trying to distract her.

“Don’t even think about it, mister. Start spilling your guts.” She sits down on top of the workbench I have set up, making herself comfortable.

“I don’t know what you’re