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“Everyone’s so busy, I think I’d rather just put my nose to the grindstone and work a little later.”
“When’s the next time you and your dad are working out there?”
“In two more days when everything’s dry again. This may be a lot to ask, but would you mind picking up Ana from school that day? I’m close to missing this small window I’ve got in finishing this first cabin, styling it, taking pictures, and making some new listings for those rental sites Justine already set up for me. If I can show interest in the cabins, that might be enough for the banks to give us more time.”
“I’m happy to pick her up any day you need. Absolutely anytime you need support with Ana, I’m here.”
I feel like this is another milestone for us. This is the first time he’s asking me to help her outside of work. He has always skirted away from asking Justine for more babysitting, even though he’s confident in her as a sitter. He’s just barely there in letting me in on this level with Ana, so it’s understandable.
He never wants to impose on people, but he doesn’t recognize how much people want to help him. I’ve got to do something. It’s good to know when he’s starting up work again. I’ve got some calls and favors to ask for before then.
Chapter Fifteen
Adriel
I’m eager to get out to the newly built cabin today. It’s been a few days of rain last week, and today’s cutting it close with making sure we’re working with dry wood, but I can’t wait any longer.
Jules is picking up Ana today, so I can get a few extra hours before the sunset. With the flood lights I just bought, I’ll even be able to work a little later.
Everything is set.
After dropping off Ana at school, I pull on my work gloves, and stop by the main house to energize with a second cup of coffee for the long slog ahead of me.
“Hi mija,” my mom says with a sly smile.
“Hi mamá. You sure look happy today.”
She passes me a cup of coffee in a tumbler and turns to face me and hold my face in her hands. “You’re doing great out there. I’m proud of you, Adriel. I think we’re going to make it yet.”
Wow. She must have a lot more faith in my plans than I do, because I feel like I’ve still got loads to do.
“Thank you mamá. That’s a bit of the extra motivation I needed today.”
I head out the back door and start up my work cart to get to the back of the property where the cabin is being built.
On twenty acres, it takes nearly fifteen minutes to cross our property on my work cart. I pass our homes in the front that’s got the closest access to the main road, a lake, four barns, an expanse of land that just curves along our hilly coastline, and then I see our new cabin in the making.
Looks like a few more cars lined up by the back. My dad must have gotten the extra lumber, lights, and tools delivered, like we talked about last week.
Among the vehicles, I see Jules’ car. She must have wanted to stop by and wish me luck. She knows the crunch I’m in.
Driving closer, I see her holding a box of donuts.
“Hi Jules. That’s sweet of you to come by.” I’m so happy to see her I practically hop off my cart before it stops. I make my way over to swing her around with a hearty hug. Tight in my arms, I hold her in the air and pull back to see her glowing face.
“Hi.”
“Hi.”
Sometimes it feels like so much flows between single words between us.
“I’ve got a surprise for you.”
I place her down as slowly as I can. I always love seeing her, but I’ve never felt great about surprises. Trying to keep my anxiety at bay, I keep smiling.
Rubbing her hands up and down my arms, she gets behind me and pushes my back towards the cabin. “I promise this is for your own good.”
I don’t like the sound of that.
