J.J. did know Everclear was potent. She also knew that even when you were “the boss” of this operation, it was back-breaking labor in between dozens of logistical nightmares. She worried again about the level of responsibility her boy had undertaken with all this.
“That stuff is brutal, no doubt.”
“I’m a beer guy, you know that.”
“You promise you’re okay?”
“I’m mad as heck at Loger. He really messed us all up. You should have seen Reggie Barton; he was sick as a dog.”
J.J. rolled her eyes. “I can picture it, thanks.”
“Okay, so we’re cool. You don’t need to worry.”
“I’ll always worry. That’s what I do.”
“Mom, stop, it’s fine.”
D.J. did seem fine, and she never liked that Loger kid anyway. It was no surprise that D.J. got blackout drunk at something the Loger kid planned. Once upon a time, he’d encouraged her youngest, Austin, to jump off the roof into an above-ground pool. She still shuddered to think about what could have happened. Whathadhappened was Austin caught his foot on the edge and wound up with fifteen stitches from ankle to knee. That Loger kid was still a lousy influence, apparently.
“Okay, okay. Are you sure this isn’t too much, too soon? You still had a lot to learn from Dad.”
“I learned. I promise.”
“What about Austin? Is he helping? You know he’s ready to help.”
“I don’t want to bug him. He’s busy with his classes.”
Austin was in construction trades at the community college, just like his dad.
“Well, this would seem like the perfect job for that coursework.” She’d talk to Austin herself. Maybe he was too busy to pitch in like she’d hoped.
D.J.’s phone buzzed.
“Ugh, the tile guy, calling me back. Libby wants to see one wall pretty much done before she commits.”
She had said her piece. Hopefully, that was all the situation required, a reminder that people were counting on Tucker Construction. “I’ll get out of your hair. You’re busy. Dinner this week, and maybe also I cut your hair?”
D.J.’s hair was grazing his shoulders. She reached out to the curls that dusted his collar. The same ones that used to peak out of a football helmet and further back lay against his neck when he was in his crib.
What the heck is wrong with me? All these darn memories, everywhere I go!
“Yes, it’s definitely a deal, food and a haircut.”
“Okay, get back to work. Don’t make Libby mad. It’s terrifying.”
“Oh, I know, I know.”
She wondered if there were other incidents she didn’t know about.Had Libby overreacted, or had she been pushed to the limit?
D.J. hugged her again. As she left, he was on the phone, sounding professional, busy, and responsible.
It’s okay, Tucker Construction is okay, and D.J. just made a mistake. It happens.
J.J. was relieved there wasn’t more to it. The trailer was a little messy and disorganized, but that was her mom brain trying to control things. The boys were a mess a lot of the time.
She also figured Libby had never seen the rough and tumble side of Irish Hills. It wasn’t her experience, and she’d likely never had a contractor sleep it off in front of her. She was a silver spoon in a blue-collar situation. That was it.
That was also understandable. Libby had a lot on her plate, and D.J. had dropped the ball.
