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“Fuck,” I mutter.
Jacob has been trying for the past year to get back in my good graces. I refused to answer his calls or return his emails or texts, but I know without a doubt if I call him, he will answer.
An idea starts to form in my head. Jacob is an option for my current dilemma. This could be an even exchange and would solve two problems in one go. I’m going to have to swallow my pride and put my hurt feelings on the back burner, but he’s the only person who I know that would take the vacation time, fly out, and get the job done. I know he will say yes to my project if I say yes to his request.
Settling into the couch for what is about to be a very painful conversation, I dial the number I’ve been trying to forget.
“Jo? Is it really you?” Jacob asks after the first ring, obviously relieved.
I fight my nausea. “Yes, it’s me.”
I hear him swallow. “God, it’s good to hear your voice,” he admits.
I clear my throat from emotion. “I received the contract, but I want to hear what this entails from you.”
“Of course, I would expect nothing less. As you may remember, the firm has been taking jobs in other states the last few years to expand our name. We were recently contracted for a major luxury hotel chain and have plans to break ground soon in Denver. My professional engineer on-site has left for a family emergency. I would go myself, but I’m wrapping up a project in San Diego and won’t be available for another week. My other two engineers are currently tied up with their own projects. I can’t stall the Denver project for a week ‘till my PE is available again, and you know I can’t go to the company executives with this shit.”
“No, you can’t,” I say, understanding. The firm would crucify him if he went to the board meeting without a backup plan in place.
“My engineer already set up contractors and vendors, but I still need a licensed PE in the state of Colorado to sign off on the blueprints.
“Jo, I don’t have time to shop around for someone local. This is happening within the week. Look, I know I shouldn’t be asking favors from you after everything, but I’m willing to sweeten the deal. I can get the firm to stop blackballing you. All your contacts—contractors, vendors, engineers, designers, transportation services—would be available for you again.”
Oh my God!This would open so many doors for my business.
“I’ve been following your little startup and you’ve done a lot in a year, but you can’t tell me you haven’t been struggling to find these resources.”
He’s right. I’ve been having a difficult time. I’ve had to look farther out to find companies willing to work with me, some overseas, cutting into profit and extending deadlines. With all my contacts available, I would be saving money and increasing productivity.
“And all I need is a week of your time before my PE can get back. You would literally be working an hour on-site and be able to return to your own projects. Denver isn’t too far from Fort Collins. It’s a great deal, Jo.”
This is almost too easy. Jacob’s in no position to turn my favor down now. His job is on the line, and considering he sacrificed our relationship to get where he is, he will jump at this.
“Jacob, I’m willing to take this contract with the firm agreeing to take me off the blacklist—in writing—if you help me in return.”
Silence. “What do you need, Keebler?” he asks with a smile in his cocky voice.
I cringe, hearing my old nickname. He thought it was clever to name me after an elf living in a tree making baked goods because I’m short. It was fucking annoying then, and it’s fucking annoying now. But I’m not in a position to start chastising him.
“I’m in need of a consulting engineer for a project here in Fort Collins. I’m offering it to you, if you want it. Projected deadline is four months, but I’m negotiating with my general contractor to bring in a bigger crew. It’s feasible to shave the deadline down to three months, maybe sooner if we don’t run into any snags. I don’t need you on-site daily. It would be preferable, but I would like you there at least three days a week, and to handle all questions and concerns from the client within a reasonable amount of time.
“You would have to tap into your vacation bank to avoid the firm finding out you’re poaching projects on the side. Or you could finagle a way to come out to your Denver project and find time to work on mine. The pay will be more than worth all the trouble,” I say cordially, surprising myself.
More silence. “Jo, why are you asking me to do this? After everything that happened…I mean, you haven’t talked to me since you left California. You refused any contact with me when I would reach out until I sent you this deal. I get you jumping on my contract to get your contacts back, but why do you want me on your project? I’m not saying no, I’m just curious. Are you overbooked with projects or is there something else going on?” Jacob inquires, and I can hear the hope in his voice.
He wants this to be more than me wanting his help. He wants this to be me reaching out to him on a more intimate level. I need to set the record straight.
“Honestly, I’m not comfortable with the client. We have a difference of opinion when it comes to communication. I believe it’s in the best interest of the client if he and I to have limited contact, which as you can understand is difficult to do while under contract. This project is important to me. Walking away is not an option. I can’t risk breaking the contract and possibly being sued because of it,” I admit.
“I comprehend all that. And I’m happy you thought of me when considering candidates,” he says after a pause. “Tell me about the project.”
After filling him in on what the build entails, he seems to hesitate. “Let me get this straight. You’re building a compound for a biker gang?” he questions with skepticism.
“Yep.”
Jacob laughs. “When do you break ground?”
“Two days, but I won’t need you ‘till two weeks out from then. I’ll be able to manage for now since my client is away on business.”
