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“I’m fine. Just don’t mess with DeLuca anymore. If he tells you to leave him alone, leave him the hell alone. No exceptions,” Mike replies.
“I don’t need any special treatment. I’m here as a laborer, and that’s what I’m going to do,” I growl. I don’t need anyone babying me. I can work just as hard as any of these guys out here. “Don’t you guys have a road to build? I’m going to go pick up the scraps.”
“Don’t. I’ll find you something else to do,” Mike shakes his head. “You can help Pete in the office with making copies or something.”
“What? Why the hell would I do that? That’s not what I’m here to do.”
“DeLuca, just stay–”
“No. I’m going to go pick up the scraps and you guys go build the damn road so my family stops calling me, asking when you’re going to be done. At break, I’ll make the call and tell him to back off. You don’t have anything to worry about. You have my word.”
With that, I walk off and start to do my job. Knowing my dad has zero faith in me doing this job on my own pisses me off. I know I’ve been spoiled my entire life, but I’m no wimp. I can handle my own. I’ll take care of business just like usual. And, now that Ashlynn is around, I’ll use thoughts of her to get me through whatever challenges this job throws my way.
***
“Hey, Chance. How’s it going?” my dad answers perkier than usual.
“Hey, Dad,” I reply, trying to hide my annoyance.
It’s been a long ass day and he didn’t help it any. Now all of the guys are going out of their way to assist me, even in the littlest, dumbest stuff. I tell them no, and they insist on helping. It drove me bat shit crazy. It pissed me off more than the blazing sun.
“What’s the matter with you?” he asks.
“I need a favor.”
That’s not what I really want to say. I really want to sayWhat the hell is the matter with you? Why the hell did you call my boss and threaten him? Do you think I’m two?
“What kind of favor?” I can tell his curiosity is peeked by the way he’s asking.
“I need whoever called my boss to call him again and tell him he has nothing to worry about.”
“What?” he laughs. “You want me to apologize?”
“No. Not an apology. Just let him know he doesn’t need to worry about anything. He’s scared shitless. He’s been nice to me; however, now he’s afraid of me and keeps trying to give me bullshit ass jobs.”
“And you don’t want these easier jobs?” He sounds completely shocked, which pisses me off. Has he always thought of me as a wuss?
“I can handle construction. I’m not a weak ass. What man wants to be inside making copies and filing stuff? That’s not manly at all. That’s a damn insult to my manliness.”
“I see.” I can't tell if he’s saying it in a threatening manner or actually listening to my words.
“I appreciate you making the call, Dad. I really do. But this is something I need to take care of on my own. Ya know?”
There is a long silent pause. It makes my stomach knot. I can only imagine what he is thinking or about to say.
“That’s my boy,” he says proudly. “I’ll have Matteo make the call. We won’t interfere again without you asking. Suona bene?”Sound good?
“Suona bene. Grazie.”Sounds good. Thank you.
Chapter Eight
ASHLYNN
Work went by pleasantly fast. No matter what was thrown at me, I took it with a smile. My coworkers even commented on my good mood. If they only knew the truth.
I knew I shouldn’t be in a good mood, but I couldn’t help it. I was clinging to hope. Hope that Chance and I can fix things, whether that is just friends or a true relationship. Only time will tell.
I park my car, grab my purse, and get out. I head towards the apartment building, locking my car door behind me. Out of the corner of my eye, I spot two black SUV’s parked across the street. The men standing next to them quickly turn their backs when I look at them.
