Chapter 21 #2
“A while ago I had to work on this old guy’s house.
” Tomas chuckled. “He annoyed the shit out of me. But I realized he didn’t want someone to work on his house.
He wanted someone to work with him on his house.
Go at his pace and help him. It was a pain in the ass at first, but taking the time, helping him use the tools, that was…
satisfying. I think I could teach classes at the senior center, like Iris said.
Old people can’t be any worse than some of the kids I’ve dealt with, and the classes would have to be small.
I don’t know about how-to videos, but maybe if they were in Spanish, Carlos suggested that.
But working with people, that seems more satisfying than drawing stuff for others to build. ”
“You want to help people.” Fiona concentrated fully on Tomas, trying to see his vision. He barely spoke in more than one-word sentences when she first met him, and scowled more than he smiled. Now, he was talking about teaching. “You’ve really given this some thought, haven’t you?”
He shrugged. “Yeah. If it doesn’t work out with the senior center, I could maybe reach out through Mom’s church.
I’m sure there are families who need work done on their homes but can’t afford to hire someone.
Or families who can only afford to buy older homes that need a lot of work, and they don’t have the skills to do it themselves or the money to hire someone who does.
I can help them. Maybe Keeney Builds and KBS could get involved. ”
Listening, Fiona could already see the possibilities.
“HFH!” she blurted out, eyes fairly gleaming.
At his questioning look, she explained, “Han Family Holdings is my family’s company.
We own commercial properties, like the strip mall next to your parents’ restaurant.
The business could help families buy homes that need work.
The buyers use sweat equity to reduce their mortgage.
Similar to what Habitat for Humanity does. ”
Tomas looked doubtful. “Your mother would do that?”
Fiona looked determined. “HFH is not just my mother. Everyone in the family has shares. And yes, I think my mother would do it. Especially now when she needs to find a way to make amends. My dad is a fan of what you do, building tiny homes for the community, and wants to do more himself. And if we get Joseph and Andy, especially if we get Pastor Andy and the church behind it, Mother will be happy to support it. The business looks good, the community benefits, and she saves face. She’s also been looking for a legacy, and this would fit the bill nicely. ”
Tomas appeared to mull the idea over. “I didn’t know HFH bought residential properties.”
“They don’t. At least not yet. But let me talk to Joseph. I’m pretty sure we can convince him.”
“Are you sure?”
“Absolutely.” With that, Fiona pushed her plate away and sighed. “I feel so much better. When you walked in here, I thought you were going to break up with me.”
His eyebrows winged up. “Why would you think that?”
She didn’t look at him, fiddling with her bracelet instead.
“I don’t know. Just….” It was hard to put her level of insecurity into words.
Judging by the looks of others in the restaurant, she wasn’t the only person who found him attractive.
Tomas was, by far, the most handsome man she’d ever known, and it was difficult to believe that he wanted her for herself, and wasn’t using her to gain access to her family’s money.
“I haven’t looked at another woman since the first time I saw you.” He unclenched her hand, stroking a finger over her palm to rest on the pulse beating wildly in her wrist. “It was at that event, and you told me to bring you a drink.”
Her face flamed, and she groaned. “I was hoping you’d forget that.”
“That’s what I get for wearing all black. You weren’t the only one who thought I was a waiter that night.” He grinned. “You had so much poise and grace, despite having dealt with Eddie’s shit. You made quite the impression on me.”
She stared at him, hypnotized, enjoying his touch as much as his words. “I did?”
“You did. So unless you tell me otherwise, I’m not going anywhere.” Ignoring the people around them, he kissed her long and deep, drawing out her soul with him when he pulled back. “You go. I’ll take care of the bill and see you tonight.”
“Okay,” she replied and floated out of the restaurant.
She was still on a high from Tomas’s declaration when her brother called later that afternoon.
“We’ve got a problem.”
Fiona put the phone on speaker and propped it beside her laptop. “Well hello to you, too. I’m fine, Joseph, thanks for asking.” She chuckled as she signed off on an email.
“I’m serious.”
His tone grabbing her full attention, Fiona closed her laptop. “What’s up?”
“Mother blocked Carlos Santiago from buying Woodbine Automotive.”
“You’re serious?”
“As a heart attack.”
She stared blindly at the photo of Tomas on her desk. She’d caught him unaware, asleep on the couch, with Little One curled up on his chest. “Why would she do that?”
“Because she can. Because she saw an opportunity to benefit herself.”
“You’d think she’d be trying to make amends, not worsen the situation.” Her mother still hadn’t called, and Fiona wondered if she ever would.
“I don’t know that the two are tied together,” Joseph said. “Buying commercial real estate doesn’t move that quickly.”
Fiona shifted to massage the cords tightening at the back of her neck. “How did you find out?” she asked.
“The company who won the bid is a fast-food chain based out of California. They emailed me to thank HFH for letting them know the property was available. And sent a check for ten grand.”
She groaned. Her mother was messing with the community as well. Keeney’s family-owned restaurants didn’t need competition from the big chains. Then the thought hit her. “How am I going to tell Tomas?”
“Don’t,” Joseph said.
“What? No.”
“I’m pretty sure I can fix this, so just?—”
“You don’t understand. I can’t?—”
“Listen!” He exhaled forcefully. “I can fix this, and then you can tell him.”
Despite the fact he couldn’t see her, Fiona shook her head. “And if you can’t? No.” Keeping secrets wasn’t healthy for a relationship. Not telling Tomas wasn’t an option.
“Just—just give me a week. Then you can tell him. Regardless of what happens.”
She stared at the photograph, mulling it over. “Are you sure you can fix this?”
“Positive.”
“Fine.” She disconnected, hoping and praying he was correct.