Chapter 27
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Noah
The house that we are working on today smells like sawdust and coffee—my two favorite things these days.
Well, second favorite. Josy’s laugh tops the list now, but there’s no way I’m admitting that to Esteban.
He will say that I am pussy whipped and start messing around with it all day long.
Though if I am honest, I’m definitely pussy whipped but that’s not the point.
I lean back against the workbench, sipping coffee from my thermos as Esteban drags himself in, looking like he just went twelve rounds with a tornado. His shirt is streaked with sawdust and sweat, his hair defying gravity.
“You look like you’ve had a morning,” I say, biting back a grin.
“You don’t even know, man,” he groans, slumping onto a stool. “My neighbor’s kid has decided he’s the next big rock star. Drums. Drums at six a.m. on a Monday. What kind of psychopath buys their kid drums?”
I raise an eyebrow. “What kind of psychopath lets their kid practice at six in the morning?”
He throws his hands up. “Exactly! And it’s not just mornings. It’s afternoons. Evenings. I swear, if I hear one more offbeat rendition of ‘Smoke on the Water,’ I’m going to lose it.”
I chuckle, shaking my head. “Sounds like you could use a break.”
“You’re not wrong,” he mutters, rubbing his temples. “So, what’s up? You didn’t call me in here just to mock my misery.”
I hesitate, running a hand through my hair. “Actually, I wanted to talk about us taking a break. Cutting back on work.”
He narrows his eyes, his usual teasing expression replaced by something more serious. “Cutting back? You? Did Josy hit you over the head with a frying pan or something?”
“Funny,” I say dryly. “I’m serious. I’ve been thinking about it for a while. The workload’s getting out of hand, and with Everly coming soon, I want to be there for everything, you know? Not stuck on a job site.”
Esteban leans back, crossing his arms. “Huh. I didn’t think I’d ever hear you say that.”
“Why?” I ask, narrowing my eyes.
He shrugs. “You’re like a work robot. ‘Must build. Must fix. Must avoid feelings.’” He does a stiff, jerky impression of me that’s so bad it’s almost funny.
I roll my eyes. “Thanks for that. But seriously, I’ve been feeling it. And I’m guessing you have too.”
His smirk falters, and for a moment, he looks as tired as I feel. “Yeah,” he admits. “I’ve been running on fumes. Between the workload and my neighbor’s future drum prodigy, I’m about ready to snap. I haven’t even had time to find myself a lady to spend the night with.”
“So let’s do something about it,” I say. “Hire a manager. Someone to take over projects, deal with clients, and let us step back a little.”
He whistles low. “A manager. That’s a big move. What if we hire another genius like last year’s guy?”
I groan, the memory of that disaster flashing through my mind. “We’ll vet them better this time. No hammering screws.”
“Or using a level as a straightedge,” Esteban adds, grimacing.
“Or leaving coffee rings on the blueprints.”
We exchange a look, both of us cringing at the parade of idiots we’ve dealt with. Then Esteban sighs, rubbing the back of his neck. “Okay, let’s do it. But if we end up with another screw-hammer guy, I’m holding you personally responsible.”
“Fair enough,” I say, grinning. “Now let’s get back to work before you start reciting the entire list of past disasters.”
“Too late,” he says with a wicked grin. “Remember the guy who thought you could paint a wall without taping off the edges? Freehand, baby.”
I groan, shaking my head. But as we dive back into work, I feel a sense of relief. The thought of lightening the load—and spending more time with Josy and Everly—makes me feel a little lighter.
I’ve been so worried that I won’t have enough time for my girls.
Time is flying so fast, and July will be here before I know it.
I’ve got nothing ready yet. As it is, we’re already in the middle of April, and Josy is six months pregnant.
We’ve spent nearly every free moment together these past weeks, getting to know each other again.
I love everything about her; the good, the messy, even the scared part of her that’s still fighting to accept that we’re a done deal.
I don’t think she realizes it yet, but we are a couple.
She might not have said it out loud, but actions speak louder than words.
We’re together, whether she wants to admit it or not.
We spend all our time with each other, and I’ve even spent nights holding her in my arms. Those nights are everything to me. Feeling her soft, warm skin against mine is the kind of peace I didn’t know I needed.
We haven’t been intimate since Christmas, and that’s okay. I’m giving her all the time she needs. I’d rather suffer through the worst case of blue balls than rush her into something she’s not ready for. And trust me, it’s been the longest four months of my life.
Having her so close, watching her grow my baby, seeing how stunning she looks in those dresses that hug her curves... It’s killing me. But I’ve been strong. I have to be. For my girls, I’d do anything.
My phone pings, and I grab it from my back pocket.
Austin: Can we meet for drinks today?
Esteban: Dude, I’m so tired today, but for you, I’ll make it happen.
Me: Sure. Is everything okay?
Austin: Yes. I just need a little bro time.
I hear footsteps in the hallway and glance up to see Esteban, phone in hand, rubbing the back of his neck.
“Dude,” he says, lowering his voice like we’re about to uncover some classified information, “why do I feel like Austin’s about to drop some serious news on us?”
I nod, already feeling the same. “Yeah, he’s got that vibe. Like when he made us meet him for lunch last year just to tell us Violet had a stalker messing with her.”
“Exactly! Cryptic Austin is never just casual. Let’s hope this time it’s good news,” Esteban says, his face a mix of curiosity and apprehension.
“Fingers crossed.”
As he heads to the kitchen, I pull up Josy’s text thread and shoot her a message.
Me: Sweetheart, I’m meeting the guys at the Tavern tonight.
Me: Do you need anything before I go?
A few seconds later, her reply comes through.
Josy: No, I’m good. But I know why he wants to talk to you guys.
Me: Really? Spill.
Josy: Nope. But don’t worry, it’s nothing bad. Go and have fun. Are you coming to my house after, or heading straight to yours?
I grin, already knowing what I want to say.
Me: Do you want me to come over?
Please say yes. Please admit you miss me as much as I miss you every damn day.
Josy: I wouldn’t mind having you here tonight.
My heart skips. My fingers hover over the screen, teasing her back.
Me: Sweetheart, are you saying what I think you’re saying?
A pause. Then:
Josy: …
Me: What does that even mean? Yes, no, maybe?
Josy: Come over, and you’ll find out.
Me: You’re killing me, woman. But I’ll be there.
Josy: Good. See you later.
I can’t stop the smile tugging at my lips. What is she hinting at? Is this finally it? Is she ready to take that last step we’ve been dancing around?
Man, I hope she is.
I push open the heavy oak door of the Tavern, and the familiar scent of fried food and stale beer greets me. Inside, the place is almost deserted, save for a couple of regulars nursing their drinks at the bar. It’s a Monday night—practically the dead zone for places like this.
Austin is already at our usual table, a half-empty beer in hand. He leans back in his chair, staring at the tabletop like it’s about to spill his deepest secrets.
I glance at Esteban, who’s walking beside me. He meets my look and shrugs. “This is weird as fuck,” he mutters under his breath.
I nod in agreement. Austin’s never the first to show up. Ever.
We make our way over, the sound of our boots muffled against the scuffed floorboards. Dropping into the seat across from Austin, I rest my forearms on the table and raise an eyebrow.
“Alright, dude, are you okay?” Esteban asks, getting straight to the point.
Austin looks up, his expression unreadable. He takes a sip of his beer, then sets it down slowly, like he’s buying himself time.
“I’m fine,” he says finally, but the tone of his voice screams otherwise.
“Bullshit,” Esteban shoots back. “You’re sitting here looking like someone stole your dog.”
“Or your truck,” I add, trying to lighten the mood.
Austin rolls his eyes but doesn’t crack a smile. “It’s nothing bad. I need to talk to you guys about something.”
I lean back in my chair, crossing my arms. “If you’re trying to make us think you’re dying or some shit, you’re doing a shit job.”
Austin groans, dragging a hand down his face. “I’m not dying. Jesus, you two are dramatic.”
“Then spit it out,” Esteban says, gesturing with his hands. “We don’t have all night.”
Austin hesitates, his fingers tapping against the beer bottle. “Violet’s pregnant,” he finally says, the words tumbling out in a rush.
There’s a moment of stunned silence before Esteban lets out a loud laugh. “No way. Are you serious?”
“Dead serious,” Austin replies, his face softening for the first time tonight.
“Man, that’s awesome!” I say, leaning forward to slap him on the shoulder. “Congrats, dude.”
Austin grins, a bit sheepish now. “Thanks. I wasn’t sure how you guys would take it.”
“What’s there to take? You’re gonna be a dad,” Esteban says, still grinning like a fool. “That’s badass.”
“And chaotic as hell,” I add, smirking.
Austin chuckles, his earlier tension melting away. “Yeah, Violet’s already started making lists. You know how she is.”
I lean forward, resting my arms on the table. “You know what’s wild? Our babies are gonna be around the same age.”
Austin raises his beer with a smirk. “Built-in best friends. Just like us.”
Esteban grins and slaps the table. “You know what that means? I’m going to be the best uncle ever.”
Austin chuckles, shaking his head. “The bar’s not exactly high, but sure, go for it.” Then his grin turns sly as he turns to Esteban. “You’re the only one left, man. Now what are you gonna do?”
Esteban leans back in his chair, the corner of his mouth twitching. “Guess I gotta find me a wife soon. Don’t wanna be left behind.”
Silence falls over the table like a dropped brick. Austin and I exchange a stunned look.
“Dude, are you for real?” Austin finally asks, his tone more disbelief than anything else.
“Yeah, I’ve been thinking… ” Esteban pauses, his expression unusually serious.
I raise an eyebrow, unable to help myself. “Uh oh. There’s nothing good that comes out of Esteban thinking.”
“Fuck off,” Esteban shoots back, flipping me off without missing a beat. “But seriously. I’ve been thinking a lot lately. Even though I love my single life, looking at you guys being happy… it gives me FOMO.”
Austin barks out a laugh, and I can’t help but join him. “You? FOMO? That’s rich.”
“I’m serious,” Esteban insists, rolling his eyes but smirking anyway. “I mean, I’m not saying I’m gonna go out and propose to the next girl I meet or anything. But if the right one comes along, I won’t say no.”
I lean back, still chuckling. “Man, I never thought I’d hear those words from you. The right one, huh?”
“Hey, don’t look so shocked,” Esteban retorts, pointing a finger at me. “I’m not a total lost cause.”
Austin lifts his beer again, his expression amused. “Alright, we’ll hold you to it. But don’t come crying to us when you’re covered in baby puke and sleep deprived.”
“Please. I’d be the most badass dad ever,” Esteban declares with a grin.
“You’d better find someone who agrees with that assessment,” I tease, earning another middle finger from him.
We all laugh, the tension from earlier now a distant memory. For all the chaos we bring into each other’s lives, moments like these remind me why I wouldn’t trade these guys for anything.