21. Olivia
OLIVIA
“ I ’m so excited! I feel like Bob the Builder.”
Callie was entirely too pumped up for this visit to Helen’s build. She was acting like she suddenly got her contractor’s license and was about to erect a skyscraper.
“To be clear, you are not to touch anything. My access to the build is restricted, so you’re certainly not allowed to go prancing around in there.”
I lifted my chin to point to her head where she sported a lavender hard hat she’d purchased for the occasion. It was absurd and also hilariously adorable.
I’d picked Callie up about an hour ago so we could take a trip to Helen’s property. She’d said she wanted to get an idea of the progress, look at the site itself and see if it was “television worthy”.
She’d originally just asked my opinion, but when I’d told her “it looks like a construction site”, we figured she should see it herself.
She’d cleared our concepts with her team, who were all on board. More importantly, and unbelievably though, so were the execs. They’d given her a preliminary budget and asked her to present a more detailed story arc with that in mind.
So we were looking at Helen’s project to get an idea of whether it made sense for the show.
This was happening.
I hadn’t told anyone about it yet. Callie had been such a friend through the process that I wasn’t bursting to tell anyone outside of her. I was so nervous about jinxing or spoiling things. It couldn’t hurt to wait until everything was more set in stone.
If we decided we wanted to use Helen’s home, I’d have to clear it with both Helen and the Alessis. I knew Helen wouldn’t mind. She’d actually be thrilled with the attention.
I didn’t think Lucas and his brothers would care, either.
It would be amazing, free advertising. Since it wasn’t definite though, I didn’t want to get their hopes up until I knew for sure.
This was a great opportunity for me, but it would only involve them if Callie decided to use Helen’s project.
I couldn’t dangle that in their face, then take it away.
So I’d told Lucas I’d be stopping by, but not that I was bringing a guest, hoping he and his brother would be off-site today. I’d told Callie to say she was from another vendor I worked with if we ran into anyone, just for today. Hopefully, I’d get to surprise them with good news soon.
We pulled up to the site and headed toward the construction. I could tell immediately Lucas wasn’t here. I didn’t see his truck anywhere. But I did spot Leo almost immediately.
“This spot is gorgeous! That view is going to be amazing.”
“Yeah, Helen has a great eye,” I answered absentmindedly. Because I could see Leo approaching us with a scowl on his face, his gaze periodically darting to Callie.
Shit. Maybe this wasn’t okay to do.
Leo approached us with a nod. “Olivia.”
“Hi Leo! Just stopping by to see the progress.” I turned to Callie, trying to play off her presence as no big deal. Her ridiculous hard hat wasn’t helping the matter. “This is Callie. She’s with another vendor of mine. We had a meeting scheduled and she asked to tag along.” Not entirely a lie.
Callie was eating Leo up with her eyes. I understood the appeal. He was like a more rugged, more cranky Lucas, with a full beard and hair just past his ears. He wore an Alessi Construction tee, black work pants, and those boots I loved on Lucas that made his ass look amazing.
With my introduction, she offered her hand. He gave her an analytical once over and I thought I saw the briefest of cracks in his stoic demeanor before it snapped back in place and he returned her handshake with a scowl. I continued introductions in an effort to distract him.
“Callie, this is Leo, one of the Alessi brothers.”
“The sexy one I see,” Called purred and I rolled my eyes .
Leo’s scowl deepened.
Callie was going to blow this for me.
“Anyway, we won’t be long. We’re just going to do a walk around. We won’t go inside or anything.”
Leo just grunted and walked away.
“Oh, he is delicious,” Callie sang as we walked closer to the house.
“He’s a complete recluse and even if he wasn’t, I don’t think construction worker Barbie would be his type.” I gave her hard hat a pointed look.
She scoffed. “Types are complete fallacies. Anyone can like anyone. I bet I could get him on board the Callie train.” She wiggled her eyebrows and grinned mischievously. “Woo woo.”
I rolled my eyes but laughed because honestly, she probably could. Callie was so warm and welcoming, if anyone could break Leo’s crabby demeanor, it was her.
We walked around the house as I pointed out everything I could from the outside. All the framing was complete, but walls weren’t up everywhere, so it was still possible to see through gaps. Next time I visited, I’d be able to walk inside and I couldn’t wait.
As I was showing Callie the planting room that would have wall to wall windows, almost like a greenhouse, my phone rang. When I saw Lucas’s name on the screen, I couldn’t hold back my smile.
“Give me a sec. I need to take this.”
Callie eyed me with suspicion, but nodded. I walked about twenty feet away before answering. Were we telling people about whatever this was? I wasn’t even sure what I’d say, but it seemed safe to err on the side of discretion .
“Hello?”
“Hi Angel.” Lucas’s smooth voice came over the line.
“Hi Lucas.” My voice mimicked a teenage girl whose crush had finally called.
“What are you up to, gorgeous? More importantly, what are you wearing?”
I laughed. “Well, right now, a hard hat.”
“Ah, you’re at the house? Did my brother scare you into never showing up there without me again yet?”
“I’m not that easily chased away, but I don’t think he’s thrilled I’m here.”
“He’s not thrilled anyone is anywhere. He’s a grumpy asshole. But he’s our grumpy asshole.”
I smiled, loving the love between these brothers.
“I don’t have a ton of time to talk, but I wanted to call and ask if you’re free tonight or tomorrow.”
“Oh, yeah. I’m free. Do we have a vendor visit I missed?”
“No, Liv. I want to take you out.”
“Like, on a date?” My voice sounded downright giddy. It was embarrassing. And I knew he noticed when I could hear the smile in his reply.
“Yes, beautiful. On a date. Preferably tomorrow night, so I have more time to prepare, even though I’d love to see you tonight.”
I tried so hard to bite down on my smile. I was failing miserably.
“Okay. Tomorrow night sounds good.”
“Great. I’ll come pick you up at seven.”
“Should I send you my address?”
“No need.” We both echoed “Helen” at the same time, remembering she’d basically given him everything but my social security number when we started working together.
“See you tomorrow Angel.”
“Bye Lucas.”
Holy shit. Lucas and I were going on a date. As soon as I felt confident I could face people without a giant goofy grin on my face, I turned to join Callie. Only she wasn’t where I’d left her. She was next to Leo, peppering him with questions as he shot daggers at me from across the yard.
Damnit, Callie.