Chapter 13
Chapter Thirteen
“Tell me you’re going to take the weekend off.”
The words came from Athena, and Briggs lowered his paintbrush and turned around just enough to look down at her from his perch atop the ladder.
“You don’t want me around tomorrow and Sunday?”
“Oh, we want you around. But we’d rather you be doing something fun instead of working so hard,” the Auntie told him.
Briggs liked the sound of that. But he wanted to get the mansion finished as he had three jobs lined up after that. After thinking it over, he said, “I am a day or two ahead of schedule. It wouldn’t kill me to take some downtime.”
Athena shot him the look she was so good at giving Littles—the one that said they better listen to their Auntie because she knows best. “You know, taking weekends off is a good thing. It should be your rule, not the exception.”
“Whoa. Are you going to get that infamous paddle of yours out after me?” he asked with a cocky grin.
She laughed. “Don’t tempt me. Even Bigs need a good booty-busting every now and then.” Surveying the work he’d just done cutting in around some of the decorative molding, she said, “That looks so good. You’re an artist.”
“Thanks. But it helps that I’m working with such a beautiful old structure. The mansion is gorgeous all on its own. A new coat of paint just highlights that.”
Athena shook her head. “Hey, if I tried painting this, the colors would all run together. It would look sloppy. And I’d just have to call a professional to undo everything I ruined. Don’t sell yourself short. You’re a true craftsman.”
“I appreciate the compliment.” Briggs carefully stepped down the rungs of the ladder, laid his brush across the mouth of a can, and said, “But I get the impression there is something else you want to talk about.”
She nodded. “I wanted to check on you. With the news last night. It was… sort of crazy.”
Briggs nodded. “I appreciate it. But I’m fine.
” After taking a few seconds to form his words, he admitted, “I won’t say it didn’t bother me.
I mean, first and foremost, I’m worried about Riley.
It’s just tabloid junk, so I don’t put a lot of stock in it.
But if there’s anything to it… well, I’m worried. You know, the drinking.”
Athena gave a little nod of her own. “Sure. That’s a valid fear.”
“Yeah.” Briggs stayed silent for a moment as he looked down the sloped yard, beyond the stucco fence, and to the part of the street he could see.
A few cars passed by. Finally, he said, “And I won’t lie.
I was a little disappointed to see she was on a date with another guy.
Not that we have anything.” He shrugged.
“I’m not so sure about that,” Athena replied. “Briggs, I’ve seen the chemistry between you two. Why don’t you just ask her out?”
He grinned. “Well, for one thing, I think she’s dating someone else.”
Athena waved it off. “You said so yourself. It’s all tabloid stuff. Used to be the ones at the supermarket checkout counters. Then bloggers. Now it’s social media influencers. They all want hits and followers and all that. You can’t believe half of what they say! If even that.”
Briggs thought it over. She had a point there, and he’d considered that some since yesterday evening.
“Okay, that’s not the only reason,” he admitted. “Riley is rich and famous. She doesn’t want some working-class stiff who paints houses for a living.”
Athena put her hands on her hips and tilted her head. Briggs instantly saw why she was so good at keeping naughty Littles in line.
“What?” he asked with a nervous laugh.
“Working-class stiff?” She cleared her throat.
Briggs spread his hands. “It’s what I am.”
“Nope. You’re a highly successful and sought-after tradesman who owns his own business and has a stellar reputation. You’ve built it from the ground up and you should be proud of that.”
“Yeah. You’re right,” Briggs said sincerely.
Deep down, he was proud of his work too. It was just…
He voiced his thoughts. “I’m not the kind of guy she wants to date, though. There’s no way I have a shot with someone as beautiful and famous as her. Someone so… perfect.”
Athena put a comforting hand on his arm and said, “Briggs, you’d make a fine guy for anyone. And seriously, you need to let her make that determination. Remember? If you want to give it a shot, at least let her make the choice. Don’t make it for her.”
The sound of the gate opening, and then a car coming into view, brought a smile to his face. “Well, looks like this is my chance. She’s pulling in right now.”
Athena turned and watched as Riley’s car drove up the driveway. Harrison’s pickup pulled in right behind her and then the gate began to close once more.
“Looks like Stryker’s in there with him,” Athena noted.
“Yeah. Guess they’re all coming to play.” Briggs rubbed the back of his neck. “Mabe I should chat with Riley. You know, just to check on her.”
“I think that would be great,” Athena said.
Briggs drew a deep breath while giving Riley time to park and get out of her car before he bombarded her. He wasn’t used to being nervous. But it felt like there was a lot on the line here.
Life could sure be crazy, he mused silently. Just a few days ago he was a guy who got up every day, went to work, and hung out with friends sometimes. Sure, he had a unique part of his life in that he was a Daddy searching for a Little. But beyond that, he was a normal, “every man” sort of guy.
Now, here he was, about to shoot his shot with a beautiful famous movie star.
Here goes nothing. But then again, nothing ventured, nothing gained.