Touching Scars(24)

“Have a seat,” he said as he finished typing out something on the computer.

I plopped down on the dingy dark red chair, which was actually more black than red from the men coming in covered in dirt and oil like I was. Looking at him from across the desk, he seemed more serious than the day I’d first met him for the job interview. I braced myself to be grilled about his niece when he took me completely by surprise.

“The reason I called you in here, Timber, is because I want to give you a raise.”

I stared at him, completely dumbfounded. That was not what I expected to hear from him.

“A raise? But I’m not even past the three month probationary period,” I said in confusion.

“Well, the big bosses got wind of you and they are impressed with the work you’ve done on their field. You’ll keep the same title, but the money is going to be significantly more.”

“More as in how much?”

Roger wrote something down on a piece of paper and slid it across the desk to me. When I looked down at it, I damn near choked. “Roger, this is almost double my pay. They couldn’t possibly think I’m worth this much money. It doesn’t even make sense.”

He shrugged his shoulders. “Well, that’s what landed on my desk. The raise takes effect immediately and you’ll see the difference in next week’s paycheck.” He stood and reached across the desk to shake my hand. “Congrats, son, you’ve been a damn fine worker for A&S Emissions. We’re glad to have you as part of the family.”

I stood and took his hand in mine in a firm shake. “Thanks. I’m floored.”

He smiled. “Go out and celebrate tonight. I’m giving you tomorrow off.”

“Thanks, but I don’t need tomorrow off. I’ll be here bright and early.”

I turned to start making my way out the door when he said, “Nelson, if I see you out in that dirt tomorrow, I’m firing your ass!”

I chortled. “Whatever you say, boss.”

Leaving work, I went home to change my clothes and take a quick shower. While the water sprayed down on me, I tried to figure out why the executives at headquarters would want some semi-newbie making so much money, or valuing me so highly. With the raise I was given, I could literally move out of my hole in the wall apartment and buy a house, except I didn’t want something so permanent in this town. Speaking of a hole in the wall… I needed to dry off, get dressed and head down to the bar. Just thinking about seeing Kat again kicked my nerves into overdrive. Yesterday at the beach I could barely contain my erection that was straining against my swim trunks when I saw Kat stand up and take her shorts off. She’s a small little package, but those legs were long enough for me to imagine them wrapped around my waist while I drove into her. For someone that seemed to spend a lot of time on the beach, her skin was still pale porcelain. It was beautiful. She had more tattoos that I got a clear view of yesterday without her shirt on. On the side of her ribcage was a willow tree. It looked whimsical in design and the branches looked like they were blowing with the wind. I wondered why she chose it, and if she drew it for herself.

Jumping out of the shower I threw on a black v-neck t-shirt, dark wash jeans that had worn spots, and my trusty black Chucks. Looking in the mirror, I ran a hand through my jet black hair and spiked it. It wasn’t completely dry yet, but it would stay how I styled it. Ready to go, I grabbed my keys and made the short walk to the bar. It was just past ten o’clock and the place still had a few people hanging out. Walking in, I was greeted by Beaver.

He had a big smile that matched his large stature. “Hey, Timber. What’s going on, man?”

He reached out and we clapped hands. I tipped my head at him and said, “Not a lot. Kat mentioned a card game tonight?”

His grin got even wider. “Ahhh… she’s invited you to our exclusive card night. Interesting.”

“Exclusive?” I questioned.

“Well, it’s technically just Kat, Mel, and me, but still… we’ve never had anybody join the three of us before.” He rubbed his hands together in front of his chest. “You ready to go down, Nelson?”

His taunting caused a smile of my own. “I can hold my own.”

He chuckled. “Yeah, we’ll see. Oh, if you’re looking for Kat she’s in the back with Ed. Mel can get you whatever you need though. We’ll be closing up a little early tonight.”

I looked at him questioningly. “Why?”

“We always close early on game night. The locals know, so it won’t be a problem.”

I nodded. “I’m going to grab a drink while I wait then.”