Worth the Trouble(35)
“Oh? Do you know anyone who can help her out?”
“Yeah. You.”
“Me?” Hell no. He didn’t need to add self-torment to his already complicated life. “Not me, Jackson. You know I’m too busy.”
“I know it’s inconvenient, but I need you to do this for me.”
“Why?” Hank flashed back to the odd tone in Cat’s voice when she’d mentioned calling Jackson. A hot streak of irritation rushed through him like a runaway train. Not that he should be surprised that she was used to getting her way. “I’ll design it, but someone else can build it.”
“It can’t be anyone else,” Jackson said. “She doesn’t trust strangers in her house.”
Hank recalled all the locks on her doors. “Why not?”
“Privacy. Weirdo fans and the paparazzi have become more aggressive in recent years. The idea of inviting a strange man into her apartment for weeks is a risk she won’t take. He could snoop around, sell pictures, or worse. But she trusts you.”
“Shit, Jackson. Thanks for the guilt trip.” He sensed the futility of his protest. No doubt it would suck to live under a microscope. The explanation tempered his anger, but Hank still had his own problems. “What I am supposed to do about our deadlines and my mother? A custom armoire unit will take some time, and the city isn’t a quick trip.”
“Can Helen work longer hours with your mother?”
“You know I’m already struggling to pay her fees.”
“How long will Cat’s project take to complete?”
“You mean once it’s designed?” Hank mentally walked through the steps needed to build the unit. “I don’t know. If I’m working full-time on it, four weeks, maybe less depending on what I can rough cut before I head down there.”
A short silence ensued.
“Cat will pay you two-and-a-half times your rate to do the work.” Jackson’s triumphant tone annoyed Hank. “Problem solved.”
Hank bristled at the bald manipulation. Rich people always figured money solved everything. Apparently Cat and Jackson didn’t consider Hank’s feelings to be significant. Of course, Jackson knew nothing of Hank’s fucked-up personal feelings for Cat.
“What about your other jobs, Jackson? You’re going to piss off your clients by pulling me off-site for a few weeks, and you’re going to fall behind.”
“I’ll figure something out. It’s just temporary, so I’ll press forward with tile work and other things in your absence. Besides, you’ve been pushing me to hire an additional finish carpenter, anyway.” In the face of Jackson’s remarks, Hank couldn’t think of another good excuse. “So, are we agreed?”
“Doesn’t sound like I’ve got a choice, boss,” Hank spat.
“What’s the problem? You’ll have extra income for your mom’s care, and extra bank in your pocket.”
“You’re right.” Hank swore under his breath. “Still, I don’t like being manipulated by Cat or you . . . or anyone.”
“Manipulating you?” Jackson whistled. “Hell, man. I’m your friend asking for a favor, and one that’s well worth your while.”
“Sorry. No offense intended.” He wasn’t angry with Jackson. In fact, Jackson was as much a victim of Cat’s tactics as Hank. “You just surprised me. Let me talk to Helen and Jenny to see what kind of schedule we can work out. I’ll call you later.”
Hank sped along I-95, his mind traveling at the same pace as his truck. He resented being hoodwinked by Cat, but what he hated most was the tiny part of him rejoicing in having his options snatched away.
Despite the logic of her case for insisting he do the work, her alternating flirtation and antagonism created doubts about the reasons she wanted him, and only him, to take the job.
Who knew, maybe it would be worth exploring something personal now that Justin was out of the picture? One thing was certain—this particular project would change his life. Problem was, he couldn’t decide whether it would make it better or worse.
Mom,
Don’t be disappointed in me, but I’ve decided not to share my condition with anyone. Nobody can fix the situation, so what’s the point of talking about it?
Better to focus on my career. And on that note, I can’t allow Hank lust to steer me off course.
CHAPTER EIGHT
To: henrytmitchell@gmail.com
From: catalinastjames@gmail.com
Re: Closet Inventory
Hank:
I’m convinced you asked for this inventory to embarrass me. Congratulations, you’ve succeeded. In any case, here’s my list (includes clothing for all seasons/occasions):