Page 27

TWO DAYS.
It’s been two days since Rog rode out with the men from Creed. I try not to think about him every friggin’ second. I’m worried as hell. Lord knows why when he’s prickly as a cactus and gruff as an ornery bear.
But I sigh, remembering how it felt to have his arms around me. Sassy’s is closed until they come back, and I miss the place; the smells, the people, the sound of clinking glasses. In a short time, it’s become more than a job, it’s become a place I feel happy.
My hands grasp the shovel, plunging it into the rich earth.
“You could help you know. Instead of just standing there staring at my ass.” I wipe my brow with the back of my dirt stained glove. I’m almost done with the small square garden I plan to fill with as much as I can cram in.
Federico doesn’t even move one muscle. How the man stands still like a damn statue all day is mystifying. He’s watched me break soil and dig up rocks until my back aches not even offering to get me a bottle of water.
“What’s your story anyway?” I glance up leaning my hands on the top of the shovel. He’s standing with his arms crossed accentuating his thick biceps and Ray Bans cover his dark eyes making him look like a Secret Service agent. Well, one with tats.
“You know you’d be pretty hot if you didn’t scowl constantly. Have you heard from any of them? Because I’m going nuts worrying about Toad.”And Roger.
He grunts, pressing his lips into a thin line.
“Shut up Federico. I can’t concentrate with all the talking you’re doing.”
“Yes! Finally. Hallelujah!” I exclaim letting the shovel fall from my hands when he finally cracks a grin.
“I don’t have some infectious disease. You could at least talk to me.”
“No. You drive all the menloco. Especiallyjefe.”
“Jefe?”
“Lo siento, ‘boss man’ in Spanish.”
“I don’t drive him crazy,” I snort, “he drives me insane. He’s always grunting at me, staring at me like I’m a worm shitting dirt out of my ass or he just plain ignores me.”
“Damn girl, you’ve got it bad…”
“No, I don’t,” I answer, bending down to pick up my water bottle. “No way would I ever fall for a guy like him. He’s too bossy and stubborn and—” I stop realizing what a fool I’m sounding like.
“Fine. So, maybe I like him like this much,” I measure an inch with my fingers. “but you won’t say anything. Right Fed? I mean, you barely speak.”
He shakes his head at me, “I think you need a break. Maybe you have sun-stroke or something.”
I pick up my shovel and stride towards him, “Excellent suggestion. Here you go.” I lean the shovel against him and head up to the apartment calling out behind me, “Turkey sandwiches with chips good with you?”
He doesn’t answer but I watch as he walks to my garden to finish where I left off.
These men are all the same. They might look like they will crush you with their bare hands but inside they are all gooey and soft like cookies fresh out of the oven. The only thing they crush is women’s hearts.
“Let’s call it a day.” It’s past five and the summer evenings here greet you with a chill as soon as the sun starts sinking low. I’m satisfied. We busted our asses for the rest of the day and Federico was able to lay down the cedar logs and posts around my bed. All that’s left is to attach the chicken coop wire and gate to keep the critters out and I can start planting.
“You gotjefe’s permission to do this right?”
I freeze, my pause giving me away. “Shit. I didn’t think I needed it. It’s just a garden.”
“Yeah, on his rental property.”
“Whatever,” I shrug, “so tell him to sue me.”
“Damn sugar, he’ll collect in other ways. I’m sure.”
“Pfft, let him try.”