Page 125 of Banter & Blushes #1

T he crisp coastal air whipped through Elva’s short hair as she followed Mitch through the skeletal frame of the new station.

The sprawling network of steel beams and concrete slabs, was a stark contrast to the quaint charm of their small town.

She couldn’t help but notice. She hoped that it would all come together in the end.

Spread across a workbench were the blueprints. “Wow, all these lines and numbers. How do you know what’s what?” She tried to decipher the plans.

“It’s not that hard, actually.” He turned the paper from upside down in the correct direction for them to read. “Think of it as a language of getting things done. Just like a recipe.”

“Oh,” she smiled, gazing into his eyes, “I’m more of a measure with your heart type of cook.”

“I can tell,” he smiled, getting lost in her brilliant blue eyes.

“Look, I’ll show you.” His faded tattoos peaked out of his light denim rolled sleeves as he pointed out the location of rooms in the various stages of construction.

The rhythmic clang of equipment hummed outside making him speak louder than he normally would.

"This section here," he said, gesturing towards a wide open space, "will house a fire engine and possibly a tanker.” Continuing, he pointed to next space, “here is the ambulance bay. Both will have large garage doors to help with quick access to the main road.”

“Seeing it come to life from ideas and paperwork is something else. You are a miracle worker.” She gushed, seeing his vision of a bustling station filled with crews and emergency vehicles.

“I’m not sure about that.” Dozer trotted alongside them, sniffing at the newly poured concrete and occasionally nudging Mitc h’s hand. Mitch paused, mindlessly giving Dozer a gentle pat. "He likes the open space here.” Mitch chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

Looking around she was in awe. “This is amazing. Way more than just a hammer and nails.”

A grin stretched across his face, “just a bit. The permits alone are not for the faint of heart. I’ve had less trouble getting Dozer out of the dog park.” He looked at his buddy sitting by his feet.

“I believe it. That’s why I haven’t done much at the restaurant. I don’t think I could take the paperwork.” Looking at Dozer she laughed, “and I’ve seen you not wanting to stop running after the ball.”

At the magic word ball, Dozer’s ears perked up, waiting for further instructions. “He’s a good boy.” She continued talking to the dog.

“He’s dedicated to happiness, just like me.” He laughed before adding, “And I’d be happy to help you with paperwork or projects at the restaurant once this is all finished, you know. All you have to do is say the word.”

“I’m not so sure if you’re dedicated to happiness or a glutton for punishment.”

“I wouldn’t consider it a punishment to keep working with you.” Setting the plans back on the workbench. “Actually, I had a question I wanted to ask you-“ His thought was interrupted by “Hey boss?” from outside. “Excuse me for just a minute?” He smiled at Elva before walking across the empty bay.

Elva wandered around reading the markings on the walls.

Kitchen, crew room, bathrooms. “This is probably a space for sleeping,” she imagined touching the two by four framing the room.

“That makes sense.” Continuing to walk around and marveling at the largeness of it all she couldn’t help but comment, “This is really becoming a reality,” she smiled at Dozer following her around the worksite. “Isn’t it exciting?”

“It is!” Mitch answered her, knowing full well she was talking to Dozer.

Leaning against a support beam she asked, “what were you going to say before?”

“Before what?” He backtracked, knowing exactly what she was talking about.

“You said you had a question.”

Picking up the blueprints, he immediately set them back down. “Right, that.” Clearing his throat he was obviously wasting time. “I just wanted to ask if - “

“Hey Boss!” They heard again sending him back outside.

“I’m sorry.” His eyes followed hers.

Elva looked around the almost-station, “don’t be. You can ask me whatever it is later. Go be Mr. Important, now. I have to get back to the restaurant, anyway.” Her hand reached out to touch his arm gently.

Before she made it to her truck she heard him call her name. There was something about hearing his voice say her name that made her smile. She stopped at the truck and leaned on the tailgate. “What’d you forget?”

“I know I shouldn’t mix business with, well… personal matters, but I just can’t not ask you. ”

“Ask me what?”

“Would you consider going out with me?” His confidence was strong, but his face was soft, bracing to be turned down.

Elva was stunned. Sure, she flirted relentlessly with men half of her age, all in good fun with zero sincerity. Was she too flirty with him? “I hope I haven’t given you the wrong idea,” she started restating her thought out loud.

A smile crept across his serious face. “The wrong idea? I didn’t know there was a right and wrong here. But I didn’t mean to overstep. If you aren’t interested, it’s okay.” His eyes were soft and kind.

“Okay? Do you get turned down quite often, Mitch?” She asked, studying his face, wondering what kind of past he held onto so tightly.

“I wouldn’t say often,” he chuckled and then pulled his tape measure off of his belt, only to clip it back on. “Honestly, I can’t remember the last time I asked anyone out.”

Elva felt her cheeks warm in the afternoon sun, “oh.” Then she laughed. “I don’t know the last time I was asked out.”

“So…” he stood there waiting for an answer. “Will you go out with me?” He asked again, in case she forgot the question.

Excitement poured into her stomach like a roller coaster, making it flutter. Go out with him? EEEEK! She shrieked on the inside. “Sure.” Her voice was calm and mellow, the complete opposite of her thoughts. “I’ll go out with you.”

Dozer’s tail started wagging as he nudged Mitch’s hand. “Great,” he smiled.