Noah's Quest - 4. Working 9 to 5

Brody had texted Chase the night before, letting him know he was okay with us being together.

Together.

Was that what we were?

Honestly, it felt right.

After giving the house a thorough cleaning, I decided I needed to do something to make it up to Grandpa.

The next morning, I arrived at the construction site before both Grandpa and Jose.

To be honest, I wasn't entirely convinced Jose ever went home. He practically lived at the site. This project was his baby, and with two other major redevelopment projects happening in Montgomery County, he had plenty to keep him busy.

I stopped by a bakery on the way in and picked up bagels, donuts, fresh fruit, and coffee. Then I waited for the workers to arrive.

After letting the foremen know breakfast was available, word spread quickly.

By the time Grandpa and Jose walked into the trailer, everyone was gathered around eating.

"Where did all this come from?" Grandpa asked in surprise.

"From Noah," one of the workers answered before I could.

I stepped forward, and Grandpa stared at me.

"You're actually early," he said. "I think I need to take out an ad in the newspaper. Habitually late grandson arrives early and brings breakfast."

The trailer erupted in laughter.

"This doesn't make up for disappearing all weekend," Grandpa continued, patting me on the shoulder, "but it's a good start."

"Thanks for breakfast, Noah," several workers called out as they headed back to work.

Once everyone was gone, I cleaned up the trailer, packed away the leftovers, and took out the trash.

Afterward, I sat quietly while Grandpa and Jose discussed the progress of the demolition.

My phone buzzed.

Chase: How was Operation Breakfast?

Me: Success, I think. Workers seemed happy.

Chase: Free food always works.

"Noah, are you listening?"

I looked up.

Oops.

Definitely wasn't.

"Sorry, Grandpa," I said quickly, putting my phone away.

The morning continued with discussions involving vendors, subcontractors, and foremen. Eventually, Jose headed outside. Unlike most project managers, he actually liked getting his hands dirty.

"Noah," Grandpa said, "I was told the Governor might stop by today. He's been heavily invested in these redevelopment projects."

There was a knock at the door.

A broad-shouldered man stepped inside with a grin.

"Nathan, you old fool!" he shouted before pulling Grandpa into a hug.

"Well, look what the sewer rats dragged in," Grandpa replied, laughing.

The two men shook hands.

"Noah, this is Marty from Kings Construction. He won the White Oak redevelopment contract."

"Marty, this is my grandson."

We shook hands before the two of them launched into catching up.

"The Governor called and asked me to meet him here," Marty said.

"Ah," Grandpa replied. "So we can expect the jackass."

I blinked.

Marty just laughed.

A few minutes later, another man entered the trailer.

"Good morning, young man," he said to me. "How'd you end up stuck in a room with Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum?"

"What?"

Grandpa and Marty were laughing too hard to answer.

"Noah, this is Kevin, though everyone calls him Lucky," Grandpa explained. "He owns Lucky Construction and is handling the COMSAT demolition."

We shook hands.

Almost on cue, the door opened again.

Several Maryland State Troopers entered first, followed by a sharply dressed man who looked like he belonged on a magazine cover.

"Prince Jack," Marty announced dramatically, kissing his own hand.

The room burst out laughing.

"That's Governor Jack," the man corrected with a grin.

Then he looked at me.

"And who is this handsome young man?"

Before I could answer, Marty pointed at me.

"Don't even think about it, Jack. That's Nate's grandson."

The Governor laughed.

"Oh, he's definitely a Jacobs."

I honestly felt like I'd stepped into an alternate universe.

As the men sat down around the conference table, I took that as my cue to disappear.

I slipped into Grandpa's office and pulled out my phone.

Me: You won't believe what just happened.

Chase: What? Do I need to come kick someone's butt?

Me: The Governor just hit on me.

Chase: Okay, now I definitely need to come.

Me: Settle down, Marine. I don't need your fine butt ending up in jail.

Chase: Oh, so you like my butt?

Dammit.

Me: It's okay, I guess.

Chase: Just okay?

Me: I like some other parts too.

Chase: I'm sure you do

Me: Any plans tonight, Marine?

Chase: After I rescue my damsel in distress, maybe.

Me: What makes you think you'll get lucky?

Chase: Because you're a sucker for Marines.

Me: Am I?

The office door opened.

Me: Grandpa just walked in. Gotta go.

I locked my phone.

Grandpa sat down across from me.

"Noah, I owe you an apology for Jack."

"What?"

"His behavior wasn't appropriate."

I shrugged.

"It's okay, Grandpa. I knew nothing was going to happen."

Grandpa nodded.

"Jack has always had a larger-than-life personality. Sometimes he still thinks he can charm anyone he wants."

Something dark flickered across Grandpa's expression.

"There's a story there," I said.

"There is," he replied. "Maybe another day."

That was definitely not a happy story.

A few moments later, Grandpa stood.

"Matt and Little B are here to take you to lunch. You can head home afterward."

"Are you sure? I'd be happy to stay and help."

"It's fine, Noah."

His words said one thing, but his expression said another.

When I stepped back into the trailer, Little B was sitting in a chair happily devouring fruit.

"I love Wegmans fruit," he announced. "Can I have it all, Grandpa?"

"It's Noah's fruit," Grandpa replied.

Without missing a beat, Little B rolled his eyes.

"I know Noah's gay, Grandpa. I asked if I could have some fruit."

The room exploded with laughter.

The dramatic eye roll only made it worse.

After Little B packed several bags of fruit for himself, we headed to Five Guys for lunch.

Since we were in Rockville, the place was packed with people on their lunch breaks.

Uncle Matt ordered enough food to feed a small army.

As we waited, Little B stared at me.

That should have been my warning.

Instead, I ignored him.

Big mistake.

"Noah and Chase sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G!"

I nearly choked.

People looked over.

My face immediately turned bright red.

"Brody Michael," Uncle Matt warned.

Little B stopped singing.

"You're no fun," he said before blowing a raspberry.

"I didn't tell him," Uncle Matt said between bites.

"I read his mind," Little B replied casually.

Uncle Matt and I froze.

"What?"

Little B shrugged.

"Yeah. It's fun."

"Brody..."

"That lady by the window is thinking Noah is cute. The guy behind the counter wishes he could have a baby with Noah. And that's how I learned Dam and Dom tricked Shiloh."

The table went completely silent.

All right, all right, all right (is Matt McConaughey here?)
So, big reveal (let you decide what part).
Did you catch the naming convention of Grandpa Nate's friends? There is a reason Kevin is called Lucky and it has to do with 
Little B might just outdo Tristan in cuteness. 
Yes, all the construction projects mentioned are happening at the moment. 
Until next time...
 
Thanks for reading.
 
Comments, reactions, and anti-cliff-hanging threats are always welcome.