Date: Fri, 8 Feb 2013 22:43:58 -0800 (PST)
From: John Michaels <mmanlookin@yahoo.com>
Subject: Filipino Love - chapter 49
FILIPINO LOVE
BY
JM
Email: mmanlookin@yahoo.com
Disclaimers and other info: see chapter one
This story is my personal intellectual property and may not
be reproduced in ay form without my express written permission.
This and all subsequent chapters are dedicated to my own
Filipino Love!!
CHAPTER FORTY-NINE
He introduced himself as Mark Constantino. He was a wiry little man
with sinewy but strong arms, work-roughened hands and a weathered face, all
of which gave evidence to a life of physical labor. He immediately made an
appreciative visual sweep of the house, commenting on the good traffic flow
and pleasing arrangements that defined each area of the room. Since this
meeting was business-oriented, I directed everyone to the dining table,
grabbing a stool from the counter for myself, since the table only had four
chairs, the lawn chairs we'd used the other day already back in storage.
Mark (at his insistence) asked what my plans were for remodeling, and I
showed him the drawing I'd made. He raised an eyebrow and let out a low
whistle.
"This will be quite a bit of added space," he said. "If you're
drawing is fairly accurate, it looks like you'll be adding about 50% to
what you already have."
"That's about what I figure, too," I answered. "This place, from what
I understand, was originally built as more of a vacation home. (Josie
nodded.) We plan to make this our permanent home for the foreseeable
future, and we want to be able to entertain guests in comfort without
infringing on our personal space. At the moment, we only have the one
restroom facility, and you need to go through the one bedroom to get to it.
We also want to have nice accommodations for overnight guests, since, at
the moment, anyone who stays over has to use the sofa-bed. Our circle of
family and friends seems to growing all the time, so that's why we would
like two extra bedrooms, each with it's own en suite for privacy, as well
as the small guest bathroom here (I indicated on the drawing) for general
use. As to the extension of the house itself? As I said: we plan to
entertain family and business contacts, and the added space, plus the patio
in front with direct access to the house will make that much easier. And
the wall of windows is to take advantage of that lovely view of the ocean.
It seems a shame to have it mostly hidden, as it is now. What you have
there is only a rough sketch I drew so you could at least get an idea of
what we want. It doesn't show my specifications for the reinforced windows
and frame to counter the effects of typhoon winds, as well as the highest
rated e-glass available for cooling efficiency and privacy, which we want
to include in the rest of the house as well. That means that the present
windows that will remain after the remodeling will also need to be
replaced." While I'd been talking, Mark was taking notes, and when I
finished, he put down his pen and looked at me.
"These are very ambitious plans," he said. "But it's a project that
will actually take less time than you'd think it would. The most
time-consuming will be the plumbing for the changes to the kitchen, the new
bathrooms and getting it all tied in to the city system and the
installation of the window wall. My best guess for time would 6 to 8
weeks, depending on the delivery time for the materials, and as long as
there are no weather problems to hold us up when we're doing any outside
work. It could take even less if I was able to hire extra help. If I am
offered the job, I'd take the measurements for the windows tomorrow and
order the needed materials right away. Since the Philippines is fast
becoming an energy-conscious nation, getting the e-glass will probably be
fairly easy, but I'm sure there will be some materials that will need a
little delivery time. There would still be plenty of other work to do
while waiting, so there would be no lost time."
"Your comment about extra help reminded me. That was something I'd
actually thought of," I said, pulling out the sheet with the contractors'
names. "What can you tell me about Reynaldo Baldo?" Mark laughed.
"I know Rey very well," he said. "Not only is he one of my
competitors, he's also my wife's brother. But I can tell you truthfully:
He is one of the most honest, hard-working men I've ever met and always
does quality work. And I don't say that just because he's my
brother-in-law. I have great respect for him as a worker and as a friend."
"That's very good to know," I said. "I'd really like this project
completed during the 6 weeks or so while I'm in the US wrapping things up
to move here permanently. I'd been thinking that if I was satisfied with
at least two of those I interviewed, I'd see if it was possible to combine
the two crews, double the labor and get the project done quicker. This
doesn't mean I want to cut any corners, nor will that be acceptable under
any circumstances. I will be paying for and will expect top-quality work
and materials from beginning to end."
"If I am chosen for this job," he said, very seriously, "I can
guarantee you that the work will be finished to your total satisfaction.
And should you be satisfied after your interview with Rey and wish to go
ahead with your plan to double the force, I can guarantee the same total
commitment from him as well."
"I'll be talking to Rey tomorrow," I said. "If he's all you say he
is, then I can almost guarantee I'll have you two and your crews working
together. By the way," I added glancing at the list for the third name.
`Can you tell me anything about Martin Flores?" He started laughing.
"You certainly know how to choose," he said, still chuckling. "Marty
is another one I could highly recommend. The reason I laugh is because
between Marty, Rey and myself, we are known as the `Devil's Trio' among the
other contractors because we always manage to get the most work." Out of
the corner of my eye, I could see Josie nodding, agreeing with what Mark
said.
"I'm not sure if that information has just made my job choosing easier
or harder," I chuckled. "But it might actually be an answer to my prayers.
If things go as planned, I'll be buying the property next door, which also
needs some work, but, from what I've been told, is mostly cosmetic. Until
now. I'm one of those individuals who is constantly planning as situations
arise, and as I've been listening to you, I was thinking of that and have
come up with some additional alterations that are more than cosmetic. I
think it's time to give you more information about why all this
construction and remodeling is needed.
"I'm Ronni's guardian," I said, placing my hand on his shoulder and
getting a loving smile in return. I figured I needed to give at least some
of our family situation away without going into too much unnecessary
detail. Let him draw his own conclusions, and if he felt he needed to ask,
I'd answer as honestly as I felt he needed to know. Don't Ask, Don't Tell.
"He will also be my business partner eventually, and I'll be training him,
so we'll constantly be together, except for when he's in school or at
school-related activities, doing something with his friends, or being with
his family (implication being that he sleeps here as well! One bedroom,
two guys? I don't think of Mark as being dense!).
"I'm planning to build two large resorts shortly, and I'm going to
become very well known very quickly, whether I like it or not. And, quite
frankly and honestly, not! As you know, when anyone shows up out of the
blue and has a business on the scale of what I have planned, there will
always be those who will do anything they can to cash in on it, especially
when they find out I'm one of those `rich Americans'. (Air quotes) Since
Ronni is constantly by my side, it won't take much for anyone to figure out
that he and I are close (including you, Mark, I thought), and will most
likely see that the easiest way to get to me would be through him. Because
of that, I've hired this gentleman, Carl, as Ronni's personal bodyguard.
Even though his duties will have set hours, just like any other job, by the
very nature of what is really required, he will essentially be on call 24
hours a day, and I want him close by in case of any emergency on his `off'
time. That's why I'm buying the house next door. As we were talking
earlier, I was also thinking of what could be done to make that place more
appealing, and I would also like it to be more easily accessible to our
place here. What I decided is to add the same window wall there as I've
planned for this place, and changing the main entrance to this side of the
house, as well as removing the wall between the two properties to eliminate
any barriers between the two places. It also needs to be made
handicap-accessible, since Carl will soon be adopting an older child who
has physical disabilities. I want the walls surrounding the combined
properties reinforced for security with only one entrance for both houses
on the street side big enough to allow cars through and with a
remote-controlled security gate. This will, in effect, create an enclosed
and secure compound with the only "soft spot' being the side open to the
beach. This can be at least partially secured by use of cameras and motion
detectors, with the main receivers in the other house set up in some kind
of `command center' set-up, which you and Carl can design, and a suitably
modified set-up here. I know that with my security concerns that the ocean
side seems like a wide-open door, but with the cameras and sensors, and
with some sort of alarm system, that should be enough. While I want us all
to be secure, I don't want us to feel like we're living in a prison,
either."
"Whew!" Mark let out a huge breath. "This job has suddenly grown
some legs! Are you sure you want someone like me to handle all that? I've
done the usual security set-ups in condos and apartments, but it sounds
like what you'll be wanting is a lot bigger than that!"
"Yes, I do want you to do all that," I answered. "I've already made
up my mind that you'll be at least one of the ones I hire. And as for the
security demands, that's where I'm hoping Carl can help. He's worked for a
security company for a number of years, and I know he knows at least the
basics of what we need, and for what he doesn't know, at least knows of
someone who does. Am I correct Carl? Sorry for blindsiding you like
that." He did look a bit shell-shocked, and I couldn't blame him! This
security stuff I'd only thought of while talking to Mark, and I hadn't had
a chance to tell him about it. I hope I haven't pissed him off!
"That's ok," he said finally. "I admit, you surprised me with that,
but in thinking about it, you have a good idea and plan, and one that
actually I should have thought of. After all, security is my job, and I
want to do the best and have the best to keep you guys safe. I know pretty
much what we'll need, and anything I'm not sure of, I know of someone that
can help. When we're ready, we'll take a thorough walk about with whoever
will be doing the installation and plan out what we'll need. I'm assuming
that all the security stuff will be done after the remodeling on the houses
is complete."
"Thanks, guy," I said, appreciatively. "And, yes. I want all the
remodeling done so that we can move in as soon as possible. The major
security concerns won't be happening for a while after I get back, and I'm
sure we can have everything in place by then. I was worried I might have
thrown too much at you without warning, but you not only recovered quickly,
you jumped right into the planning. I'm really glad you're with us, and
hope you'll stick around for a long time. Thanks!" Carl blushed, smiled
and nodded. Up to this point, both Ronni and Josie had been quiet. Ronni
was leaning against me with his arm resting along the top of my thigh. I
know that Mark must have noticed, but, so far, he's said nothing nor has he
given any indication of being upset by our closeness. Now, Ronni spoke up.
"Excuse me, please," he said, getting everyone's attention. "I don't
understand all this security stuff. I can understand why Carl is with us
now. Isn't that enough? How come we will have so much security on our
homes?"
"Ronni, is it?" he asked him. When Ronni nodded, he continued. "You
must have heard, seen or read about movie and rock stars and all the
security they have around them. That's to keep people from bothering them
when they want to be left alone and to keep others from hurting them,
either by accident or on purpose. There are some people who just want to
hurt them because of who they are, or to try to get money or other things
from them because they're rich. Big stars, though, are, for the most part,
also people just like you and me, and there are times they want to be able
to have a private life. Security helps them in all those things. From
what Mr. James has told me, once he has his resorts, people will also look
at him as rich star of sorts, and there will be those who will want a part
of that, no matter how they go about it. That's why all this security is
going to be very important to both of you sometime soon." Ronni looked at
me for confirmation, and I nodded my head, giving him a sad smile. He put
his arm around me and moved in closer.
"I don't know if I like all this security stuff," he said. "It seems
that we need it because of having the hotels. I would rather have what we
have now without the hotels." At this point, Josie spoke for the first
time.
"Ronni," she said, softly, "will you come sit with me in the salla for
a few minutes so we can talk? I think I can help you, and we can let the
men keep talking. Ok?" He looked at me and gave me a small smile. Then he
leaned in and kissed my cheek and went into the salla with Josie closely
following, and she led them to the far end of the sofa and began talking
quietly.
I looked at my boy-man with love, and my heart was breaking for him.
All he wanted was a long loving life with me without complications and
intrusions. His dreams had only shown him the loving part and hadn't shown
him any of the other details of our future. He'd had a simple life before
I came along, and now his life was taking twists and turns that had him
totally off balance. The one thing he was clinging to right now was our
unquestionable love for one another, and it was his life raft in the
maelstrom of what he saw his life was becoming. I know that if we were
alone, I'd be able to calm his fears and uncertainties, at least somewhat,
but I couldn't just walk away from the table to deal with it just then.
Josie realized this and jumped in to see what she could do to help, and I
really hope she can. Ronni likes her, so he'd at least listen to what she
had to say. She's such a good person!
I had to get up and answer the door at that moment. Raymar had
arrived, and, after a handshake and accepting a beer, we rejoined the
others at the table. After the introduction to Mark, we brought him up to
speed on what had been discussed so far. It was interesting to note that
the talk about the level of planned security didn't faze him a bit. He was
more interested – and excited – about the house. Now that he was
here, it was time to go next door and take a look at it. I looked over to
where Josie and Ronni were talking, and...SHIT!!! He's crying! Without
even bothering to excuse myself, I rushed over. Ronni saw me coming, and
before I'd come to a stop, threw himself into my arms.
"I'M SO SORRY!!" he wailed, sobbing and hiccupping. "Oh, my Phil, I
so sorry! I'm being a selfish brat!" Josie tsked loudly and stood beside
him stroking his head.
"You are not a selfish brat, Ronni Martinez-James!" she said,
soothingly but firmly. "You just had a lot of information thrown at you,
and it was too much all at once. Remember what I just told you?" He
nodded his head, still snuffling on my shoulder, his arms in a fierce hold
around me, almost as though he was afraid I was going to disappear if he
let go. "Everything is going to be ok, Ronni. You're not going to see
very much difference from what you have now. Everything is going to be
ok!" she reiterated. Realizing the time, I thanked Josie for her
intervention and asked if she'd take the others over and give them the
tour, telling her we'd be over shortly. She gave us a sweet smile, kissed
Ronni's wet cheek, went over and gathered the others together, and, with a
"see you shortly" from me, they left. Once they had left, I put my hands
under his arms, and he got the message, and soon had his arms wrapped
around my neck and his legs around my waist. We both really liked the
physical closeness this provided, and there had been times when it led to
some really passionate lovemaking, but this time, however, it was simply
comfort for both of us. I walked to the sofa and sat down in our spot,
being careful of his legs. Once we were settle, I pulled him tightly to
me, chest to chest, heart to heart and rubbed his back. His sobs had
diminished to shallow shuddering breaths as we sat there quietly.
"It's just as Josie said, Love," I said softly. "Everything is ok.
Everything is going to be ok, too. And you're not a brat and you're
certainly not selfish. You have a big, loving heart, and you always care
about others. You are a very special, wonderful young man, and I'm so
grateful that I have you in my life. I love you with all my heart!"
"I love you too, my Phil," he said. "I'm sorry for the way I behaved.
I was thinking only of myself. You are my husband, and I need to always
think of you, too. Josie explained to me about why we need that security,
and I think I understand now. Even though we'll have all that security
stuff, we won't even see most of it. It was when you talked about having
the security because of others maybe trying to hurt us that really got me
scared. I don't even want to think about anything happening to you just
because you're a big businessman and everyone knows you. Right now, just
my friends, family and me know you only as Phil, the guy who's here on
vacation and the one I love and who loves me. It's all very simple and
very good, and I really like the way things are right now. I had my dreams
of you, and now my dreams have come true, and life with you is so much
better than I ever knew it could be, and I want to always be like this.
But I must always remember that you also have your dreams, and they are for
having your own hotel business. Because I love you, I need to help you
with your dreams, and to be there to love you and help you when your dreams
become real, just like my parents did for me when I had my dreams and when
you came into my life. When I wanted to have things always as they are
now, that was selfish and wrong. I want to be always by your side, and
together, we will make your dreams come true just like mine." I was
totally blown away by what he said! This was definitely not your average
14-year old talking! I know Josie had something to do with him being able
to work all this out in his head in a relatively short time, but my gut
instinct told me that it was mostly Ronni himself who put it all together,
and that instinct of mine had never proved to be wrong. I know I'm a bit
biased when it comes to Ronni. Alright!!! A LOT biased! But I'm not the
only one impressed with his intuitive and intelligent mind that belies his
tender years. I know that he's impressed Lorenzo and Mr. Mejos at the
mall, and even if they're not wholly aware of the true reason, even his
friends considered him the smartest of the bunch.
I told him how impressed I was with figuring that all out, and
reassured him that there was going to be very little noticeable change in
our lives. I reminded him that all this was just as daunting to me as it
was for him; that before I came here, I was just a music teacher in a small
town, but that if we wanted to go ahead with our plans for the hotels, that
this security stuff was a necessary evil. I knew he was feeling better
when he said that there better not be any cameras when we made love. He
said the one audience we had the other night was more than enough!! We
both had a good laugh about it, then realized we'd better get over to join
the others. Ronni was curious to see the place, and, frankly, so was I.
With a deep, loving kiss and final hug, we got up to join the tour.
We walked hand-in-hand to the street, talking about the inevitable
changes in our lives that having a large business would create, both of us
agreeing that we'd adapt however we needed to within reason. I admitted
that I didn't like all the security we'd need to put in place either, but
that I was going to take any steps I thought were necessary to keep him and
us safe; that I simply loved him too much to take any risks that could be
avoided, even if it meant having to install all the security that had been
discussed earlier.
As we walked along the street, I noticed that the wall was about 3
feet high and 8 inches thick and seemed to be in good condition. My
thoughts were, that we'd need to add at least 5 feet to the height and
maybe also add more to the depth, and I'm sure that at least some of the
neighbors across the street were going to complain about losing some of
their view of the ocean. Anyway, I'll the let those who are more
knowledgeable about security decide what needed to be done. We paused
where the wall divided the two properties, and it looked like both lots
were the same size – 60 feet wide and about 100 deep to where they met
the beach. Both houses were placed in the center of their respective lots,
and I could now get a clearer picture of what it would look like without
the dividing wall. The space in between would be about 30 feet, but would
also include a carport for each house, slightly reducing the space. All in
all, though, it would create a larger shared yard for the kids to play and
would make it much easier and faster for Carl to respond to any emergencies
– God forbid! I fervently hoped a situation like that would never come
up, but it made me feel better to know that that accessibility between the
two houses would be much quicker. I didn't mention any of the security
details to Ronni, although I did point out to him how removing the wall in
between would make a much nicer-looking space between the houses, and he
agreed.
We arrived at the other house and found the others standing in the
salla as Mark pointed out several things he thought would improve the
space. When they saw us come in, Carl immediately came over and placed his
hand on Ronni's shoulder.
"How are you doing?" he asked, genuine concern evident on his face and
in his voice.
"I'm ok," Ronni said. "We talked, and I feel better about things. I
still don't like that we'll have all that security, but I understand why we
need it. It's just something I'll have to get used to." Carl squeezed his
shoulder reassuringly.
"Most people don't realize what guys like you and Phil have to go
through to have the "good life", as they call it," he replied. "And I know
how hard it is for you right now because your life up til now was pretty
simple and good. But in time, you'll find that you won't even notice any
of the security setup, and it will become just another fact of life for
you. It's all part of growing up. Your life now has changed a lot since
you were 6, and I'm sure there were changes in your life during that time
you didn't like then, either, but you're ok now that they happened because
it's brought you to the place in your life where you are now. What's
happening with Phil's new business and this security stuff is just the
same. These are changes taking place in your life now that you don't like,
but in time, you'll get used to them and will hopefully make your life
better later on." This guy is going to make a terrific dad!!
"You're right," he sighed. "Some things changed when I was growing up
that I didn't like at the time, but everything turned out ok and I got used
to it. I guess this is another one of those changes that will be a part of
growing in a different way, so I'll get used to them too. Doesn't mean I
have to like it right now, though!" he added, with a sly grin. Carl
playfully ruffled his hair.
"You're something else, Kid," he said, slipping his arm around Ronni's
shoulder and giving him a sideways hug. My boy fairly glowed from the
simple praise and attention. Carl is a compassionate and caring guy, and
he had been genuinely concerned about Ronni and wanted to make sure that he
was ok. If I had any doubts about whether or not he and Ronni would get
along, they vanished in that moment. And my love once again amazed me with
the depth of his maturity. He's a remarkable young man!
We walked to where the others were discussing the plans for
remodeling, Ronni in the middle, holding my hand, and Carl's hand on his
shoulder. Raymar was clearly excited by what he was seeing, and he and
Mark were in a discussion about the kitchen area. After acknowledging our
presence, Mark asked Ronni if he was ok now, and getting a positive
response, smiled in relief. I was pleased that he showed concern, and
confirmed my first impression of him as a good and kind person. Since we
hadn't seen everything yet, Ronni and I took a self-guided tour.
The bedrooms were of equal size – 12 feet wide and 15 feet deep, I
estimated, with the cr being 8 feet wide and 15 deep. Looking at these
spaces, I was pleased to note that there shouldn't be a problem making
everything handicap-accessible for their new son when he moved in, and
planned to talk to Mark about this. The main difference between our
bedroom and these, other than size, was that, where we had a full closet
with full doors, here, there were built-in wardrobes with open-faced
multi-level shelving and a fair-sized section for hanging clothes that had
a door. Whether or not this would be enough storage for Carl and Raymar I
wasn't sure, but any needed changes they could discuss themselves with
Mark. They knew their needs better than I did, and, since this was to be
their home for the foreseeable future, I wanted to impress on them that
they were free to do what they needed to make it a comfortable home for
them and Eddie. Ronni commented that he thought it would make a nice home
for Carl, Raymar and their new son, and was anxious to meet the boy. He
did say, however, that he liked the size our bedroom since it gave us more
room to `play'. This was accompanied by him rubbing his crotch playfully
but seductively and winking at me.
"God!" I exclaimed quietly, as I pulled him into a hug out of sight of
the others – I hope. "What you do to me! Right now, I just want to
send everybody home, take you to bed and make love to you all night!"
"I like the way you think, my husband," he said kissing me. "I'm
beginning to get that itch again really bad!" We kissed again and stepped
apart, neither of us wanting to get too boned up. Later tonight? That
will be an entirely different story!! After readjusting our cocks, we
joined the others who were actually talking about the accommodations needed
for Eddie. By this time, I know that Mark must realize that Carl and
Raymar were a hell of a lot more than just roomies, and I wasn't going to
take any bets on what he thought he knew about Ronni and me either! He was
an astute businessman accustomed to having an eye for detail, and human
relationships were a detail he needed to observe if he was to be able to
give his customers the desired finished product. This was confirmed when
we joined them. There was a pause in conversation and Mark looked from one
couple to the other. Ronni and I were standing close, with my arm around
his shoulder and his around my waist while Carl and Raymar were standing
much closer than someone who were just friends.
"I hope none of you will be offended," he said, "but we all seem to be
tiptoeing around a sensitive issue. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I see two
couples here. I have to admit that I'm surprised by the young man here and
Mr. James, but from what I've observed, what you two have is a healthy and
loving relationship, one that I wish more people had. And, Mr. Tulbeo and
Mr. Sarmiento, you have done nothing to hide your relationship and appear
to be very devoted to one another and to the child you will be bringing
into your home. I do not judge others. It would be very foolish of me to
do so in my line of work, although I have also always believed that
everyone should be able to live their lives as they want. I hope I have
not stepped out of bounds." We all looked at each other, and I think
everyone heaved a sigh of relief, including Josie.
"Thank you for clearing the air, Mark," I said, "and thank you for
your accepting attitude. It's a relief to get that out into the open. I
just hope the others who will be working with you are as accepting."
"I can assure you that there will be no problems with the others," he
said. "Rey has a gay son who is part of his crew, and Marty feels the same
way about things as I do. All of our crews have learned that we will not
tolerate discrimination of any kind. They now realize that they are there
to do the best job possible every time, no matter who the client is. They
are all a group of good, hard-working men – and women, I might add. My
daughter works with me, and Marty has two women on his crew, one of which
is married to another of the crew. They work just as hard as the men, and
have earned the respect of everyone." I was pleased and surprised by his
response. Given the male-dominated mentality of society that I'd observed,
it was refreshing to hear about the women and their acceptance. And to
know that our two relationships wouldn't be an issue made it even better,
although I know we would do our best not to be too blatant.
We recapped everything that needed to be done to this place, and I
reminded Raymar and Carl that this would be their home for some time to
come, and that this was the time to make sure they had everything they
needed or wanted. They both said that everything had been discussed,
especially anything that Eddie would need. I told Mark my ideas about
removing the dividing wall, position of the security gate and the two
carports. Raymar and Carl were surprised and pleased when I mentioned the
carports, since neither of them had thought of it. With that, we shook
hands, said our goodbyes and started to leave, when Mark stopped us.
"I forgot to tell you that I'll be able to start Monday," he said.
"My crew will be finishing our current job this Thursday, and I'd like to
give them Friday off so they have a three-day weekend as a small reward for
working so hard and completing the job ahead of schedule."
"Monday will be fine," I assured him. "And hearing that you finished
ahead of schedule gives me hope the same can be done here, although I
insist you take whatever time you need to do it right. I'd like to be able
to move right back in when I get back, but a few days in a hotel would be a
small inconvenience in having to wait for a quality product."
"I guarantee you the finished quality you want," he said. "As to a
completion date, that I'll be able to tell you once we get into the work.
But I can still tell you that it will be no more than the 6 to 8 weeks I
told you. And if you are able to get all three crews, it will be less. If
you end up hiring the other two, I can tell you that Marty and his crew are
presently between jobs and would be able to start right away. And if
things stay on schedule, Rey will be done with his current job by the
middle of next week, and he's always finished either on time or before, so
you should have a full workforce by then."
"That would be great!" I said, with Ronni nodding his head
enthusiastically beside me. "If it's ok with you, I'd kind of like to make
you `head boss' of the other crews – sort of general contractor for the
total project. That way, if anything comes up that needs my attention
while I'm away, I'm only dealing with one person, which could save a lot of
confusion and time."
"Thank you for your confidence in me," he said, looking a bit
embarrassed. "If you do, I promise not to let you down." With that, we
left the house, Josie locking the door behind us, and, after Mark drove
away in his truck, we went back to our own place for dinner and to wait for
Marty.
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