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Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781490790060 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Trafford Publishing |
| Publication date: | 07/27/2018 |
| Sold by: | Barnes & Noble |
| Format: | eBook |
| Pages: | 124 |
| File size: | 256 KB |
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CHAPTER 1
John Conrad glanced at his watch. Six fifteen. He'd have to leave soon for his newest jobsite, a large business complex with retail and office spaces; four floors of income and sweat. He glanced at the opened blueprints scattered between two desks in his office. Building permits had been obtained. Concrete footers had been poured and inspected. Large loads of lumber were stacked and the crews had already started framing the first floor office spaces.
He smiled as he glanced up at the tub of Lincoln logs lovingly displayed on the top of a file cabinet, worn from years of endless hours of building and rebuilding. Oh how his mama, "Grammy Jean" as she became so well known in later years to his own sons, had enjoyed watching his creations over and over. He never dreamed he'd end up choosing building as his career.
John remembered driving fast cars, studying the skies with telescopes, and wanting to be an astronaut. Backpacking through desserts and seeing the country from space, that was his childhood dream. But hard work and a deeper desire for schooling had led him down a different path. In college he met Natalie Marie Freemont, a small town beauty queen from the neighboring town of Beaumont. Although she was a junior to his senior, he was totally smitten by her. He smiled, remembering how he had asked her out for the first time, and how his heart had skipped a beat when she had said yes. With hard work and determination, they had both graduated from college, John with a degree in business and Natalie pursuing design. With her parents blessing, John proposed to Natalie on the night of her graduation. After another year, they were married.
John rubbed his eyes with his hands and shook his head. Where had twenty seven years gone? Together, he and Natalie had moved through four different apartments and raised two sons, finally settling on the family homestead near his mother's house in Kaylor, Georgia, just west of Morningside County. His father had purchased that land long before he was even conceived, and it held a lifetime of changes and memories. "Where had all of that time gone?" John asked himself out loud.
He checked the large office clock on the wall, then his wrist watch for the second time. He grabbed a rolled set of building plans, pulled his hat on his head and headed towards the door. His scooped up the truck keys that were lying on the corner of the entry desk beside the coffee to go that he had grabbed at Mel's Dinner on his way into his office.
As he stepped outside, John took a deep breath and smiled to himself. It really was a beautiful day. Winter was finally taking a back seat to spring and today promised clear blue skies. He watched an egret fly overhead and listened to the mad cawing of crows high in the trees. The early morning commuters were already starting their engines and heading out to the highways where, like him, they would hope that most of the other drivers would choose the more scenic beltway and leave the interstate traffic to the serious travelers.
John Conrad finished his thirty five minute drive to work. He sat for a minute and studied the jobsite as he looked through the windshield of his truck. The Conrad Developments billboard displayed nicely, announcing to the town that his company was on this site.
John's gaze returned to his men. Their hard hats were huddled together on the first floor deck. His son J.T. had his back to him; his sandy blond hair mirrored his own, minus the beginnings of gray he had been noticing on his own hair. J.T.'s hair was evident from the back of his neon green hardhat. His hair reached beyond the collar of his plaid shirt. Longer than he liked, John thought. He'd ask his son about getting a haircut. Being twenty-five and more like him than he wanted to admit, J.T. would agree to get a haircut, probably just to shut him up. The rivalry between them was strained. Both were good at what they did, and both of them liked to be in charge. John wished that they could find a common ground. Maybe today would be a good day for making wishes.
John eased his six foot frame down from his Ford and grabbed his hard hat. Safety was very important to him, and he was pleased to see the guys were following the rules. It was mid-June, and the morning heat index was already climbing. They'd hit the high seventies today. He hoped that the muffled sounds arising from the huddled crew was them preparing for the work day. Then he stopped short, and looked up at the deck, and listened.
"Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Boss John ..." One large sparkler glowed from the middle of a small sheet cake. "... Happy Birthday to you!"
"Best join us out here Boss, unless you'd like to eat your cake upside down," Danny Boy yelled over to him, gesturing to throw the cake to the ground. "What'd you think boys? Can the old man still walk the plank, gesturing to the boards stretching across the excavated area between them? I'm taking bets if anyone has the cash!"
"Danny Boy" Sullivan was a clown, and his red hair matched his personality.
He was always trying to play tricks on his fellow workers. He had laughed for days about how he had nailed Owens tool bag to the floor deck while he was on break. Owen almost fell backwards when he tried to pick it up. Danny wasn't college material. He had decided early on that tech school was a better fit. He discovered his love of power guns and freshly cut wood. He was methodic in reading the blueprints. The oldest of five brothers and sisters, Danny live at home with his parents, Ron and Sarah Sullivan. Ron's parents were American born and native to the south, but Sarah was a direct descendant of Irish immigrants and still spoke with a strong Irish brogue. Danny could imitate her flawlessly, much to the delight of his younger siblings but which caused the inevitable cuff to the side of his head by his mum as she laughed at his shenanigans. He was fiercely protective of his younger sisters, always proclaiming that any boys that came around would have to go through him first. He would hulk up his body and pretend to growl around, winning shrieks and giggles from two smiling red head girls that idolized their big brother.
Danny took pride in seeing his accomplishments every day. Though quirky and unpredictable, Danny Boy was an asset on the jobsite. John wasn't surprised when Danny challenged him to walk across the boards
"And I'd just bet you'd lose, you crazy Irishman" John yelled back as he easily walked across and joined the men on the deck. While waiting for the sparkler to burn out, John's gaze swept the horizon. This was his world, and the higher the buildings got, the better.
"I can't thank you boys enough for remembering my birthday, although I really don't know how you knew it was today."
"C'mom Dad" J.T. said, "how could we ever forget? You've been moaning forever about how 'the big five-five' was coming to get you."
"Just think boss – now you're old enough to be a traffic sign." Danny Boy chuckled as he slapped John on the back.
"Do you get it?" Danny slapped his own leg. "Old enough to be a traffic sign ... damn I'm funny!"
"Watch it Danny, I'm still your boss. And as long as we find work, I sign your paychecks."
"Oh hush, all of you. I sign the paychecks around here," Natalie Conrad shouted over as she walked onto the jobsite with her son Jack.
"You heard her boys, and if the boss says it, it must be true!"! John retraced his steps quickly back across the boards and to the ground to be with his wife.
"I love that you all took the time to honor my double nickel," Natalie said as she kissed John's cheek.
"Hey dad," J.T. yelled down to his father. "Tell us something good about being fifty five."
"Speech - Speech!" the others yelled.
John took a deep breath. "Wow, where do I start? I've been blessed beyond measure with my good woman Natty to stand beside me, and pick me up when I fall." John gave Natalie a strong hug. "I've got two great sons." John turned to face Jack, who was standing beside him. "My Jack, who keeps an eagle eye on the books, designs the prints and gives us direction!" Applause from the guys fills the air. "Three cheers for the suit!" Ben called over to Jack.
"You got to dress the part to walk the walk" Jack answered back, brushing off his suit lapel.
Applause continued from the crew.
"My firstborn J.T.," John continued while he pointed to his other son up on the deck, "to build dreams, climb like a monkey and change the skyline!" Again, the guys all cheered their approval.
"And I'd die for any one of them in a heartbeat." John paused and took another deep breath.
"We've got a good strong company, and good men to work it."
Owen shouted "build 'em high and kiss the sky." More cheers of agreement from the group filled the air. Owen Russell had graduated with J.T., and Natalie always said that they were like having twins. Best friends since grade school, Owen would follow J.T. everywhere he went, doing everything that he did. No one was surprised when Owen asked to work for Conrad Developments. He'd been climbing with safety lines from a young age, learning just like J.T. had. He was strong and sure of himself, a winning combination when your workplace was in the sky.
"Add to that a roof over our heads, good food to eat and a God that loves us back. I'd say it's been a damn good life so far" John placed his hand over his heart and patted it.
"Let's cut the cake! What say you, Boss? How about an early morning break?"
"Because it is my special day, and I am feeling generous, Danny, take ten guys – but make it a fast ten" John replied, tapping his watch. "Time is money. And I'll take my cake to go!"
"You've done quite well with these men John" Natalie said wrapping her hand through his arm. "Walk with me a minute. Introduce me to this new jobsite. What's it going to be?"
"The site's been approved for four floors of small business suites, mostly retail with great office spaces. It's a prime location. Plus it's always good for the community to bring in more tax dollars. I'm actually thinking of the Conrad family sharing space on the top floor. Heck of a view from up there."
"Oh, John, does Jack know about this? He's been on Main Street since he started his own company. How does he feel about it?"
"I really haven't talked with him yet. It was just a passing thought, and we've only just started the construction here. It may be another year before we could even think about moving. I think I even surprised myself when I said the words out loud to you!"
"Well, give it more thought then and talk with your sons. And our offices are already in a good location downtown, just a few blocks from Jack. Get their opinions before you start making any decisions. What do you always say? Measure twice and cut once."
"I do say that a lot. It is good advice, and I will think about it a lot more. Now, if you're done distracting me beautiful lady, I need to get the guys back to work. No sense in thinking of moving if there's no place to move to!" John walked Natalie back to the front of the site where J.T. had climbed down from the deck. He was reviewing the plans, spread out on a make-shift saw horse table.
"Okay boys" John yelled up to the crew. "Get back to work. Although this baby is new – she's got a deadline! And make sure you stay hydrated. You know the first commandment of construction in the sun."
As if on cue, the men on the deck recited together, "If you wait until you're thirsty, it's too late."
"You got it boys, make sure you listen. J.T. – did you review the new plans for the Hoover addition yet?"
"Dad, I need to go over the plans for this site again. Some of the numbers aren't adding up".
Brushing him off, John answered back, "I've got some phone calls to make. I'll get back with you as soon as I have a minute. What say you Miss Natty; can I offer you a ride home?" Natalie laughs and says, "Why thank you kind sir, I would love to ride home with you."
Natalie waved goodbye to the crew. "Thanks again boys, and don't forget about the church social. It's just a few weeks away. I hope to see you all there!"
J.T. watched his parents drive away. He shook his head, and then pounded his fist on the blueprints.
"What's wrong big brother?" Jack asked. "Something I can help you with?"
"I don't like the sizes of some of the joists. The weight values don't sit right with me."
"I thought we reviewed them J.T., I believe they're correct. I'll spend some time when I get back to the office and look them over again. I'll call you if I find anything. In the meantime, I best get back to work myself. There's the office calling me now," he said, grabbing his cell phone. "I have to answer this. Be careful up there."
"Always am. Thanks Jack. You be careful down here!"
CHAPTER 2"J.T. - J.T.!!!"
"Hey Bubba, what are you doing in this part of town today?"
"My mom is over there" he said pointing at the cluster of shops right down the road. A small parking lot separated them.
"Is this the day to drive the big machine J.T.? Is it? Is it?"
"Whoa there, Mister B. Not so fast. Learning how to operate any machines takes special classes. And don't forget you need a hard hat!"
"Can I use your hard hat J.T.? Can I? I always know your hard hat J.T. cause of the lightning bolt on it" smiled Bubba, pointing up at J.T's head.
"I'll tell you what Bubba. How about if we start slower, with a different job? It's just as important. Can you help me po-lice the jobsite and make it safer for everyone? Could you help me with that?"
"Do I need a badge like the policeman wears? And how 'bout a gun? All the policemen need guns. Do I get a gun J.T.?"
"Bubba, I don't think ..."
"And a hard hat – gotta have a hard hat. It's really important that I get a hard hat. And I need a gun to police the dirt!"
"Okay Bubba, take a big breath for me and slow down. I promise I will get you a hard hat. For now, how about helping me with this trash bag and cleaning up any garbage that's lying around."
"Mr. John always says the job should look good for the customers. Mr. John always says that."
"You've been paying attention to my dad. Good for you Bubba. Now here's the bag. Can you clean up for us?"
"You got it J.T.!" Bubba grabbed the trash bag and started picking up a few cans and papers lying on the ground.
Owen climbed down and joined J.T. on the ground. "I admire your patience with that crazy boy, J.T. Bubba's mom must have dropped him on his head when he was little. What a loser."
"C'mom Owen. Bubba's a bit slow ... I think 'challenged' is the correct term. But he does mean well. So put up with him for my sake. Okay?"
"Are you sure it has nothing to do with his sister Shari? Now she's a keeper!"
J.T. just shrugged his shoulder and shook his head.
"Shoot J.T., added Owen. "Maybe I'll just ask her to the social myself!"
"Yeah, and make room for Bubba too! And while you're at it, pack an extra hard hat. Now let's get these walls set. Bubba, you've done a good job, now you best be getting back to your mom. Remember, it's not safe here without that hard hat when the guys are working above you."
"Oaky doaky J.T ... maybe I'll see you tomorrow!"
"Later, Bubba. Okay Owen – back to the stairway to heaven. Let's be safe up there."
"You got it Boss." Owen and J.T. climbed the ladder to join the others on the first floor decking. With the first wall built and already in place, J.T. assigned some of the men to start building the second wall. The precut lumber was laid out on the deck, then nailed together to form the wall studs. The walls were built lying down. Once done, the wall was ready to lift into position using the boom on the forklift. Several of the crew would guide and steady the wall, while the others secured it with nail guns.
Within the hour, John returned to the site. "J.T., you best have that wall secured before you lift it. And make sure everyone is in place to guide it in. If that wall decides to dance, it can knock you on your ass, or worse. Keep it steady. Move your men & get it done right."
J.T. yelled down. "We're taking care of it dad. Ben's on the crane, he's waiting for our signal. We won't move until we know it's secure."
"What about that Hoover addition?" John yelled back. "Did you finish the specs on it?"
"No, I'll work on that when I get enough done on this floor. I told you this morning I had some questions. Do you have time to go over them now? I can come down."
"I've got my birthday lunch with your momma, and you know we never keep her waiting. Maybe after that we can review your progress or issues with the lack of," John shouts back. "In the meantime, keep this site cleaned up," which he demonstrates by picking up an empty can from the morning's birthday party. He makes a clean shot into the trash barrel. "Three points! You boys treat our sites like your car dashboards. Build 'em high and kiss the sky, isn't that your motto? How about 'keep it clean or your paychecks are lean'?"
"You got to admit, that's kind of funny" Owen laughed, slapping his knee.
Waving his hand, John continues, "Now time is money, keep things moving. I'll be back."
(Continues…)
Excerpted from "My Best Days"
by .
Copyright © 2018 N. M. Corcoran.
Excerpted by permission of Trafford Publishing.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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