I don’t believe that for a second. He’s up to something.
“You? Responsible?” I snort. “Thanks, I needed a laugh today.”
His eyes harden.
Wait, is heserious?
He folds his arms. “Everyone knows you want to take over but did you ever think one of us might want part of the business as well?”
He wants thebusinessnow? This can’t be happening. I can feel my dream slipping through my fingers quicker than sand.
I swallow hard. “Since when do you want a part of the business?”
“Since now.” Sean folds his arms and studies me. I’ve got three inches on him, but he’s holding far more weight over me right now. He’s right. I never considered that anyone would want the business besides me. Maybe that makes me selfish, but Sean is good at a lot of things.Thisis where I’m meant to be. “You’ve been slacking lately, bro.”
Me? I’ve been slacking?
I have scars up my arms from all the times I’ve been hurt in the shop, and I work more than dad himself.
I’mthe one who has gone the extra mile and worked the long hours. I’ve watched Dad since I was old enough to hold a screwdriver. I’ve studied the way he works and done my best to emulate him. This job is mine.
“I’ve earned this,” I practically shout. Out of the corner of my eye, I notice Trent and Grant moving to the corner. Good thinking, if this breaks out into a fight, they are safest there.
“Why? Because you’re the oldest?” Sean scoffs. “That’s a bit ageist, don’t you think?”
I barely refrain from punching him. He can grow upallhe wants, but he will always be an idiot.
“Yes. And because I actually like working here.”
A crease forms between his eyebrows. “Yeah, maybe a bit too much.”
My head jerks back. “What?”
“No wonder you can’t get a date.” He taunts. “You’re already married.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“When did you get in today?” Sean asks.
“Five.” The same time I always do. One hour before the guys come, so I have time to work without the distractions.
Sean cocks his head to the side. “And when did you leave last night?”
I shrug. “Eight.” Giving me an extra four hours to work alone.
“Dude, that’s fifteen hours,” Grant says, his eyes widening.
“So?” I like working. Hence, the foreman job.
Sean crumples up his empty soda can and tosses it in the trash. “Don’t you want a life outside of work?”
Of course I do. That’s why I downloaded a dating app. It saves time and energy to talk to people online before I ask them out in person.
I drag my hand through my hair. Why are we even having this conversation?
“Come on, man, what can I do?” I plead with him.
He gets a gleam in his eye, and I already don’t like where this is headed. “Why don’t we make our previous bet more interesting?”
