I would not agree to that promise.
“I just have a few things that need to be cleared up.” A few things from my list and a pile from his.
He gave me a knowing smile and sighed as he walked away. “I give up. Thank you, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”
He might have been leaving work early, but considering that he hadn’t eaten anything other than the coffee and sandwich I’d shoved at him hours ago and was heading to another meeting, I knew his day would end up being longer than mine if I stopped anytime soon. Tanner might have complained about the number of hours I worked, but it wasn’t like I had anyone to go home to.
The closest thing I had to a partner was a brother who lived too close and didn’t have any boundaries, as well as more family members who suffered from the same condition. So in a way, staying at work later saved my sanity some days.
It took a few hours to get both our to-do lists caught up to a manageable level, but when I finally came back to the construction company list, I still wasn’t sure what direction to take the search. There were a lot of good companies in the area, but depending on what level of discretion Tanner wanted, I had to be more careful.
Just because a company was well priced and did good work didn’t mean gossip wouldn’t be a problem. Most guys would see it as harmless, but something about Tanner’s odd reaction said I needed to be even more cautious than I normally would.
Finally, I yawned and reached in the top drawer for my personal cell phone. Two rings and it answered. “Where are you, dipshit? You said you were going to be home early tonight.”
I laughed. “You need to buy a television and stop stealing my cable.”
When Simon huffed, I focused on why I’d called to begin with. “I need a recommendation. Commercial real estate project—think social club, not like a restaurant or anything. My problem is that they need to be discreet.”
Simon bounced right back into work mode. “What’s the time frame? How discreet and what kind of finishing will it have? Like normally commercial look or high end? I’m assuming this is for your boss?”
“Yes, and this has to stay private. Not even family until I know more about what he needs.” Because I was definitely missing something. “I’m not sure on timeframe, but let’s assume sooner rather than later and I’m going to also say higher end, not skimping on the finishing.”
I couldn't imagine Tanner half-assing anything.
“But the privacy is his big thing, right?” Simon’s words were careful, and I could almost see him leaning back on his couch staring up at the ceiling. He’d had the same expression since we were kids. He was smart, but we never counted on him being able to make up an excuse on the fly.
“Yes.” That much was without question.
“I can think of a few companies in the area that would do good work and keep a pretty low radar but nothing that comes close to what he seems to want.” Simon chuckled. “Not if you’re any indication.”
“I’m actually very chatty, thank you very much.” There were just things my family didn’t need to know.
He barked out a laugh. “Sure you are. Okay, Chatty Cathy, let me think about it because I’m just not sure.”
“Yeah, that was the same thing I was running into.” I started sorting through the remaining paperwork from Tanner’s desk, looking for the notes on the project. I knew I’d seen something he’d titled as warehouse notes. “I could come up with a few good companies you’ve mentioned, but then I could also think of the stories they’ve told you, so that made me question how private they could be.”
Simon chuckled. “Yeah, I can see the problem.”
“Let me know if you figure out someone.” Telling Tanner I’d failed wasn’t an option.
“Sure. As long as you get your ass home so I can watch the game.” He scoffed. “You said you’d be home in time to get pizza.”
“I’m not your mother or your omega.” I rolled my eyes as he laughed. “If you tell Mother I said that, I’ll sell my TV to Peter.”
He was too cheap to buy his own, and since he lived next door to me, he’d never seen the point in both of us spending a fortune on one. His laughter died down. “That’s mean.”
“I’m leaving here soon. Call in the pizza now and I’ll grab it on the way home. There’s just one or two things left to do.” Tony’s was great pizza, but even at eight on a Monday it would be a long wait for pickup.
“Okay, but hurry. I’m missing the game.”
I scoffed. “Watch the damned thing online.”
He grunted. “Hell no, your TV is better.”
For all the good I got out of it. “Buy your own TV.”
I hung up before he could start driving me insane. “Okay, one or two things, then I’m done. Where was that list?”
