“I’m fine. I talked to the student, Russ, and I talked to his mom. He’d love to meet with you and his mom says it’s fine if I bring him to wherever you’re working this afternoon. He doesn’t have to be at the grocery store until later this evening.”
The idea that he’d get to see her for more than just saying hello rushed over him and he grinned, staring down at his boots. “That’d be great. I’m at the house behind the high school. But I can—”
“Oh, that’s perfect! The school day is almost over, and I can bring him there. Well, if that’s okay.”
“It’s no problem.” He rattled off the address just as he heard a bell ring. Watching students swarm out of the school building like ants, he smiled again.
“Wonderful! He’s going to stop by my room, and we’ll be there in about fifteen minutes.”
Disconnecting, he felt lighter than he had in days. Shoving his phone back into his pocket, he ran his fingers through his hair, snagging them on his sunglasses, which he’d forgotten were perched on top of his head. They clattered onto the floor, and he emitted a rueful snort. Smooth, real smooth.
The fifteen minutes passed quickly, and he watched as Caitlyn’s car parked out front and she alighted, looking just as fresh as she had when he saw her that morning leaving for work. He couldn’t imagine how she managed that feat after working with teenagers all day. She looked up toward the house, her gaze landing on him, and smiled widely. And he wondered how he could have ever doubted having her in his life.
His gaze jerked to the young man climbing out of the passenger side of her vehicle. Tall, muscular, with long brown hair, half falling in his face. Jeans, a black T-shirt, and motorcycle boots completed his outfit. Staring at the young man was like staring into a mirror into his past.
Giving a mental shake, he smiled as Caitlyn and the young man made their way to the front porch. Unable to keep his hands to himself, he reached out and clasped her hand, squeezing it. “Caitlyn, good to see you.”
Her smile punched him in the gut as she stared up at him. “Hey, Griffin. This,” she said, turning to the young man, “is Russ. Russ, this is Griffin Capella.”
Russ stuck out his hand, but Griffin recognized the wary expression in the young man’s eyes. Again, like looking at a fuckin’ mirror into his past. He clasped Russ’ hand firmly. “It’s nice to meet you, Russ.”
“Thank you, Mr. Capella, for taking the time to talk to me.”
“First order of business is for you to call me Griff.” The change was almost imperceptible, but Russ' shoulders seemed to relax ever so slightly. Looking toward Caitlyn, he said, “I’m going to show Russ around and talk to him about what my company does and get a feel for what he’s interested in. You’re more than welcome to look around or hang with us. Whatever makes you and Russ comfortable.”
Her eyes widened as they darted toward Russ. “I wouldn’t want to interfere, so I’ll just wander around and look at the house if that’s okay.” She turned to Russ, still smiling. “Take your time. I love wandering through old houses, so I’ll be great. When you’re finished, I’ll drop you off either at home or at the grocery store.”
She beamed her smile back toward Griffin before turning and moving into the house. It took him a few seconds to drag his gaze from her and focus on Russ, who was staring at him.
He thought talking to Russ might only take a few minutes, but Caitlyn had been right about the teen’s interests. Russ had lots of questions, listened intently, and it didn’t take Griffin long to discover Russ had not only interest but aptitude and what appeared to be a strong work ethic. He’d been fascinated to watch Griffin work with a lathe after explaining the various spindle styles throughout the years in American architecture. To be honest, Russ reminded him of himself at that age—ready to learn and do something besides just school.
“That’s amazing, Griff,” Russ said, his gaze staring at the drawings and then the finished product. “I can’t believe you’ve taken the time to show me this. I originally just thought that the construction work in these homes was what would interest me, but what you do to restore them… I never really understood what all went into this kind of work.”
Griffin noticed Caitlyn leaning against a doorframe on the other side of the room. He had no idea how long she’d been standing there, but her soft smile was directed at him. He wanted nothing more than to go over to her, but her smile widened before she moved into the other room. Turning his attention back toward Russ, he said, “I have to admit, you’ve impressed me. Your questions were well-thought-out, your interest is obvious, and the recommendation from Ms. McBride is high praise.”
“Thank you, Griff. I’d be honored if you’d allow me to spend some time helping in any way I can, giving me a chance to learn.”
“I’d like to do more than that, Russ. I’d like to offer you a job, but it’ll be up to you. If you feel that you’d rather just give this a chance to see how things work, then as long as I have a waiver signed by your mom, you can come by after school or on weekends. On the other hand, if you’d like to get more formal training as well as help out, I’ll hire you as a part-time site intern. You’d be responsible for helping to clean up at the end of the day or on weekends, plus we could show you more of the trade and you can learn as you go.”
Russ’ cool demeanor fell away as his eyes widened and his mouth dropped open. “You’re offering me a job? A chance to get paid while learning?” His brow immediately lowered. “I… I know I wouldn’t make much.” He winced before rushing, “And that’s fine. It’s just that most of my money is used for the family.” He shoved his hands into his pockets and looked down before lifting his gaze back up.
Griffin’s chest squeezed at the young man’s visible struggle. Remembering what it was like for him when he was young, he remained quiet, giving Russ a chance to pull his thoughts together.
Clearing his throat, Russ admitted, “My dad’s not in the picture, but that’s okay. His signing the divorce papers my mom served him was the best thing he ever did. I’m the second oldest, the oldest boy, so I help out as much as I can. I don’t make a lot at the grocery store, but I’ve been there for two years, so I make a little more than minimum wage. But Griff, I really want this chance. I’d make it work even if you didn’t pay me anything.”
“What I’m offering you would be more than minimum wage,” Griffin said, ignoring Russ’ startle at his words. “If you want to keep your grocery store job, that’s up to you. My guys don’t work on Sundays. Now, I’m not going to convince you that you should just work for me, or not work for me and keep your grocery job, or try to do both, but I want you to think carefully. You’re the man of the family, you’ve got to keep up with your school, and spreading yourself too thin isn’t going to do anybody any good. So, you think about it and then you can let me know.”
“I don’t want you to think I’m not giving a great consideration, because I am. But I want to work for you. I’d have to talk to my mom, but she’ll be thrilled. I figure the money I make with you will go just as far with my family, and I’ll be learning a trade. That’s not only helping me now but helping my future.”