Deception Creek Read Online Free PDF Page B

whipped.
    â€œLunch!” Mel yelled. He threw down his trowel right where he stood.
    Billy laughed and laid his own trowel down. Much of the morning had been spent measuring and leveling. When Billy backed up he realized how little had been done.
    â€œYou’re doin’ fine, Billy,” Mel said. “Can’t find skilled labor ‘cause of the disaster this spring. I hope Harry’s payin’ you better this summer.”
    â€œDon’t even know,” Billy said.
    â€œYou’ll find out Friday,” Mel told him. “Now let’s get some lunch.”
    â€œDeal.”
    The crew decided on submarine sandwiches and Tim Slater went to pick them up. Billy put in his order and waited near the water keg on the back of Harry’s truck. He wet his face and wiped his damp hands on his pants. Tim was back in a flash. Instead of hanging with the rest of them, Billy took his sandwich to his truck and sat on the tailgate. He noticed Scott walking over, then stop abruptly. Billy felt a presence behind him and turned.
    The man standing near him had black curly hair, a dark complexion, and brown eyes. Although built strong, the man also looked and moved as though he was limber and wiry — like a prize fighter might be. He held his hand out to Billy. “Jack Roberts.”
    â€œYou’re the guy from the top of the church.”
    Jack nodded. “Mind if I sit?”
    â€œNot at all,” Billy said.
    Jack sat down and removed a peanut butter sandwich from a paper bag that looked on the verge of disintegrating. He put down a mason jar filled with water. He stared straight ahead, saying nothing.
    Billy wondered why Jack came over if he wasn’t going to speak. “Work here long?”
    Jack laughed for a moment. “Nope.”
    Billy waited for more, but Jack just stared. “You’re not scared up there?”
    â€œNope.”
    â€œWhy not? You could fall.”
    â€œYou fall off the sidewalk very often?”
    â€œNo.”
    â€œSidewalk’s narrower.”
    â€œTrue, but not so far up. Just the thought of falling would put me off balance.”
    â€œYou’re right,” Jack said. “Your thoughts make you fearful. A man can go through just about anything if he’s careful of his thoughts.”
    Billy turned to look at Jack. “I think I just heard something profound, but I’m not sure.”
    Jack’s head lowered. “Nope. Just simple.” Jack had finished his lunch. “Well, better get back to work. Nice meeting you.” Jack nodded and slid down from the truck.
    Billy put up the tailgate and joined Mel in back of the church.
    After work, Billy glanced at his hands. His palms were sore and dry. On the way home he stopped in at London’s.
    â€œCan’t stay away?” Vicki asked.
    â€œI love the food,” Billy said.
    She walked to the counter. “The food picks up the flavors of whatever was on the grill before it,” she said. “I hear it can be pretty tasty.”
    â€œI bet.”
    â€œYou’re not here for dinner, though,” she said.
    He raised his hands, palms out. “Need a pair of gloves.”
    â€œOuch. You could use some hand cream, too.”
    â€œGood idea.”
    â€œHand cream’s down the far left aisle. Gloves in the third one over in back.” She pointed.
    â€œWent to see Larry over at the tackle shop yesterday,” Billy said, setting his items on the counter.
    â€œHe told me.”
    â€œOh.” Billy searched his pockets for change.
    â€œThanks,” Vicki said. “Come back soon.”
    â€œThank you.” Billy turned to leave.
    â€œI meant it,” she said.
    When Billy got home, Alice was making dinner. Billy took a shower and applied the hand cream, letting it soak into his sore fingers and palms. He put on fresh clothes and wandered into the kitchen to greet Alice. “Have a good day at work?”
    â€œHello, honey.