Bliss Book 2

Gage

     "Lunch time guys go ahead and be back here in an hour so we can finish this up for the day." Jacob the boss said slapping my back.

I was beyond ready to eat my stomach had been growling for over an hour. I went over to my truck and took out the cooler that was in the bed. It was so nice to have my truck and license back. I was still on probation sure but my parents had decided that with only a couple weeks left in my punishment that I should get some privileges back. I also had my cell phone back, not that I really cared about that. At least now I didn't have to bum rides from Racer and watch as him and Hannah made out in front of me. There were some things that a brother didn't need to see when it came to his baby sister. I unwrapped a sandwich and scarfed it down in two bites before I downed half a two-liter to wash it down. I turned to face where Matt was standing as I checked my phone. Racer of course had sent a text asking how it was working with my once worst enemy.

Matt was slower than the rest of us, he wasn't weak by any means due to his years of sports he was actually pretty fit, he just didn't have a clue about the job. The boss knowing whose son he was still didn't make his life any easier. In fact I think it made things worse for Matt. Jacob rode him hard all morning. He was yelled at for digging in the wrong place, for setting the mulch down and tearing the bag. I wanted to smile and laugh but I had been there before. I went over and helped him out when I could and caught the looks of the other guys because they knew what an ass he had been to me. I just wasn't that guy. I wouldn't let myself be that kind of guy either. Matt didn't say anything he just kept working as I worked quietly beside him throughout the morning.

"It's not as bad as it could have been."

"If you say so..." Racer text back moments later, " B-day party for the big 18 in T-minus two weeks! We need to really blow it out buddy."

I had already told him that I didn't want a party. I was set for parties until I graduated after the last one. I just wanted a good night with my friend and of course Hannah would be there. "No party needed, time to get back to work. Talk to you later."

I watched as Matt took a seat next to the tree and took out his own phone. He was covered in sweat and dirt. He also had no vehicle, no food or water. I sighed and walked over to him carrying a water bottle and a sandwich. "Matt." I said.

He looked up and I tossed him the bottle and sandwich which he let fall to the ground beside him.

I smirked, "reflexes off?"

"I don't need your pity."

I stood beside him, "Wasn't pity but if that's how you see it I'll eat the sandwich and you can starve for the next few hours." I reached down towards the sandwich.

Matt reached over and grabbed it; he unwrapped it and killed it in a couple bites not caring that his dirty hands had gotten dirt on the bread. Once it was gone and he swallowed he said, "Probably the best sandwich I ever had."

I laughed taking a seat next to him. "I doubt that. Think you had more dirt on it than anything else."

He laughed a little before his dirty fingers played with the cap to the water bottle. He kept his gaze towards the street, "Thanks Gage."

"No problem." I said shrugging.

He turned to me his face serious, "No I mean I treated you pretty shitty through out the years. And you helped me out today, fed me...and well for the whole shit with Blaze."

I shrugged again, "I've been there, the work shit. I mean when I first started I could barely lift the bag so you had me beat on that but shit happens." I was silent a moment, "How are things going with the whole Blaze thing?" I asked. I didn't really know all that had happened after the incident in the hallway. There were rumors of course but I didn't follow them.

Matt took a quick drink before replying; "He's in jail right now. Bliss and my parents are talking to the lawyers today to find out what's going to happen next."

I nodded, I had not talked to Bliss since that day. Every time I could avoid her I would and I felt like she did the same to me. We shared a few classes together but she would sit in the front and I would stay on the opposite side in the back. Plus I was getting the attention of other girls that knew Bliss was out of my life and honestly I was happy to be moving on at least that is what I told myself during the day. At night my thoughts often drifted back to her.

Matt's phone went off, he checked the message and looked at me. "Hey would you mind doing me a huge favor?"

I looked at him and raised my eyebrow. "What?"