Hammer and Nail

Chapter 15

The weekend was over quick and my mother left to go back home. I thanked God she didn't over stay her welcome. I love her but, I am needy and I finally have a man willing to give me what I want so, I need some alone time for a long time.

It is Monday and I am back to work on Xander's deck. Things are coming along quickly now that the base is ready. Frank has Luke working with me today, to help lay all the planks of wood down and start screwing in the screws. Luke was a really nice guy to work with. He always heads straight to work and doesn't waste time chatting or on break. I was excited when I heard he was coming to help me with this deck. We should be able to get quite a bit done today and that'll leave me with only half the deck to do on my own - unless of course uncle Frank sends Luke or another guy out to help me.

Xander left for work really early this morning, the same time that I was going out to work on the deck. He said he had some important shareholders coming in to discuss the change he wants to put in place. I didn't quite understand anything he was saying but, he looked very stressed and only gave me a chaste kiss on his way out the door.

Anyway, now I am out here working hard on getting this deck done. It was almost 3pm and we hadn't had a break yet so, I decided to call a break.

"Hey Luke! Break time!" I say and he comes running from his side of the deck.

"Thank god. I didn't know how much longer I could do with food." Luke says grabbing his lunch pale.

"I-I left my lunch at home so I'm going to go see if I can have something from Chef." I respond feeling awkward about going to get the peanut butter and jelly sandwich, milk, and fruit salad that Xander had Chef make me.

"Don't worry about it! I brought lots. Besides you don't want to get in trouble. This is such an incredible opportunity for you. I was surprised when Frank gave it to you but that's still amazing. Congrats!" Luke says opening his lunch box and handing me half of his sandwich.

I stare at it trying to find a way to go get the meal Xander wanted me to eat today. He's going to be upset with me if I don't eat it. "It's okay Luke, I am not really feeling well."

I try to hand him back the sandwich and he refuses it, "you probably don't feel well because you are hungry. Here, have this too."

Luke hands me a fruit punch juice box and I sit it beside me. I flinch and jump a little when I hear Xander call for me. I didn't know he would be home so soon. I hurriedly walk to Xander who closes the door behind me.

"Who is that?" He asks, straight faced.

"L-Luke." I stutter and Xander flares at me.

"Why is he here?" He asks.

"To help me build your deck." I feel nervous as I speak to Xander. His tone is dripping with anger and I can't meet his eyes.

"This will be his last day helping you. If you need an extra hand, James will be the only one to help you." Xander orders and I nod my head.

"Yes sir." I respond and he grabs me by my wrist.

"Now. You need to eat your lunch." He drags me to the dinning room and places my sandwich down in front of me, with a cup of milk, and fruit salad. I start munching on the sandwich and Xander sits beside me, typing away vigorously on his phone.

"Why are you home so soon?" I ask, trying to make conversation.

"The meeting ended early. The shareholders wanted time to digest what we had to say. We will recoup in an hour and a half." Xander says not looking up once from his phone.

"Oh... will you be out late tonight?" I ask and Xander finally looks up at me.

"Yes dear. But, you can stay and watch a movie in bed. Chef will make you dinner tonight, I'll be sure to let him know before I take off." Xander says and I nod feeling a little sad. "In all seriousness Leo, I want you to move in with me."