Aaron Under Construction

“Tomorrow. Because of the company’s generous contribution, we were able to offer the men a raise in pay to make up for missed work last week.”

Somewhere from behind him he heard a door shut. Louisa, bless her thespian heart, had left the room. Ask, Jennifer. Ask me back.

“I’m short one man.” She stared at the tip of her sandal. “That is, if you still need a job.”

Need…yeah, he was full of need. The idea that she hoped he’d stay on her crew when she could afford to hire a real construction worker convinced Aaron that she felt something for him…that she wished to explore this…whatever happening between them.

“I’d like to see the house finished.” And I’d like to see where you and I are headed.

Her gaze slid past his. “Great.”

“Want help getting things ready for tomorrow?”

“The tools and some of the supplies have to be picked up from the warehouse.”

“I’ll follow you in my truck.”

“Thanks.” Her eyes softened and her lips parted.

And Aaron wondered if she wore the same expression when she made love. “How about lunch? My treat.”

Her mouth curved at the corners. “A celebration lunch sounds great.”

He held the door open and breathed deeply when she walked by. His memory hadn’t disappointed. Her fresh scent smelled the same as in his dreams.

“What are you hungry for?” She stopped next to her truck.

A gust of wind blew her hair across her face and he shoved his hands into the front pockets of his jeans to keep from brushing the strands sticking to her lip gloss. “I’ll eat anything but Mexican.”

Her eyes rounded.

Unable to resist, he tapped his finger against the tip of hernose. “Hey, I’m kidding.” Sort of. Aaron preferred seafood and steak. He seldom ate ethnic foods. Maybe it was time to broaden his food horizons.

She wrinkled her dainty nose. “Follow me.”

I’ll follow you anywhere, babe.

“THIS WAY,” Jennifer instructed after she and Aaron had parked their trucks on the street. Rosa’s Café sat tucked away in the back of an alley near Santa Angelita’s business district. “Beware. This place isn’t known for its ambience or imported beer. And forget Tex-Mex entrées. Rosa serves authentic Mexican dishes.”

“I’m not sure I understand the difference between Tex-Mex and authentic Mexican,” Aaron confessed.

“Rosa and her husband, Jesús, prepare the food themselves and use only boiled, shredded meat and white cheeses such as asadero in the dishes.” Good food aside, Jennifer had chosen the café because of its familiarity. Rosa’s grounded her. Reminded her of where she came from and where she belonged—the barrio. The place also reminded her of where Aaron hailed from—somewhere outside the barrio.