Hitting the nail in front of me, I laugh out loud. “First one finished with their floorboards gets to leave for the surf, while the other packs up the job.” All I can hear is the hammering getting quicker and not another word from him. I wink at Jodie and she just smiles, knowing no matter what, I won’t leave the job until it’s all done. I’m always last out of here. After all, it’s my name on the line if the client isn’t happy with anything.

We’ve been working on this job for the last three months for the Barris family. It’s their dream beach house to retire in. We have completely stripped the inside bare and remodeled. Now we’re outside fixing the cladding and building a huge entertainment area.

Summer by the sea is the best time to live outside. Where you can enjoy the coastal breeze and the smell of the ocean. Although I love the winter on the beach, because there aren’t so many people. Since I came home, I like time on my own. The populated cities are overrated.

“Done! Tools down, boss,” Ricky yells as he stands from being on his knees, hammering.

“Oh, would you look at that? One nail too slow, my boy. Pity, you have to help me pack up now.” I pick up my hammer and saw as I head towards the other tools set up on the work bench.

Ricky grumbles behind me about me cheating or some crap. He’s young and full of energy, which usually results in him never shutting up. But on the upside, he’s a good worker. If I could just gag him sometimes, it would be nice to work in the peace and quiet.

“Jodie, stop standing there looking all girly and give us a hand,” Ricky says. “Your brother the old man is taking too long. He’s worn out by the end of the day, ready for his afternoon nap.” Ricky throws the roll of plastic into the truck while they both start laughing at me.

“So, you do know thirty-eight is not old, right?” I mean, some days I feel like it, but a good surf now will work that out.

“When you’re twenty-one, fuck yeah it’s old. You know you’re old enough you could be my father.” My body shudders at his words.

Jodie bursts out laughing while I stop dead to stare him down. “I don’t ever want to hear those words again. You, being my son, would be a fate worse than death. Christ, just kill me now. I don’t know how your parents have survived raising you.”

I wait for the smartass comment back, but Jodie beats him to it. “Ear plugs.” She high-fives me on the way past, heading to my truck with another load of tools.