Some Day Somebody by Lori Leger Read Free Book Online

hands. “I love being out wit ’ de crew in all dis fresh air.” He cocked his head toward Sam and whispered so only Carrie could hear him. “I bet you like it too, yeah?”
    She frowned at his teasing insinuation before shoving playfully at her friend. “Shut up, Julian .”  Turning her back on his laughter, she focused on a loud clattering noise.
    Sam shook a can of spray paint then aimed it toward the asphalt shoulder of the road. Once he’d painted 0+00 on the surface in bright orange paint, he handed her the can and fiddled with the electronic distance meter in the work truck. “I need this roadway marked just like that every hundred foot all the way to the intersection? You want to drive while I paint?”
    Carrie nodded in understanding. “Just paint a couple of stations and I’ll take over from there.” By the third station, she took over the painting so Sam could drive. “Where’s that chain J.C. was talking about?” she asked Sam after a quarter of a mile.
    “We used to use a hundred foot cable before we got the distance meter. Still have to go back to it every now and then. The chain never breaks down or needs to be calibrated like electronics do.”
    In the process of painting stations Carrie discovered the crisp, cold air and exercise lifted her spirits as much as the conversation with Sam. Before long, a full hour had passed, and they’d stationed all the way to the intersection.
    “Good job,” he told her as she climbed into the front seat next to him. “You need a bathroom break?” When she said she did, he nodded. “There’s a convenience store a mile up the road.”
    “None of the guys need a bathroom break?”
    “Not one they can’t take when you’re not around.”
    Carrie took off her borrowed hardhat to fluff her hair. “I’ve always envied you guys the ability to just ‘go’ anywhere.”
    “Don’t blame us for God’s design.”
    Carrie dug around in her purse for a compact to check out the fresh air damages to hair and make-up. “I still think God has a twisted sense of humor,” she answered. “But then, it’s a miniscule price to pay for what we women got instead of penises.”
    “What’s that? PMS?” he asked.
    She tapped her head with one finger. “Brains,” she said, as Sam laughed.
    She removed her sunglasses and pressed both palms to her eyes then tried to stifle a yawn.
    “You all right?”
    She pushed up her sleeves and crossed her arms. “Tired.”
    “You don’t look like you got much sleep. Maybe I should have left you at the office today.”
    She whipped her head around. “No, I’m glad I’m out. It’s good to know what you guys do out here. Besides,” she paused. “It keeps my mind off things.”
    He steered the truck into the gas station’s parking lot and pulled up to the glass doors. “What things?”
    “Nothing time won’t take care of, I hope,” she added.
    Carrie walked inside the store and clasped her hands together. “Inside His and Her restrooms.” She gave him a wink. “I feel so special .”
    He pushed her playfully. “Go potty, smart ass.”
    Carrie gave one snort then giggled all the way to the restroom door.
     
    Her third day working with Sam’s crew started with a light fog and damp chill in the air. By the time they piled into a burger joint for lunch, the sun’s appearance had transformed the unpleasant morning to a beautiful day. Sam suggested getting their meals to go and eating in the town’s park.
    “Sounds good to me,” Carrie responded before stepping to the counter to give her order.
    “Since this is your last day to work with us this week, how about if I buy you lunch,” Sam suggested, hoping she’d let him. He knew she’d order the ninety-nine cent sandwich to save money.
    “That’s not necessary.”
    “I know, but I want to.”
    She shook her head. “I pay my own way.”
    “Come on. Let me buy you a real burger.”
    “The junior burger is only half the calories.” She placed one hand on her