BLAZE*
It was six in the morning, and I sat here in my office. I couldn't sleep knowing that there was so much going on today, and my brain was in overdrive. Every time I fell asleep, I had these horrible nightmares; and they had all pertained to work. So I had rolled over and climbed out of bed at four-thirty in the morning.
I have nine applications sitting in front of me. I had gone through a stack of them on Thursday and had called them all up on Friday. My first applicant would be here at nine o'clock, and he seemed like a good fit for the company. Vega starts working in the office today, which I was excited about, and Jace would be here to get her trained. Jace would also help me with interviews. I called the guys who would be going with Tanner, Conner, and Wade today on Saturday before I left the office; that was another load off my back.
The foundation for this one home that Tanner, Wade, and Conner would be starting on today was leveled and laid down over a month ago. So construction is set for them all to create the framework today. I can't believe we got so busy, and I let these homes fall through the cracks. I have a sense of peace knowing that I'll be giving jobs to those in need, though.
Tanner, Wade, Conner, and I have needed to expand for a while. It has been nice with us all working together. However, I knew it was time for Tanner, Conner, and Wade to run their crews. It helps that we have had nine men helping us up until now. Tanner, Conner, Wade, and I helped get the framework started, and then we jumped over and started on the Landscaping while the other guys would work on the building of the homes. I'm going to miss my cousins, now that we wouldn't be working with each other day in and day out. Cunningham Construction and Landscaping was growing, though. I never thought that almost two years later, we would be millionaires already; it has been a wild and crazy ride so far.
One hour later, Jace and Vega strolled into my office. They both looked sharp and ready to help me conquer this mess. I got up from my chair as they both walked into my office and up to my desk. I shook Jace's hand and gave a quick nod, and smiled at Vega. She beamed at me.
"You ready for this Vega?" I asked her quickly before the others started to file into the room.
"Yes, sir; most definitely, Jace has gotten me up to speed on what's going on around here. I'm excited to get in here and help in any way I can," Vega said, her Emerald Green eyes glinting with excitement. Man, if I ever get a chance to meet Lyra, those beautiful Emerald Green eyes were going to be my undoing. Don't get me started on that smile. Lord, please let Lyra wake up soon.
Tanner strolled in next, and then Wade and Conner a few minutes later. Those two were always late to everything.
"Nice, you two are finally joining us. You guys are almost fifteen minutes late; you do realize that right," I said with annoyance.
"Sorry, Blaze, traffic sucked this morning," Conner said.
"We also hit the snooze too many times," Wade said. He winced when Conner punched his shoulder. I can't believe they both still live under the same rough.
"It doesn't matter, and you guys need to learn how to be either early or on time. Get it together; you guys will be running your builds soon. How do you expect your crew to show up on time if you yourselves don't show up on time?" I asked with a furrowed brow.
"We'll get better," Connor said. He's the most mature out of the two. They both work hard, though. It's other aspects of themselves where they need to grow up.
"I'm glad I told you all to get here at seven. I called all the guys on the crew Saturday. They will be meeting you guys at the site, at eight o'clock. Tanner, this is your build, so you are in charge. Please make sure everyone takes their breaks, and make sure you all drink plenty of water. It's hot as hell outside, and we don't want anyone getting dehydrated," I said. I'm not too fond of the fact that I won't be there. Being in the office isn't my speed. That's why I paid Taylor well and would do the same for Vega.
"You guys only have this week all, working on that house together, so make it count. Next week you all will have your crews. Better get going so your not late," I said. They all nodded their heads and walked out of the door.
I looked over at Jace and Vega. They both grinned at each other. "I'm a woman, and Jace and I got here a few minutes early. That was WOW," Vega said as she giggled.
"So what would you like for us to start on first Blaze," Jace asked, trying not to laugh himself.
I pulled out the building plans for the other three homes. These houses were all homes built in smaller towns that were all thirty minutes to an hour away from us.
"We have an hour and a half before the first applicant arrives. So we could go to your office and spread these out. We need to figure out which one needs to be started first. Jace, can you grab Taylors planner?" I asked Jace.
"Ok, why don't y'all head to my office, and I'll run and get the planner," Jace said as he turned to walk out of the door.
I walked up to Vega with the plans in my arms, and she and I walked down the hall to Jace's office. I turned on the lights, and we walked over to Jace's work table. I spread out all of the building plans across the table. Vega had that deer in headlights look. The surprise was written all over her face. Vega and Lyra's home was one of the smaller homes we had built over the last two years, and their house was pretty big. Jace walked in a minute later and opened up the planner.
"Ok, so I don't think it's as bad as we thought. It looks like the house they started on today is the only one behind schedule. This one has already had the foundation laid and was due to start last week. Supplies have been ordered and are at the warehouse. These two need to have the ground leveled and the foundation set, but the start date isn't for another three weeks. I'm not sure why Taylor set them up so close together?" Jace rambled on.
"That might be why Taylor has been hounding us about hiring more people?" I asked.
"Well yeah, but she has never done anything like this before. It looks like Vega and I are going to need to reschedule everything from the electrical, all the way to the bricking, on all of these homes," Jace said with concern.
"It is indeed going to be a very long day. So, hum, why don't you and Vega get to work on all of that. I'll get all of the supplies lists and run them to the warehouse, and make sure we have all the supplies we need. Most likely, we will need to order supplies for the other two homes. Hopefully, we have everything we need for these other two," I said as I put a hand through my hair.
"Do you want me to start the interviews if you aren't back on time? It would be a good chance to show Vega how to run an interview?" Jace asked.
"Yes, that would be a good idea. Vega, you do realize you're going to be more of an office manager than a secretary?" I asked Vega, who had been patiently taking everything in.
"Yes, and I'll be fine. Jace will be here with me these first couple of days. I catch on quickly; don't worry," Vega said with a smile on her face.
"Well, alright then. Let's get this day started," I said as we all left Jace's office.
BLAZE THREE HOURS LATER*
So I went to the warehouse. Usually, Taylor would have everything labeled. What supplies went to this house or that one? I got there, and nothing was marked. I am still here trying to label everything. At least each house's supplies were together. Many things were missing, though, that I would need to order. There is almost nothing here for the other two homes. I need to try calling Taylor again. I'll do that when I get back to my office. Something had to have happened to her for things to be in such chaos.
I just got back to the office; it's almost noon. I looked into Vega's office and saw that she and Jace were finishing up an interview. He walked out a few moments later; Jace and Vega followed shortly after, both smiling.
"So, how has everything been so far?" I asked.
"Great, we still need to get a few more things done; but we have three qualified crew members who will start next Monday," Vega said excitedly.
"Well, let's all go to lunch, I'm starved, and I didn't eat breakfast this morning. The next applicant isn't due to come in until one-thirty. I'll tell you my issues then, and we will deal with it when we get back," I said.
"Sounds good to me. Grab your purse, Vega," Jace said, and we all turned to leave.
BLAZE SIX HOURS LATER*
It is now almost eight o'clock, and I am just now getting home. Monday's are always hard, but today was horrible.
Six of the nine applicants were a perfect fit for the company. That was the one good thing that went right today—a plus for sure.
Everything else had also fallen into place as far as ordering supplies and rescheduling everything that needed to be rescheduled. So I guess it wasn't a horrible day; it was long and hard. I can't wait until I have someone waiting up for me to cuddle with.