#HotAndHandy (Keeney Builds #1)

Chapter 14

CHAPTER 14

T he idea of a training program was little more than an outline of a dream, but Hilary knew she could bring it to life if she framed it correctly. She and David had started a community program in Olympia where patients paid what they could for dental cleanings, simple extractions, and fillings. The first event proved so successful that other dentists joined in. Now, it was a community event that occurred four times a year and included other healthcare providers and social service agencies. It pleased Hilary to no end that she’d been on the ground floor of something that had benefited so many, and she’d love to be able to do it again.

The office of the college’s program coordinator was on the ground floor in a part of the building Hilary had yet to visit. She’d scheduled an appointment for two o’clock and stood in the hallway waiting for the woman to finish her phone conversation. When the call ended, she counted to twenty, then knocked on the open door. “Hi, Ms. Cho? I’m Hilary Banks.”

The woman waved a hand while not looking away from her computer screen. “Yes, come on in, and call me Valerie. Take a seat, and I’ll be right with you.”

Hilary sat and mentally reviewed her talking points while waiting.

Valerie heaved a sigh and smiled before pushing back from her desk. “Done,” she said, pivoting her wheelchair to roll to a small refrigerator. “I feel like I’ve been on the phone all day. Would you like some water? I’m parched.”

“I’m good, but thanks.”

Valerie returned to her desk with a bottle of water, smiling again. “You said in your email that you have an idea for a training program for the trades?”

“Yes,” Hilary replied then shared the outline of her idea. “What do you think?”

Valerie hadn’t interrupted but took notes the whole time. Now, she put her pen down and sat back. “I think it has merit, and you’re correct. You will need community partners to get it off the ground.”

Hilary opened her mouth but closed it when Valerie raised a staying hand. “The sticking point will be the community partners aspect. Finding ones who will collaborate without wanting to dominate.”

“It sounds like you’re speaking from experience,” Hilary said.

“Indeed. Lots of people want to get involved with higher education and are willing to donate generously, but they put such tight restrictions on those donations that they’re totally useless.” She shook her head. “To the point that only redheaded, left-handed people who can tap dance and speak five languages may participate in the program.”

Hilary laughed at the exaggeration. “So you’re saying I should approach agencies that have proven their ability to play well with others.”

“Bingo! I’ll send you the names of non-profits that I think would be interested. What businesses are you planning to approach?”

“So far, it’s just Keeney Building Supply. They already take on our students, and I’ve spoken to one of their contractors.”

Valerie bobbed her head, then narrowed her eyes. “Wait. Isn’t that the #HotAndHandy guy?”

Heat rose up Hilary’s neck. “Yes, that’s Vincent.”

“Well, well.” Valerie waggled her eyebrows. “I’d sign up for classes with him.”

It was on the tip of her tongue to say, “He’s taken. In fact, he’s mine,” and wipe that smirk off Valerie’s face. Instead, she smiled tightly.

S itting in the breakroom, Vincent and Tomas each pulled out their notebooks to record the details of the day’s job. They had hung kitchen cabinets in three new condos for a developer and were excited at the prospect of doing more work for the company.

“Water or coffee?” Vincent asked, going to his locker to put away his gloves.

“None. My back teeth are floating. I gotta go to the john.” Tomas headed out the door while Vincent moved to the coffeemaker.

“Oh, good. You’re here.” Iris stood in the doorway.

“Hey, what’s up?” Vincent raised his coffee mug in greeting.

She looked frazzled. A pair of glasses rested on the top of her head, and another pair sat on the end of her nose. “Payroll is messed up. For some reason, both you and Tomas are entered twice. But with different social security numbers. Can you write yours down? I want to confirm which is correct. ”

He was writing on a pad of paper when Tomas returned. “Hey, write down your social security number. Iris needs it.”

Tomas froze in place. “Why?”

Vincent looked up at the wary response. “You’ve got one, right?”

“Of course I do. I was born here.” Tomas scowled at Vincent and Iris, who backed up against the counter, clutching a printout against her chest.

“No one said you weren’t. This isn’t an immigration issue. Right Iris?”

Eyes wide, she nodded.

Jaw tightening, Tomas grabbed the pen and pad of paper on the table, and wrote down his number. Vincent pulled out a chair for Iris then sat beside her before shooting a glare at Tomas. “Show me both of the entries.”

Iris pointed out where she had highlighted Vincent’s name and number twice in pink. He glanced between the printout and the numbers on the paper. He pointed to one of the numbers. “This is the one that’s correct.” She put a checkmark beside it. “Now, let’s look at the ones for Tomas.” He compared the yellow highlighted names and numbers with Tomas’s handwriting. He tapped the printout. “This one here.” Iris dutifully checked one off. She was about to stand when Vincent said, “Huh.”

“What is it?” Both Iris and Tomas spoke at the same time, then smiled at each other.

“The incorrect social security numbers are almost identical. Only the final digit is different.” Vincent looked up at the others, eyes narrowed.

“What does that mean?” Tomas asked. The two men looked at Iris, who was shaking her head.

“I’ve never seen that before.” She stacked the papers together and made to rise from the chair but gasped and grabbed the table .

“What? Is it your back?” Vincent stood quickly. He didn’t like the lack of color in her face.

“Just a twinge. I’m fine.” She hurried to the door, throwing a quick thank you over her shoulder.

The men looked at each other and shrugged before returning to their notebooks, intent on their next project.