His Construction Princess

It's a stranger man

Aria's POV

Colin is definitely bigger than your average seven-year-old. He wears size ten in clothing. But, that won't stop me from picking him up. I'll pick him up until he can pick me up. "What are you going to cook for dinner?", my mother questioned. You would think that was a genuine, caring question, but with her, you can never tell when her questions are double-edged.

"I'm not sure yet. I may order pizza", I shrugged, cleaning up my counter. "Do you want to smoke a cigarette?", her lips were in a tight line. "Sure, let me go roll one real quick first", I nodded. Now, keep in mind every contractor has their vice. Mine is m*******a. It helps with many things that is wrong with me. One of which being the anxiety I feel from knowing I'm about to have a conversation with my mother.

The temperature outside had dropped substantially, the breeze picked up, showing more spring traits rather than summer. It's only May, and the high today was 90 degrees. "Your brothers are really starting to piss me off. They never stop fighting", she began. Here we go. I swear if she didn't have negativity in her life she would wither away. I tuned out her bitching as I smoked my blunt.

I need to get ahold of Marty and get a dumpster out to Alex's land. Which needs to be done on the down low. I also need to get the order for the materials placed. 'Now would be a good time to do that', I thought to myself.

I pulled up the homedepot app on my phone. I started two orders. One for the damage that Rico did. And the other for the manor. I 'uh-huh' and 'yep' my mother whenever it called for it to keep her satisfied. After finishing both orders, I turned toward my mother.

"I have lots to do still", I hinted for her to leave. It wouldn't be so bad if she would have normal conversation with me. If she would ask how I'm doing. It's never like that though. It's mentally and physically draining to interact with my mother. Ever since my ex-husband left and I've been on my healing journey I have tried to limit my interactions with her.

I've unpacked a massive amount of trauma that stems from her and distance is the only solution. My mother ultimately said her goodbyes and left, so I headed back inside.

I texted Marcus that materials would be delivered for 7am at the job site, so they were all to be there. I have my other order set for pick up at 5am. I already spoke to my mother about getting Colin off to school for a few weeks, so I don't have to worry about that.

I pulled Marty's number up in my phone and dialed it. "Aria, are you already ready for me to pick up the dumpster?", Marty skipped the greeting. "No, I actually need another one, delivered somewhere else", I said. "Oh, okay. When and where? I'll have one of my men bring it to you", he chirped. "That's the thing, this particular property can not be recorded. I'm willing to pay extra to have you deliver it, and have my address on the paperwork. I will need quite a few to get this job done. So, this would be a deal between me and you", I bargained.

"That was a mouthful", Marty chuckled. "You have yourself a deal. Message me the details, and I'll send you my quote", he added. "Thanks, Marty. That's why I call you", I smiled, hanging up. I texted all the details to him and then ordered pizza.

I walked into Colin's room. "Dude", I deadpanned, when I saw the state of his room. "I was looking for my zebra toy", he pouted. "I ordered pizza for dinner. Please clean your room. You never know what you'll find when cleaning", I smirked. "Yes mama", he uttered, peering around at the mess he made.

I chuckled as I started picking up our mess from yesterday. I was too exhausted yesterday to get up and do anything, but now it's bothering me. I set my favorite mixed playlist on my speaker and went to town on the mess.

I lost tracking of time, being interrupted by a knock on the door. Shadow started barking and Colin ran to the door in excitement. "Pizza!!", he yelled, yanking the door open before I could stop him. "Colin!", I scolded.

"Mama, it's not pizza. It's a stranger man", he frowned.Shadow kept growling and barking, as he stood in front of Colin protectively. "Shadow, heel", I snapped, approaching the door. Shawdow sat quietly, observing the situation.

When my gaze met that of emerald green eyes, my heart skipped a beat. "Alex", I uttered, taking in the 6'2", God-sculpted man, who stood with his hands in his pockets. "Princess", he greeted, with a smirk. "Do you know him, mommy?", Colin asked?

I looked back at Colin with a gentle smile. "Yes, baby. He's mommy's new client", I explained. "Are you sure? Men never come here. Only pops", Colin said "I'm sure, baby", I assured him. The pizza guy walked up the steps, getting Colin's attention.

"Pizza!!", his excitement was restored and nothing else mattered. Colin bolted toward the man, Shadow hot on his heels. The man handed Colin the pizza, weary of the massive shepard that stood between them. Colin ran inside with the pizza, Shadow's eyes followed him, however he took his next stance in front of me. There was no way he was leaving his mama outside with two strangers.

"I just need a signature", the delivery driver said, watching Shadow closely. I signed the reciept and handed it back to him, saying thank you. He wasted no time leaving the premises. Shadow looked up at Alex, then at me.

"Go be his shadow", I waved, towards in the inside of the house. Shadow took his command and ran in the house to find Colin. "That's a good dog", Alex observed. I smiled and nodded. "He is. What are you doing here?", I asked, tilting my head to the side.

"I wanted to check up on you, make sure you are alright", he reasoned. "How did you know where I live?", I questioned skeptically, drawing my eyebrows togethers. He bit his bottom lip, and smirked. "I have my ways. How are you feeling?", he asked, concernedly.

"Mommy! Come on!", Colin yelled from inside. I closed my eyes and sighed with a chuckled. "Would you like to join us for dinner?", I asked. Why? I have no idea. Now that he's here, I don't want him to leave though. Not so soon.

"I'd love some pizza", he nodded with a grin. I gestured for him to follow me inside. Colin was sitting at the table with two plates. "One more plate, Col", I said, closing the door. Colin perked up, laying eyes on Alex. Shadow charged Alex, not being used to men other than family coming in the house. I stepped in front of Alexander, making Shadow skid to a stop.

"Friends not food", I told him, sternly, pointing a finger at him. His ears flattened in disapproval, before he allowed Alex to pet him. Alex laughed, "I like that", he voiced. "Shadow is very protective of this house. Please have a seat. Would you like something to drink? Water, sweet tea, Dr. Pepper, coffee?", I asked, striding over to the fridge.

"Uh, sweet tea would be great. Thank you", he nodded, taking the empty seat at the head of the table. "That's mommy's seat", Colin snapped. Alex jumped to his feet. "My apologies, little man", Alex said, moving to the seat in front of Colin.