As we drove to the site the next day, John glanced over at me with a mischievous grin. "You know, Oscar, I've been thinking about your apology all night. My jaw's a bit sore from smiling so much."
I felt my cheeks flush hot, "You'll, uh, keep that between us right? I'd rather not have it all over the site." I mumbled, fidgeting with my seatbelt.
John chuckled, his calloused hand patting my leg reassuringly. "Don't worry, mate. The secret's safe with me. Though I've got to say, you've got quite the talent there."
I groaned, burying my face in my hands. "Bloody hell, you're never going to let me live this down, are you?"
"Not a chance," John replied, his eyes twinkling with amusement as we pulled into the construction site.
I pulled on my hard hat, spotting Wells as he jogged over, looking nervous.
"John, mate," Wells started, his hands shoved deep in his pockets. "Listen, mate, about those messages and pictures... I feel like a right tosser. It was way out of line."
John cut him off with a laugh and clapped him on the shoulder, "No need to apologise, Wells. Oscar got the brunt of my frustration last night." He winked at me, and I felt my face burn even hotter. "I'm over it now, it was just a prank, besides, I've got great pictures of you both now. Had myself a proper wank last night looking at them."
Wells' jaw dropped, his eyes darting between John and me, before smiling "As longs as you're not mad, you can enjoy them all you want!"
"Oh I will. Now, enough chit-chat. We've got work to do."
As John sauntered off, whistling cheerfully, Wells turned to me with a mixture of confusion and awe on his face. "Oscar, mate, how did we get off scot-free?"
I shrugged, "Must have really liked those pictures."
Wells and I spent the day hauling heavy clay tiles up the scaffolding, our muscles straining with each load. Sweat soaked through my shirts, leaving dark patches that clung to my skin. An hour in I decided to copy Wells and shed my t-shirt before pulling back on the yellow and orange vest, I couldn't help but notice that my arms and shoulders didn't quite fill the gaps likes his did. The roofers worked above us, hammering and laying tiles with practiced efficiency.
By the time we finished for the day, my arms felt like lead and my back ached fiercely. Wells looked equally exhausted, his usually fluffy hair plastered to his forehead with sweat.
"I'm dropping you to Oscars right?" John called out as we trudged towards the van
"Yeah, cheers, mate," Wells replied gratefully, pulling his bag over his shoulder. We piled into John's van, the familiar scent of sweat and dust filling the enclosed space.
As we drove, John kept glancing at me, "You two certainly worked up a sweat today," he remarked casually. "Bet you're both gagging for a shower."
We nodded our agreement as John continued, "I feel like my balls are stuck to my arse- Osc help me out mate."
My stomach dropped. I shot John a panicked look, "What?"
He burst out laughing, Wells joining in, "He's winding you up Oscar."
I chucked nervously and changed the subject, a short while alter we were pulling up outside my flat. "Thanks John, well you tomorrow!"
He pulled away from the curb calling out the window, "Feel free to send more pictures."
Wells chuckled, "Turns out we didn't need to worry. Dirty bastard loved them."
I shook my head, "And we've been riddled with guilt. Come on." I beckoned leading the way into the communal front door.
...
Wells and I had showered and were now sprawled on the worn-out sofa, the game flickering on the television in front of us. Wells leaned back, propping his feet up on the coffee table, taking a swig of his beer.
"That was a good day at the site," Wells said, tossing a glance at me. "So relieved John got over the prank so quickly."
I nodded, half-watching the game, half-lost in thought. Suddenly, my phone buzzed. I picked it up and saw a text from Cara: [Coming over to get my stuff. Be there in 10.]
My stomach tightened. "Wells, Cara's coming over to get her things."
Wells raised an eyebrow. "Cara? This is gonna be awkward, isn't it?"
I sighed. "Yeah. She's not exactly thrilled with how things ended, and she'll have something to say about the job."
True to her word, ten minutes later, the lock turned in the key and the door swung open, and Cara walked in. Her eyes were sharp as she scanned the room, lingering for a second on Wells who stared adamantly at the television.
"Oscar," she said curtly, not bothering with pleasantries. "I'm just here to get my stuff. I don't have time for small talk."