My name is Max, I run my own landscaping business. My life was straight forward with no complications until a woman by the name of Judith, she came into my life and turned my week upside down.
I met up with the couple that wanted a quote on renovating and landscaping their new property. The two women were quite keen on hiring a woman for the job and hence laid out their plans for a low maintenance garden with paving around the new pool and gazebo spa. Plants, shrubs the works blah blah and it was made clear to me by one of the women that no statues or bird baths. I gave them my quote, and was hired a week later.
One my first day I surveyed the area again. The yard although not overly large was going to require lots of labouring. Being big in statue and reasonable strong I expected to take a few weeks maybe as I work on my own.
The first few days were cleaning up and preparation. An old shed had to be pulled down, plants and old pavers pulled up and cart all it away. Today was particularly hot so I took off the top half of my overalls and tied around my waist just leaving me with a tank top. With my iPod on listening to music I continued the manual labour. I was tapped on the shoulder causing me to jump. I took my earphones off and turned around
“I’m sorry if I startled you, thought you would like a cold drink.” Offered the young lady
“Umm thanks miss.”
“Call me Judith, jeez it’s a hot one today. You should put on some sunscreen, don't want to burn.”
I drained the drink and declined the offer of sunscreen. I gave her back the glass but she didn’t leave straight away.
“So Max how did you get into gardening?”
“Landscaping..” I corrected “By accident, started out helping a friend of the family. I like the outdoors so developed my own business.” I could see Judith wasn’t really listen too busy looking me over.
Judith seemed quite young mid 20s if that. Trying not to take too much notice but she was fairly girlie like compared to me. She had a gorgeous figure and knew how to flirt as I was finding out.
“Hard work for a woman, Mmm you are pretty fit you must workout to keep that shape.”
“The job keeps me fit, if you will excuse me I must get back to it….thanks again for the drink Judith.” I turned my back and put my earphones back on.
The end of another day and I was securing things for tomorrows work as well as loading my tools into my utility vehicle when Judith’s girlfriend strode up to me.
“So when do you start paving the entertainment area.”
I cocked my head to the side “Umm I think.” But was cut off
“No.” she growled “when?”
I frowned at her tone “day after tomorrow I expect.”
“Ok like I said when I hired you this needs to be completed within 2 weeks, I have some overseas visitors and I want this mess cleaned up do you think you can achieve that?” demanded the woman
My back was up at her attitude “Yes.” I gritted out then left promptly.
The next day I arrived in a foul mood, this job was becoming a nightmare between Judith’s unwanted attention and her arrogant girlfriend I didn’t need this crap. It would have been easy to walk away if I didn’t need the money so badly.
I spent most of the day levelling off the yard getting it ready for delivery of topsoil in the afternoon. Again it was hot but I decided to keep my overalls on no matter how hot it got. I broke for lunch when Judith came out with sandwiches and a beer.
“Sorry I bought my own and I don’t drink on the job either.” I said in a dry tone
“Are you always this difficult Max…. you’re not very sociable.”
I looked out over the yard and replied “I’m not here to socialize, I’m here to work. This is what you hired me for remember.”
Judith’s mood changed “Fine I was just trying to be nice but hey screw you.” And she left.
I felt bad for the rest of the day and before I finished I went to apologize. I knocked at the back door expecting Judith to appear. I was surprised to see her girlfriend instead, I wasn’t expecting her home so soon.
“Yes what.” She snapped
“Umm I just letting you know I’m off now.” Was my quick excuse
“Well I’m not your bloody mother, you don’t need to let me know of such trivial things.” Then slammed the door in my face.
I got in my utility(ute) and was about to drive off when Judith came from the house and went to her letterbox. I turned my ute off and went over to her.
“Look Judith….I just.”
She looked at me with sad puffy eyes, like she had been crying.
“I apologize for my behaviour today I was out of line….and ummm yeh.” I felt uneasy waiting for her reply.
Judith looked me over and nodded and returned to the house without a word.