Free Heartwood by L.G. Pace III Page A

carved a full sized end table out of a solid hunk of wood. It wasn’t ornate, more of a classic style, but I didn’t notice any flaws. I brushed my hand across the table top, feeling for any jagged edges. I sanded the top one more time to be sure. It was a crying shame that I didn’t have time to stain it.
    After the alarm sounded, I walked hand in hand with Molly to inspect everyone’s creations. Some were simple, well executed carvings like mine. Some were elaborate large builds. Considering each builder had four hours to create whatever they chose, it was a pretty varied collection of creations, but everything was impressive. Some of the coolest stuff there was made by guys apprenticing with Mac and I at Good Wood, and I made a mental note to use a couple of them for more involved projects in the future. If they did that level of craftsmanship regularly, we’d be foolish not to hire them on full-time after their apprenticeships ended.
    Graham and the other judges announced the winner, and I wasn’t surprised when I heard it was one of ours, Dylan. He won a complete tool set, a five hundred dollar gift card, and bragging rights. He was a really polite kid who rarely said two words to anyone. Mac and I exchanged a glance, and I knew we were thinking the same thing. The kid would have a job offer from us by the end of the day.
    “Let’s get some lunch.” Molly pulled me toward her food truck. Most of the crowd was already eating, so we waltzed right up to the truck and Molly climbed aboard. My parents hovered nearby holding the twins in the shade. Mom was stuffing her face with Molly’s “Cheeseburgler Wrap” and Dad had nearly polished off one of her oversized lemon truffles, which Molly had lovingly named The Sour Puss.
    “Molly, everything’s delicious!” My mother said, as she bounced Eva on her knee.
    “Why, thank you.” Molly called out the window with a grin, and she proceeded to whip something together for us. Minutes later she was pushing a Sunday Brunch Wrap and a Mint Brownie in front of me.
    “You’ve been working hard today. I assumed meat and potatoes were in order.”
    “Whoa.” I snatched it up greedily and dug in.
    “I’m so amazed by your gift, son.” My mother shifted Eva to her opposite shoulder so she could kiss my cheek.
    “Thanks, mom.” I mumbled, trying to chew the oversized bite I’d taken. I hadn’t realized how hungry I was until I was up close and personal with Molly’s cooking.
    “Joe’s an artisan.” Molly agreed, taking a seat next to me. “Every time he makes something new I’m more amazed by him.”
    “You’re both incredibly gifted. Really.” My father said as he polished off the last of Molly’s cooking. “And we’re thrilled to have you officially joining our family, Molly.”
    Molly smiled her sweet, genuine smile, but his subtext wasn’t lost on me. I heard his message loud and clear.
    It’s about time my son did right by you, since he knocked you up and all.
    I’d suddenly lost my appetite, and I tossed my wrap back in the basket.
    “We’re very proud of you, Joseph. I’m thrilled to see you serving your community on this scale, but why the homeless shelter?” Dad asked, his eyes settling on mine. Obviously, he felt I could have found a more deserving cause.
    I bit back my knee-jerk answer.
    Because I can relate. I know what it’s like to be tossed out on the street.
    I took a deep breath and cleared my throat, trying to think of something a bit less volatile than digging up the bones of the past.
    “Why not?” I replied. “I’m in construction and I know a lot of tradesmen. No one needs builders and contractors more than the homeless do.”
    I felt Molly’s hand on me knee. She gave it a gentle squeeze, and I felt my heart rate slowed in response.
    “You have your father’s work ethic, Joe. His retirement didn’t last long once we came back to Austin.” Mom drawled, wiping Eva’s mouth with a spit cloth.
    “I hadn’t heard you