Port Growth
“How’s it going, Jeff,” Jurd asked, rolling up his sleeves as he entered the new property.
“G’Day, boss,” Jeff grinned, knowing how Jurd hated to be called that. “It’s looking good to go, just a final check on all me joints and we can turn the water on and check for leaks.”
“Good oh. I’m stoked at the progress; all the rental places should be ready for the internal work by the end of the month. As soon as the plumbing is finished in this one, we can get the wood flooring down and decide which kitchen and bathroom is going in, you’ll have more work then connecting everything up.”
“Yeah, at least the hard work is almost done in this one. It’s a bid job getting all the new pipe work in, but a lot easier in the shell of a house. I can’t wait to get the others done, and then I guess we slow down a bit waiting for the prospective owners to get their house designs done.”
“Too right. So far you’re the only permanent on site maintenance, so when the rentals are all finished, the contractors will go off to other work until we get some plans for the next stage.”
“Suits me fine, Jurd.”
Jurd smiles when Jeff used his name instead of ‘boss’. He was growing attached to the younger man, like the kid brother he never had.
“Jeff, have you stopped to wonder why this rental is away from all the others and closer to the quay?”
“I thought it might be a top of the range property for a bigger rental return. Folks always expect to pay more the closer to the water they are.”
“That’s true, but I don’t need extra rent from anyone who wants to spend their holiday here, all the rentals will be the same, this one is a one off special job.”
“Really? Do tell.”
“It’s for someone who was brave enough to travel right across the country to work for a man he’d never met. Someone who has become a friend as well as an employee. Jeff, it’s yours if you want it.”
Jeff stood and stared at his boss and new friend. Jurd held up his hand to stop him from speaking.
“Before you start to protest, it’s not charity, it’s not tied to the job. The only concession being made is the staff discount I promised you, and that will include the kitchen and bathroom of your choice.”
“Jurd, I don’t know what to say,” Jeff stammered.
“Take your time, mate,” Jurd replied, going out to the car to bring in an eski and handing Jeff an ice cold bottle of water.
“Okay, I’ve though of something to say. Apart from thanking you from the bottom of my heart…how much is the staff discount?”
Jurd roared with laughter and slapped Jeff on the back, “For you, mate…50%. You’re more than worth it for the way you brighten up our days.”
“50%! Jurd, that means that I can pay you cash with some of the money from the house sale, and still have something to put in the bank when Mr. Skinner opens up for business.”
“Good onya, Jeff. Georgie will be thrilled that you’re gonna stay. We’re both only children, and you’re like the kid brother we’ve always wanted. So, let’s turn the water on and check your joints, then you can come back to the house and we can decide on the interior fort you.”
“You’re on, Jurd. It’s a lot to think about, but one thing I do know…no plaster on these fantastic stone walls, and I’ve got an idea about the floors as well, if you think it will be okay.”
“Hey, it’s your place, little brother. I’m sure whatever you chose will fit in. Welcome to the Port, it wouldn’t be the same without you.”