Chapter 16
Chapter 16 — The Builder
Alex finishes the back porch with Gene Holloway, deepening their mentor-student bond and earning Gene's genuine respect. Back at the commune, Alex completes the octagonal hot tub frame and discusses water logistics with JJ and the women, planning an outdoor shower and towel station. Alex discreetly collects the birthdays of all thirteen women residents and discovers it's Chloe's birthday. He and Maya organize a communal celebration that evening, marking a turning point in Alex's integration and the group's cohesion.
The last board went down on Gene's porch at half past four.
Alex held the nail gun while Gene held the board. They'd been at it since morning, the two of them working in a rhythm that didn't require much talk. Gene would measure. Alex would cut. Gene would position. Alex would nail. The wood was pressure-treated pine, yellowish and rough, and it smelled like summer and chemicals.
"Last one," Gene said.
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