[Hyde POV]
I froze as the workers all cheered in celebration.
"WHOOAA!"
The workers in the shop celebrated after Bill Walton took his car from the shop, their faces beaming with pride.
"This is amazing. A basketball legend customized his car here!" Jeff said with disbelief.
Megan had a 'Hell Yeah' celebration but she did it in silence.
Tyrell answered a call and said, "Boss. A local news guy got a whiff of the situation. Should I tell him what happened?"
"Yeah. Sure." I replied casually. "The more recognition, the better for the customizing business."
The staff's excitement was at their peak. Tyrell suddenly told everyone, "Drink on me tonight!"
They cheered again.
Tyrell turned to me and said flatly, "Not you though. You can't drink at bars yet."
I snorted and went back to my office where Red was holding a picture of Bill Walton he had signed.
"You're going to frame that?" I asked him casually.
"Definitely. I'm going to put it in the living room too." Red replied with a huge grin. "Where are you going now?"
"I'm going to go check on my house for a bit."
Red nodded slightly and said, "Let's go together. I've been wanting to check it out."
…
At my 700 square feet house, the expansion was underway. Andy and Ron dug holes for the foundation, and the concrete was already poured in and solidified.
The walls were ripped out, the rotten woods were replaced, and the pipes were all changed into PVC pipes. Copper pipes from the water heater were directed to the kitchen, and the three toilets.
In the new layout, the house would have three toilets. One master bathroom, one shared, and one guest bathroom.
It has been a week since they got the CAT machines. The project has been going smoothly until now.
Red saw the walls had been ripped out and insulated. The roof was opened to let sunlight in, and it would be replaced soon.
"Son, are you doubling the house size? Did you check with the town first?" Red asked as he saw the blueprint Ron and Andy put on the wall in the living room.
"Yeah. Everything was submitted and we got the permission." I said with a grin.
Ron and Andy approached Red and I once they noticed our arrival.
"Red, this is Ron and Andy. They are brothers." I introduced Red to them. Red shook their hands and said, "Thank you for taking care of my kid."
I glanced at him secretly while he talked with the contractors.
"No, if anything, he's been taking care of us." Ron said with a soft smile.
I walked all around the house and saw that it was gutted to the bare bones. I didn't want to keep anything in the house, but Ron and Andy found a few things in there so I took a look.
"A photo album? Did my mom keep one?"
I opened up the water damaged book. Inside, there was only a picture of me with my mom when I was around 6 years old. It was taken in 1965 at a carnival.
I remembered that day. My dad was still around. It was the only day that my mom and dad didn't fight. It was the perfect birthday.
I flipped the other pages, but that was it. The other pages were all empty. After this day, they were at each other's throats again.
I stayed out all day to avoid hearing them bicker, always hanging out with Eric and Kelso at Eric's tree house. Mrs Forman would struggle to climb up to the treehouse and give us cookies while we played.
Red noticed me looking at the book and said, "So. A picture of your mother. You don't have any family photos, so that will be good for you to keep—"
I ripped out the photo before he could finish. The tear split my mother and me perfectly.
"It's trash," I said, throwing the picture onto the floor.
Red widened his eyes in shock. I stretched my arms and yawned. I didn't need the photo before, and I definitely don't need it now.
I went to Andy and asked, "Did you find a project for yourself to take on yet?"
"Now?" Andy was taken aback. "We're in the middle of your house project."
I sighed slightly. "It cost 50 grand for me to buy that equipment."
Andy was startled.
"I'm working on Megan's house, and you're working on this one. However, these projects… aren't meant to be sold for profit. This is my own personal project."
Andy widened his eyes in realization.
I added, "If you want your development company to actually make a profit, I need you to find new projects for us to sell."
I paused slightly, looking at him seriously, "Or take on some renovation work from customers. Either way, I can't afford to keep bleeding 10 grand a month without bringing any money into the company."
Andy understood my predicament and said, "I'll check out the town auction today. Maybe there's something we can do. What's the budget—"
I interjected, "Around 40 thousand for the houses. Then 30 more for materials. They need to be flipped for around 10–20 grand per house for this company to be self-reliant and actually make a profit."
Andy nodded slightly. Then he called to Ron, "Hey. If we have the blueprints, how fast can we finish a normal house, without all the extensions and structural issues?"
Ron replied gruffly, "Six weeks. It'll be fast with the blueprints… and if the materials are available."
I smirked. "Just leave that to me. Focus on acquiring a new— You know what?"
I paused for a bit. "I'll do that. I'll find some houses for you to flip. I know just the guy for that."
In my mind, the image of a smiling, heavyset man appeared—Jerry, the real estate agent who had a list of houses being sold by the town.
In fact, he had lists from other towns too.
In the 70s, real estate flips were both fast and slow at the same time. Fast, because mortgages were relatively easy to get. Slow, because information about listings didn't travel very far.
People depended on realtors, open houses, and word of mouth.
"In any case, having a good relationship with a realtor is a must."
I was pretty confident that my projects would sell quickly. The design, the materials—everything felt years ahead of what people were used to. I'd win in terms of convenience, energy efficiency, and overall design structure.
That's why I need to start the project now. The company needs some turnovers because I was basically holding the company finances alone right now.
'The money I loaned from the bank isn't here yet. It might take a couple more weeks. So I need to float everything by myself.'
With the expansions, my finances were reaching the red line right now.
I drove to the real estate office and picked up the list from Jerry, who was working on a Sunday.
Since a lot of people had left town after the auto plant closed down, there were plenty of empty houses around.
Some had been sitting vacant since the Vietnam War started. Quite a few people in the town left to avoid getting drafted.
Small towns across America were dying out as most people would rather move into the city.
"I'll need to drive out and check these places first," I muttered. "No point buying blind."
I have the address so I could just find them before buying them from the city.
It was almost 4, so I decided to stop by Megan's place to pick up the items I bought for the renovations.
…
At Megan's house, my delivery notifications kept pinging me. A lot of the stuff and tools were here.
Some tiles– which were rare in the 70s, but common in 2025, an enamel bathtub, glass shower door, and also, some waterproofing materials for the bathroom.
"Let's do one bathroom first. Since I'm going to need to be here everyday during summer."
If I didn't do the bathroom, then I'd have to use the outhouse every time I was here.
I wrote on a whiteboard nearby and put the bathroom under my first task, which was to create the garden.
It was summer time, a perfect time for me to start planting the seeds. I also had to work on the farm, so I did that too.
I drove to the farmer's house 5 miles away, which was Megan's only neighbor around here and asked him about the farm. I wanted to know if I could hire a tractor to till the land for me.
He said he could do it for me for 100 bucks. I gladly accepted his offer. The old man has his own farm, planting corn and wheat.
He has around 200 acres of land, and his family was also the one who sold the 10 acres land to Megan's dead husband's family a couple decades ago.
The man wanted to start working that evening but I told him he could do it tomorrow. He was a trustworthy farmer and a good, honest man.
"What do you plan to farm here?" Pam the farmer asked. He has a big belly, a couple of teeth, and an unkempt beard.
"Strawberries. Basil. Blueberry. Pumpkin." I told him my plans. He was taken aback at first, and he offered me some advice.
He told me about the blueberries, which was the most risky investment. It would take years before I could actually sell them. And the birds that were attracted by the strawberries— the American Robin.
"It will take some effort for you to manage that." He said with concern.
"I'm going to do electrified mesh to protect the strawberry farm." I told him.
"Dear!" His wife called him suddenly from inside the house. "Your tractor, can it handle that? It didn't work yesterday!"
"I'll be fine! I'll fix it up tonight!" He shouted back to his wife.
"It doesn't work?" I asked with a raised eyebrow.
He waved dismissively and said, "It always does that. It will be fine. Just need some elbow grease."
"I can take a look." I told him.
"Do you know how to work on tractor engines?" He was taken aback.
I laughed a bit and said, "You might not know this, but I'm on TV, fixing up cars and engines."
"Really?" He widened his eyes in shock. "You're a TV person?"
"I have my own show." I replied, a bit embarrassed. "But I guess I'm not that famous."
He laughed and said, "Sorry about that young'un. We have no TV reception out here."
"Oh."
Megan has the same problem at her place. There wasn't any signal for tv there either.
"I'm going to install a receiver at Megan's place. If you want, I can do it for you too. But it will cost ya."
"How much?" The farmer asked skeptically.
"Around 1000 dollars."
"A thousand–" He was shocked. "I'll think about it."
I went to his tractor and activated my appraisal skills. Then, I went to my car and took out a couple tools.
"It has a lot of issues, but I can make it start for tomorrow. I suggest you bring it to my shop so I can fix it properly." I told the farmer.
His face darkened. I guess he thought I was a solicitor now for my shop. But when he turned the key on the tractor, it started right away.
"What's… the issue with this?" He asked carefully now.
"Weak battery and bad starter solenoid. The fuel pump leaks. The carburetor is full of gunk. The spark plug is darkened, so I changed that one. Luckily I have extra with me."
The farmer nodded enthusiastically at my explanation. "Are you really on TV?" He asked again.
"If you can find an ABC signal, my show is on there tonight at 9. It's a TV special that's part of my show." I told him.
His eyes lit up in excitement and he shook my hand. "Okay. I'll watch it. If you're really telling the truth, I'll go to your shop tomorrow."
"Deal."
I left the farmer's house and it was almost 5 in the evening. The wife kept bringing out food and tea, being really hospitable so I couldn't escape the farmhouse early.
As I went back home, Fez and Kelso were hanging around by the driveway, waiting for the girls to get on the CB radio channel again.
Kelso kept calling for them on the channel, "Breaker 1-9, Breaker 1-9, this is Pete, Linc and Julie, we're looking for a 20 on Hot-To-Trot, FoxyLady and Nice-And-Easy over…"
But the girls didn't reply.
"Any luck?" I asked Kelso as I walked by his van.
"No. I've been trying since the afternoon." He said with a frustrated expression.
I shrugged and went inside to change my clothes before hanging out with Fez on the porch while Kelso kept trying to find the girls.
…
I bumped into Jackie while I was in the living room, just finishing up a shower. My upper body was quite bare, and my hair was still wet.
Surprised to see her there, I asked, "What are you doing here? And what were you doing upstairs?"
She was wearing a simple sweater and jeans. "I was trying to cheer up Mrs Forman, but they were so ungrateful even though I was just trying to help."
"Oh."
I didn't believe her a little bit. Most likely, she was making things worse. Mrs Forman was depressed as she realized Eric was having sex. A lot to unpack there, and I didn't want to get involved.
"You know, you shower a lot." Jackie commented patronizingly.
"Stop ogling me with your eyes, you perv." I joked slightly, looking at her with mock disdain.
Jackie flinched and froze. Her cheek blushed slightly and she turned away her eyes.
Taken aback, I covered my chest and said, "Wait. Were you really ogling me? You tramp."
"No–NO! I WAS NOT!" Jackie stomped her feet and walked away hurriedly.
"Weirdo." I scoffed and went back to my room.
After changing my clothes, I went back to the driveway and hung out with Fez on the porch.
Kelso stood by the door of his van with his CB radio handle in his hand. "Breaker 1-9, Breaker 1-9, this is Pete, Linc and Julie, we're looking for a 20 on Hot-To-Trot, FoxyLady and Nice-And-Easy over…"
Finally, someone picked up the signal. Hot-To-Trot replied, "Hey guys!"
Fez jumped from his seat and ran to the handle, taking it away from Kelso. "Hello Hot-To-Trot! This is Julie. I was just wondering, are you fat?
"Wow Fez." I exclaimed with disbelief as I walked towards them.
Kelso placed his hand on his waist and backed Fez up, "No, I'd say that's not a bad question."
"Well, why don't you guys come see for yourselves? We could meet tonight." Hot-To-Trot invited us.
Fez was deflated, "Oh tonight? No tonight we have to watch Love Boat so I don't think…"
I snatched the handle from him while giving him a glare. "Tonight's sounds good. Shall we meet at Charlie's Pub? At 9?"
The voice changed as Nice and Easy took the receiver, "Hey Linc. That sounds great. Can't wait to meet you."
Kelso and I laughed in satisfaction. Charlie's was a pretty well known bar in the town, so it made sense to meet over there.
…
Kelso drove his van to the bar after we had some food. We brought our fake ids with us, just in case we got carded there.
"Okay! They said they'd wait out front. Here we go, cold beer and hot babes!" Kelso exclaimed excitedly.
"Or vice-versa!" Fez added, which confused both me and Kelso.
"Hey guys, did we get a yes or a no on the fat question?" I asked.
The van pulled into the bar. Three older women were standing in front of the van, seemingly waiting for someone.
"Oh goody, they're not fat, they're just old!" Fez grinned.
I sighed in disbelief while Kelso fumed in disappointment. Kelso snapped, "If your voice is hot, then you should be hot, those are the RULES! Damn old ladies with hot voices. Let's go…"
Fez said suddenly, "No no, I'm staying. You two are shallow!"
Kelso argued back, "I'm not shallow Fez, I just judge chicks on their looks."
"Suit yourself, but sometimes the old ones are super grateful." Fez replied and got out of the van.
"I'll go with him." I said suddenly.
"What– Why?" Kelso was shocked.
"To make sure Fez's okay. Besides, I can still get the cold beers." I replied.
Kelso nodded and said, "Okay. But I'm not going. I'd rather spent some time with Jackie or Laurie rather than these old ladies."
I got out of the van and as Kelso drove away, I remembered something. "Wait, how do we get back?"
I walked behind Fez as he approached the old ladies suavely. "Hello my lovelies, I am Julie. Which one of you is Hot-To-Trot?"
The old ladies seemed confused.
Suddenly, the familiar voice called from behind us, "Julie?"
Both of us turned around and saw three beautiful ladies there.
"Yes?" Fez was surprised.
"You made it! I'm Hot-To-Trot," The beautiful short haired blonde with no bra said cheerfully.
The red head with a tight shirt said gleefully, "I'm FoxyLady!"
The brunette who was staring intently at me said, "And I'm Nice-And-Easy! You must be Linc."
"You're not fat. Or old at all!" Fez said enthusiastically.
"Of course not! We're gymnasts." Nice and Easy replied.
"Dear Penthouse…" Fez exclaimed, turned on by the situation.
I saw the notification that said the episode had ended, but I didn't pay much attention to them since I was locking eyes with Nice-and-Easy.
"Hey, I'm Steven Hyde." I introduced myself to her.
"I'm Julia Nice." She replied giddily.
"I'm– I'm Fez." My friend introduced himself to the other two girls.
Hot-To-Trot real name was, "Marilyn."
Foxy Lady's name was, "Bethany."
"Why don't we go inside? Drinks are on me." I told the girls.
They squealed with excitement. Julia, a.k.a Nice and Easy stood beside me, asking casually, "So you're a professional photographer huh? Must be nice."
"Photographer, videographer… I'm a lot of things." I smirked confidently.
We weren't carded and got a seat at the booth. I let the girls order as they wanted.
Fez whispered to me, "Hyde. We're outnumbered here. What should we do?"
"Don't worry Fez. You just focus on one. Which one do you want?"
"Hmm… Let me make my move on Foxy Lady first– I mean, Bethany. She's the least good looking here. I can use her insecurity to get her to sleep with me." Fez replied.
I was taken aback for a few seconds, then I snorted slightly.
"Well. Good luck Fez." I mumbled before turning my attention to the brunette.