Total pages in book: 71
Estimated words: 68594 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 343(@200wpm)___ 274(@250wpm)___ 229(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68594 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 343(@200wpm)___ 274(@250wpm)___ 229(@300wpm)
She ignored my little jibe. “She loves all stuffed things and dolls.”
“Hmm.” I didn’t know anything about dolls or little girls. Laura had never been overly girly until she became a teenager. Then things changed. She discovered boys, and the entire dynamics exploded.
“They arrived early. I didn’t think it was a problem letting them in a few days ahead of schedule. The house is empty,” Laura explained.
“No, it’s fine. A little warning might have been nice, though.”
“I called and left you a voice mail, but I’m guessing you left your phone in the truck,” Laura replied, her tone snarky.
I had. It had been an impulse to walk the short distance back to the house, and I’d forgotten about my phone. Technology and I were not close friends. I shrugged sheepishly. It seemed as if nothing I did today was correct.
“It’s fine,” I repeated, my voice coming out a little gruffer than I meant it to.
“We can pay a fee if you want,” Quinn offered, lifting her chin.
“No need,” I replied, annoyed. “I don’t need a fee.” I paused. “So, only you and your daughter?”
“Yes. I listed that on the agreement.” She crossed her arms. “Is there a problem?” She glanced at Laura. “You never said there was an issue with a single mother renting the place.”
Laura shook her head. “There isn’t one. Right, John?”
I shut my eyes, feeling embarrassed. I hadn’t read through the paperwork, or I would have known. And I wouldn’t be making an ass of myself in front of this woman.
“Not an issue. Another mistake on my part.” My voice was clipped. “I can help you unload a few things.”
“I don’t require any help, but thank you, Mr. Elliott.”
I had a feeling I had just been dismissed.
I wiped my hands. “Fine. I’ll be going, then. If you need anything, you have Laura’s number.”
And I walked out.
Back at the hardware store, Bob met my eyes, lifting his eyebrows and shaking his head. No doubt Laura had told him what an ass I had been to the new tenant. I waved him off and went to the back, checking on Cody. He was busy sweeping, the shelves tidy, a pile of garbage ready to head to the curb. He’d flattened and tied up all the boxes, and everything was in order.
I clapped him on the shoulder. “Good job.”
He looked pleased. “I had been hoping to have enough money to get my bike before the town parade,” he confessed. “A bunch of my friends are decorating their bikes to ride in it.” He looked past me, then kept talking. “My old one didn’t look so good, but I didn’t want to say anything to Mom and Dad.” He grinned widely. “Now I don’t have to. And I get to show it off this afternoon at the park.”
I felt a swell of pride for this kid. He was good-hearted and loved his parents. He didn’t want to hurt their feelings. “What are you planning on doing with your hard-earned cash?”
“Mom’s birthday is next month, so I’m gonna buy her something nice. And I’m going to put the rest in the bank. I want to mow some lawns and stuff this summer and make more.”
I smiled as I ruffled his hair. “Sounds like a good plan, kid.”
He stepped closer, his voice serious. “It’s the best gift ever, Uncle J. Thanks again. I’ll take good care of it.”
“I know you will.”
“Mom is gonna help me decorate it for the parade. I’m going with a jungle theme.”
“Good choice.”
I left him finishing his task, feeling proud. The kid made me smile.
My smile faded as I rounded the corner, spying Quinn and Abby at the counter, talking to Bob. I walked over, standing beside them. “Found a problem with the house?” I asked.
Quinn turned, focusing her beautiful eyes on me. “No. I was asking about the paint.”
“Put it on the house tab,” I instructed Bob.
“I can pay for the paint.”
I huffed an impatient sigh. “I will pay for the paint and supplies. I would have if I’d painted the place. It’s part of the service.” Bob walked away, and I shook my head. “Stop being stubborn.”
Her eyebrows flew up. “I beg your pardon?”
I leaned close. “Look, lady. I didn’t mean to insult you yesterday. Or today. I certainly didn’t mean to scare your daughter or infer there was a problem. Quit twisting my words and refusing help when it’s offered.”
“Is all the service you provide rude and demanding?”
“Only when someone pushes my buttons.”
She stepped back. “I’m not pushing anything, Mr. Elliott. I think I prefer dealing with your sister.”
“I prefer it as well.”
“Good. Then we agree on something.”
“Yes. Now, pick your paint and supplies, and let Bob or one of the staff carry them to your car. Surely that won’t offend your independent attitude if it’s not me doing the assisting.”