Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 101466 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 507(@200wpm)___ 406(@250wpm)___ 338(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 101466 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 507(@200wpm)___ 406(@250wpm)___ 338(@300wpm)
“Lou always had so many vegetables and flowers,” I said in recollection. “I used to help pick them with her. She was always giving things away. Canning. Pickling.”
“Still was up until she fell.”
I felt a rush of sadness. “I wish I’d been here. I would have helped.”
I looked up to see him studying me. There was no accusation in his eyes, only understanding. “You lost touch?” he asked quietly.
I swallowed the painful lump in my throat. “Yeah. Long story.”
He seemed to sense I didn’t want to talk about it. He stood. “Well, let’s hang the wind chimes.”
I went and got the wind chimes. He carried a long extension ladder from the garage and leaned it against the house. I handed him the longest set, and he grimaced. “Of course.”
I laughed. “It has nothing to hamper it,” I explained. “And to be honest, it is the prettiest.”
“And the loudest.”
“Actually, the other two are louder.”
“Well then, good choice.”
He climbed the ladder, instructing me to hold it for him. He was steady and confident, no hesitation as he went up the rungs. I admired the view from below—his strong legs, toned ass, and long arms as he clipped it in place on the eavestrough.
“Okay?” he asked, giving it a little push so it moved, tinkling and singing out.
I shut my eyes and smiled. “Perfect.”
He climbed down. “Okay. Done. My debt is paid.”
I laid my hand on his arm. “Thank you, Jesse.”
Our eyes met and held. In the sunlight, the colors blended into a swirl of blue-green. They were hypnotic. And he looked relaxed, approachable. Not a frown to be found.
He grinned. “You called me Jesse. Not Thorne.”
“I’m being nice.”
“Nice enough I can have that lasagna?”
“Sure.”
“I’m going to leave the ladder by the garage. On my next set of days off, I’m going to wash the windows. It’s supposed to rain tomorrow, so no point in doing them today.”
“Makes sense. Any big plans?” I asked lightly.
“Gonna put in a few hours at Habitat over in Greenstone. Some groceries. Then I plan on vegging. Me, the TV, and not much else.”
“Sounds great.”
“You?”
“I have some code to work on. And I have a couple of projects to do.”
He nodded. “Stay out of trouble, Pixie.”
I laughed, waving him off. “Go. I’ll bring the lasagna over later, or you can take it if you want.”
“No, later is good. Maybe a glass of wine by the fire pit?”
My stupid pulse picked up at his casual suggestion, but I managed to sound normal as I replied.
“Sure.”
“Great. See you later.”
“See you.”
He walked away, placing the ladder by the garage, then whistling for Miller, who was on the deck with Barney. Neither of them strayed far, which was a good thing.
Barney followed me inside, heading up to my bedroom for his morning nap. I laughed as I watched him disappearing. “Hard life,” I commented, but as usual, he ignored me.
I opened the package that had been on the porch, examining the furniture lifters. I read the instructions, feeling excited. Once I was done with my work, I would attempt to move the armoire. I had measured it already, and if I could move it, it would fit at the end of the hall facing the door. That was where it belonged. I could paint the wall where it presently sat and buy a nice hall table. I planned on a pretty bowl for keys and sundries, plus a small lamp. It would look great.
I didn’t want to ask Jesse for help. I was used to doing things on my own, and if it didn’t work, I could return the items or use them another time. It would be a surprise for him the next time he came over as well.
I sat down, putting on my headphones, and got to work.
A few hours later, I lifted my head, shocked as usual at how much time had gone by. But I had gotten a lot done, including a surprise phone call from a prospective client here in town. I agreed to come to their office and meet with them next week to discuss their needs.
I stood and stretched, going to the kitchen and making a sandwich that I ate standing over the sink. I drank some water, refilling the glass and adding ice. I thought about taking Jesse his lasagna, but I wasn’t sure he was back from his volunteer work. With my headphones on, I wouldn’t have heard his truck, and I couldn’t see if it was parked in its usual place unless I walked over to his side of the house.
He knew it was here, so if he wanted it before dinner, he would no doubt show up for it.
I went into the living room, unpacking the furniture lifts. I slid them under one side of the armoire after emptying it of the few items I had hung inside. I also removed the shelves to make it a little lighter. On my knees, I squeezed the handles, frowning when nothing happened. Remembering the instructions, I did them at the same time to keep the weight even. I was about to give up when I felt the shift, and the heavy piece inched up a little. I squealed in delight and kept slowly pumping up the jacks until the armoire was about two inches off the floor—high enough I could slide the furniture mover under the one side.