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My plan was to get to Winnie’s at six, but the clock just hit seven-thirty, and I’m not even at her place yet. I overslept this morning, which is part of the reason I’m running late, but that’s not totally to blame. The lumberyard lost my order so instead of just doing a quick pick up, I helped the staff put it together. To make things worse, they didn’t have the window size I needed, so I had to drive a half hour to their other store location to grab it.
Now I’m back on the highway. If all goes well, I should still be able to finish by the time Pop shows up.
Winnie’s yellow Beetle wasn’t in the driveway when I arrived, which is probably the best thing that’s happened so far today. She’s truly one of my favorite people in Seaside, but I just want to get to work without having to exchange pleasantries. I’m already too far behind.
I finished my second coffee of the morning and got out of the truck. After grabbing my tools from the back seat, I put on a 90’s playlist, and got to work removing boards.
I’m just replacing the steps, but I checked the structure of the rest of the porch to be sure it’s sound. Pop said he did it, but I wouldn’t put it past him to purposely overlook something just to see if I’d notice. He used to do stuff like that when I first started working with him and still surprises me once in a while just to make sure I’m paying attention.
Thankfully everything looks good and after double-checking Pop’s measurements, I got to work cutting boards.
Chapter Four
Eve
I drifted in that space between sleep and wakefulness, “Wonderwall” by Oasis playing in my head. Refusing to open my eyes, I burrowed down into the covers and smiled as “Rain King” by Counting Crows started to play. It’s one of my favorite songs and I haven’t heard it in forever.
Floating in and out of semi-consciousness, I snuggled into the comfortable bed and enjoyed my mental playlist. It’s been a long time since I allowed myself to sleep in, but yesterday was a long day and I’m in no hurry to fully wake. I took in a long deep breath and slowly let it out as I was serenaded back to sleep by U2.
A high-pitched whining broke my peaceful slumber and I put the pillow over my head to tune it out. It stopped, then sounded again in short bursts a few more times. Then the banging started. I grasped my head with both hands and moaned, then sat up and whipped the covers off.
Swinging my legs over the side of the bed, I cringed when the noise started again. There’s no way I’m going to get back to sleep so I stood and headed to the bathroom. After taking care of business, I studied my reflection in the mirror while I brushed my teeth. It’s not good.
Some people travel well. I am not one of those people. I usually look like crap after flying and this time is no different. The circles under my eyes look even darker on my paler-than-usual face and it’s going to take me forever to detangle my hair.
I rinsed and spit, grateful that at least my mouth feels better. The only thing that will fix my hair is a good washing with tons of conditioner, so I ran a brush through it to get some of the knots out and pulled it into a messy bun. It’s not great, but what does it matter? Like Alexis Rose says in Schitt’s Creek, “No one cares, David.”
I peeked out the bathroom window before heading downstairs. Aunt Winnie’s car isn’t in the driveway, so I guess it’s only me here. Well, me and whoever is making all the racket outside.
The noise got louder as I made my way downstairs. In fact, it sounded like it was right outside the kitchen door. A peek through the curtains explained why that was so. It was right outside the kitchen door. Without thinking, I pulled the door open and stepped onto the porch.
“What are you doing?”
The hammering stopped and my heart followed suit when the person responsible for the noise looked up. Chocolate brown eyes met mine and after its initial stall, my heart pounded at an alarming rate.
Holy shit.
I took long, slow breaths in an effort to control my heartbeat. Talk about an inopportune time for my libido to come to life.
His eyes took a lazy tour of my body. It was then I realized I was only dressed in a pink nightshirt that stopped at mid-thigh. To cover my embarrassment, I lashed out.
“Do you know what time it is?”
The man lifted his left hand and glanced at his watch.
“Eight thirty.”
“It’s Saturday morning.”
The corner of his mouth kicked up into an adorable smile as he dragged his fingers through his thick black hair.
“That it is.”
“What are you doing?” I asked again, then felt silly because it’s pretty obvious. Still, he played along and answered anyway.
“Replacing the steps. Once I’m done here, I’ll change out that window in Winnie’s studio.”
He pointed across the yard to the item in question.
