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Disconnecting the call, Lydia searched high and low for the candles she knew she bought. Or did she? Thinking back, Lydia remembered putting them on her shopping list. When was that? Crap.
Halle knocked on the door several minutes later, comically calling out she was there, and that Lydia should put away any purses she’d prepared to launch.
“You’re hilarious,” Lydia deadpanned.
“I have my moments,” Halle grinned.
“You know where the switchboard thingy is.” This wasn’t the first time Lydia had needed someone taller than her to flip on her electricity. The landlord, for some unfathomable reason, installed the main electricity doo-flop at the top of Lydia’s boiler cupboard.
“I got it, one sec.” Pushing past, Halle headed for the cupboard, torch in hand. She’s always prepared. “Um, Lyds, when was the last time your electrics were serviced?”
“Uh, I didn’t know they were supposed to be. What’s wrong?”
“What’s wrong is you’re one short-circuit away from having an electrical fire. You can’t put it back on, Lydia, not like this.”
“Are you shitting me?”
“I shit you not! It’s not safe.”
“Well, that’s just fan-bloody-tastic.” Throwing her hands in the air, Lydia stormed off to the living room. Her landlord was about to get a mouthful.
As soon as the call connected, Lydia launched her attack. “The electrics are going to kill me, Brian! Apparently, I’m one short away from dying in a house fire. What the hell?”
“Lydia, calm down. Blimey, no need for the dramatics. I’m sure it’s not that bad.”
“You need to get someone here ASAP, Brian. I can’t live without electricity!”
“It’s the weekend Lydia, I’m not paying double the rate. I’ll get my mate Bongo round Monday morning.”
“Bongo! Are you serious? Is he even an electrician?”
“He knows how to wire stuff.” Brian answered casually. “He’ll do you a good deal.”
“Me? There is no me in this. You’re the landlord. It’s your responsibility to keep the place safe and habitable. Which, let’s be honest, hasn’t been that way for a really long time, Brian.”
“Nonsense.”
“Nonsense?” Lydia screeched. “I’ve had tepid water for a year. The sink leaks in the bathroom. The taps in the kitchen are leaking. The ballcock thing is broken, which causes the toilet to fill with water continuously. Each room’s windows need to be resealed. All of which I have reported to you, and you’ve done sweet fuck all.” Why had she allowed herself to live like this?
“I’ve put it in my diary,” Brian argued.
“Well, that’s chuffing brilliant. What good is that to me? I’ve needed these repairs done for years. It’s not my job to pay out of pocket. That’s what my rent is for. You’ll be hearing from my lawyer. I’ll be requesting my deposit and the first month’s rent back. I will also vacate the property tonight, instead of next week. And before you try anything, Brian, I have documented evidence that I sent in the repair requests, plus photo and video evidence that to this day you have not completed them.”
“Lydia, hang on. No need to talk about lawyers. I’ll get someone out tonight, okay?”
“Nope, too late. I expect to see a return of funds in my account by the end of next week. Don’t push me, Brian, I’ve had absolutely enough.” Jabbing the End Call button far too hard, Lydia breathed in deeply, a growl emanating from deep inside. Fucking Brian!
“Holy shit, Lyds, that was outstanding!” Turning on her heel, still breathing rather heavily, Lydia caught Halle staring at her wide-eyed. “It’s about time you stood up to that useless prick.”
Nodding, Lydia let the weight of what she’d just done settle on her shoulders. Halle might be impressed, but Lydia felt herself slipping into panic mode. Yeah, she’d given Brian a telling off, but in the process, she’d made herself homeless. There was still another week to go before she collected the keys to her house.
“Shit, shit, shit.” Lydia paced back and forth, Monty’s head following her every step. “Well done, Lydia,” she muttered to herself angrily.
“Lydia, will you stop moving?” Halle laughed, taking her by the shoulders. “What’s got you worked up?”
“Um, I just told Brian I’d be leaving tonight Halle.”
“And?”
