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“See? You doubt me. I told you it would look awesome.”
Valerie sprung from her chair and wrapped her arms around me. “Thank you,” she whispered, leaning back to smile. “For this, and the listening, and just…thank you.”
“Anytime,” I said, meaning that.
I really, really liked her.
After she paid and made sure her follow-up appointment with me was booked, I walked Valerie to the door, stepping out and waving as she climbed the stairs.
“See ya!” I called out.
“Later, Shay!”
The door across the hall opened as I was turning to head back inside, and Monica (6B) stepped out, directing her son, Thomas, who was carrying a nightstand.
“Hey, Shay!” she said, seeing me, then looking to her son, she said, “Just go stick it at the curb. It’s broken.”
Thomas carried the small table up the stairs.
“What’s going on?” I asked.
“Girl, tons. First of all, Victor loved my hair!”
I high-fived her. Sweet!
“Of course he did,” I said. “You look amazing.”
“Thanks.”
“What else is happening?”
“Well, he got a transfer.”
“No way! So, you guys are moving?”
Bummer. There goes that client.
“Yeah, but, girl, this is a good move. Guess where they’re sending him?”
I shrugged.
“Hawaii!” she shrieked.
“What? Oh, my God, that’s awesome!”
“I know! We’re so excited,” she said, pressing her back against the door to hold it open when Thomas went back inside. “The kids especially. You know, it’s just been hard with their dad being gone so much.”
“I can imagine. When are you guys leaving?”
“Victor doesn’t need to check in until the end of the month, but we’re taking the kids on a nice, long vacation before we go. Disney.”
“Disney World!” the kids screamed from inside.
I laughed.
“They’re a little excited,” Monica chuckled. “We’re planning on leaving right from Disney. It would be a waste to come back here. We’re selling all our furniture now, and what we don’t sell, I’m just sticking out by the curb.”
“Wait, what?” I stepped closer. “You’re not taking your furniture with you?”
Her eyes doubled in size. “Do you have any idea how much it would cost us to ship our furniture to Hawaii, Shay? Like, I don’t know, but I’m guessing a lot. No way. We’ll just start fresh there. It’s on-base housing, so that’s cheap. And Victor is getting a good chunk of money for transferring. We’ll be fine. Most of the stuff we have are hand-me-downs anyway. I’m excited to buy all new stuff.”
Thomas stepped out carrying the matching nightstand.
I blocked him.
“Hey,” he grumbled.
“How much are you selling everything for?” I asked Monica, keeping my arm around the table so Thomas couldn’t move.
“Why? You interested?” She looked perplexed. “Isn’t your place fully furnished?”
“Yes, but I have a friend who is needing a lot of stuff. Like basically, everything.”
“Really? Well.” She shrugged. “For you, Shay, nothing. Just take it.”
“Oh, my God, I can’t do that!” I gaped. “I at least need to give you something.”
“You gave me fantastic hair.”
“Which you paid for.”
“After a discount…”
I cocked my head.
She cocked hers. “Fine. What do you want to pay me?”
I smiled, patted Thomas on the head after dropping my arm away, stepped closer, and keenly suggested, “How about six dollars and fifty-seven cents?”
Monica cracked up. “Well, that’s a specific amount!”
I nodded, still holding my smile and ready to throw more money on top of my offer if she came to her senses.
But it wasn’t needed.
Monica stuck out her hand. “Deal!”After I paid Monica for her entire apartment full of furniture (six fifty-seven, what a steal!), we discussed when she wanted the furniture out. Anytime this week would be perfect, the sooner the better.
And what was sooner than right now?
Stepping back inside my apartment and shutting the door with my hip, I sent out a group text to Syd and Tori.
Hey! If I can get a hold of a moving truck, can I borrow your man muscle tonight to deliver some furniture? Pretty please? ;)
The first response came from Tori: Where are you delivering furniture to?
Stitch. I just bought him a shit ton of it for under seven bucks. BOOM!
Syd responded next: You bought Stitch furniture? Why?
Because he doesn’t have any. Can I borrow your man muscle or not? I gotta make a call.
Tori: Holy shit. You’re in love with him.
Syd: I was just typing that. Twins!
Oh, my God.
He’s my FRIEND.
Tori: So are we. Where’s our furniture?
Syd: Good one. ? Also, I’d like to be filled in on the hows and whys of this new friendship. I feel like we have a lot to discuss.
Tori: Sounds like we need a girls’ night.
Syd: I second that.
I had zero problem with planning a girls’ night, so I shared that, but kept on topic.
Third it. Now FOCUS. Man muscle? Yes? No?
Syd: Trouble is in. Just say when and where.
Trouble was her fiancé, Brian. She always called him that.
Awesome. Thank you, Syd!
Tori: I’m closing tonight, but Jamie can help. Just don’t use up all his muscle. I’ll want some of it later.
