“Aidan’s such a nice, polite, handsome boy,” Ivy gushed. “He takes after his father.”
Nick chuckled. “Ugh. Please don’t wish that on the kid.”
“My great-grand-niece, Gabi, came here to complete the school year, too. She just started classes today.”
“Oh, yeah?” Nick took a swallow of coffee. “If she needs anyone to show her around Hope Haven or introduce her to kids at school, I’m sure Aidan would do it. He knows what it’s like to be the new kid on the island.”
“Thanks,” Zoey replied noncommittally. No matter how much Ivy raved about Aidan, he was two grades ahead of Gabi, which automatically made Zoey wary.
When they finished eating, Mark asked Nick to get his laptop from the truck. Apparently, the two men had already discussed what kinds of cupboards and countertops might look good in Ivy’s kitchen and Nick had created a gallery of photos to show her.
“Hang on, not so fast,” Zoey warned. “The first thing that needs to be discussed is whether or not the stove even needs to be replaced. Aunt Ivy doesn’t need to see photos in order to make that decision—she needs her stove evaluated.”
“Right,” Nick readily agreed. “I evaluated it the last time I was here and I have some concerns I’d like to draw your attention to. If I get my laptop, I can show you what the experts online recommend, so you don’t have to take my word for it.”
“Don’t be silly, Nicholas. I trust your opinion,” Ivy said.
So he pointed out a few issues he thought could be potentially hazardous if left unchecked. He also asked Ivy questions about the burners and whether her food was cooking evenly and discussed the cost differences between repairing and replacing the range. By the time he was done talking, both Zoey and her aunt were convinced it was imperative for Ivy to get a new stove, and they gathered round Nick’s laptop as he showed them a few models. Zoey was impressed with his recommendation of a vintage-look freestanding range that would go perfectly with the house: he had good taste. And when Nick confirmed he’d fit the new stove for half the price of the manufacturer, her trust began to deepen.
“Didn’t I tell you he’s the best contractor on the island? Appliances, carpentry, plumbing—he does it all.” Ivy proudly patted Nick’s forearm.
“It’s more like I do a little of everything.”
“Now show her the photo of the fridge that will complement that stove and then we can move on to the cupboards,” Nick ordered Mark.
Ivy appeared baffled. “My refrigerator works just fine. Why would I want to replace it?”
“Because you’re getting a new stove!” Mark’s exasperation was evident. He lowered his voice and clarified, “Aunt Ivy, if you replace the stove without making other changes to the kitchen, it’s going to stand out like a sore thumb.”
Zoey thought her head was about to explode. Since when did he address her asaunt? And “like a sore thumb” was one of Ivy’s idioms—obviously Mark was mirroring her language in order to win her over. “If you’re concerned about the colors of your appliances clashing, I could paint the fridge to match the stove, Aunt Ivy.”
“It’s not just that the colors won’t match, the styles won’t—” Mark began to argue, but Ivy interrupted him to consult with Nick.
“You’re the professional, Nicholas. Do you think I should get a new fridge?”
“If it’s working well, then the only reason to replace it would be aesthetics. So unless having different styles of appliances bothers you, I’d say don’t waste your money.”
Mark huffed and crossed his arms, clearly dissatisfied with his friend’s answer, but Nick was undeterred.
“Eventually, if you want a new fridge, I know some places off island where you can get a good deal on a trade-in. But there’s no rush. Changes can be very difficult. Give yourself time to adjust.”
As Ivy visibly relaxed her shoulders and exhaled, Zoey sensed Nick wasn’t just talking about kitchen appliances and she could have hugged him for being so understanding about what her aunt was going through. She tried to catch his eye so she could mouth, “thank you,” but he was studying Ivy’s face, patiently waiting for her to think it over.He seems more concerned about her well-being than Mark does,Zoey thought. Had she judged him prematurely?
“I think I’ll only purchase the stove for now,” Ivy said. “And I’d like you to install it, Nick.”
“Sure thing.” He lowered the lid to his computer.
“Wait, we still haven’t discussed the cupboards and countertops,” Mark said.
Nick looked as incredulous as Zoey felt. Somehow she managed to modulate her voice when she replied, “She just said she only wants to purchase the stove for now. Right, Aunt Ivy?”
“She meant she didn’t want a fridge. That’s not the same as not wanting new countertops or cupboards,” Mark answered for their aunt before she had the chance to answer for herself. “Ivy and I have already agreed this place needs to be brightened up.”
Ivy nodded. “It is rather dim in here. The other day I nearly tripped over Moby. The room is so shadowy he blends right in.”
Mark was all over that. “Yeah—it’sunsafeto keep the décor the way it is.”
“There are ways of brightening up the room without tearing up all the cupboards and countertops. We could put a different bulb in the overhead light,” Zoey suggested.Obviously.
