“Anyway, everything is up and running?”
“Yeah, I’m actually surprised how smoothly it all went.The electrical was in good shape, just a few places it looked like it was gnawed on, so I replaced those, then I went ahead and relabeled your breaker box for you so you know what everything goes to.”
He almost gave me a heart attack the first time the lights flashed, but I nod like I haven’t been expecting Casper the Unfriendly Ghost to pop out at any time and try to commit ectoplasmic homicide.
He blinks at my stretched smile, and I realize I’m not doing a good job at pretending to be normal.I try to relax my lips and look casual.
I’ve never been so aware of my face in my entire life.
“There’s one part I need for the sink in the public restroom.The knobs and faucets are in good enough shape, but if you want to update that bathroom, I could help you with that next week.I have a free afternoon, it wouldn’t take much to make it nicer in there.”He holds up a finger, adding one with new additional item.“New light fixture, new pedestal sink, new mirror, and a new toilet would go a long way.The tiles need a good scrub, and it could use a paint job, but replacing those fixtures would really update it.”
That’s like, seven fingers, though he’s only holding up five.Well, I guess five is what he’s offering to do.For a price.
Sure, the bathroom is functional, yeah, but he has a point.
“Oh, yeah, that would be great, actually.When could you get it done?”
“It shouldn’t take me too long to do it.Shouldn’t take me more than half a day.I’d advise if you want to wallpaper or paint or do anything like that, do it between demo and install.It will just be easier to rip it out, paint, and then replace.”
“Good advice,” I say, thinking about the paint I bought last night with Aiden.
Warmth rushes into my cheeks, and it has nothing to do with the temperature.
“The other thing I think you might want is a dehumidifier,” Colton continues.“You can get one of those little stand-up ones, or I can install a system that will drain for you automatically and be hardwired in.Your books and all these wood shelves will thank you for it.Shouldn’t need it much in the winter, so I could schedule you in for a spring install.”
I blink, overwhelmed by the sound of cash registers ringing in my ears.
“Can you send me an email with uh, a what’s it called?”
“Yeah, I’ll bring by an estimate when I do your bathroom reno next week.”He grins at me, scratching his jaw.“You can always get more than one quote, too.”
“Quotes,” I repeat the word faintly.“I guess I should ask what you’ll charge for the bathroom stuff.”
“I’ll give you cost on supplies and then install will be the same as today, my hourly rate.”
I might have spent another significant chunk of my inheritance money on furniture and décor today, and on all of Colton’s hard-work.
I might be getting a little too used to spending money like it’s nothing.
Well, at the very least, I didn’t break out into a stress sweat like the last time I made a purchase.
Growth.
“Okay, sounds good.”I manage to inject my voice with a confidence I’m sorely lacking.
I’m also just plain sore.
“I sent the invoice to you,” he says, looking pointedly at the phone in my hand.
“Right,” I say, then bark out a laugh.“You need me to pay you.”
“Exactly.”
“Sorry, Colton?—”
“Nah, don’t apologize, Sylvie.I know you worked hard today and you’re tired too.”
“Running a business is hard,” I tell him, wide-eyed and probably too honest for both of our comfort.
