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“I can come by later if you’re busy,” I said, looking at the people in the showroom.
“No, it’s fine,” Theo said.
“Great.”
Theo pulled out a tablet and started going over my order, showing me each piece, along with the specifications, measurements, and wood types. I confirmed what I wanted, and she nodded.
“The bed is most important. If we could do that first,” I told her. She agreed and said it could be done in a month. I cringed at that, thinking about another month on an air mattress. I guess I could get my mattress and box spring for the bed and sleep on those until I had a frame. I’d make it work.
The dining table, chairs, coffee table, rocking chair, and side tables would take another month or two. Theo didn’t make couches, so I’d have to find one of those, too.
“It’s absolutely fine. I know this is what I want, so I’m willing to wait.”
“Sure,” Theo said, taking the tablet back. She broke a bite off the donut and ate it as she leaned back in her chair. I got the impression that she was studying me again.
“I know it’s considered rude to ask about money, but I don’t care about being called rude, so are you hiding the body of a dead rich husband in your backyard?”
I stared at her for a second and then burst out laughing.
“No, absolutely not. Just a grandmother with a lot of secrets,” I said. “She passed away last year.”
Theo nodded, but didn’t tell me she was sorry. I almost appreciated that. When most people told me they were sorry for my loss, I could feel the insincerity in their voice.
Scout got up from his bed and came over to me, wagging his tail. As if he was offering his condolences. The sweet boy set his chin on my knees and looked up at me with big brown eyes.
“You are the best,” I said, stroking his velvety head.
I looked up to find Theo watching me again.
“So, yeah. Inheritance. Totally legal. Nothing shady. Sorry to disappoint.”
I should have come up with a more mysterious reason for my wealth. Would have been a much more interesting story.
“Memma told me that I should enjoy every moment of my life and live without guilt the last time I spoke to her, so that’s what I’m trying to do,” I said. I didn’t mean to tell Theo that, and she looked a little uncomfortable, so I decided it was time to leave.
“Well, I have another appointment, so I should get going,” I said, standing from my chair. “Just, um, let me know about delivery dates so I can make sure I’m home.”
Theo stood up and nodded, and I wondered if I should shake her hand. I wanted to, if only so I could touch her again.
“Thanks so much,” I said, sticking my hand out and feeling like a dork.
“You’re welcome,” Theo said, sliding her hand into mine. There were those calluses again, and those strong fingers that could easily crush mine. Theo’s handshake was firm, but not oppressive. She wasn’t trying to show me how strong she was.
I liked that.
“Excuse me,” a voice said with an air of entitlement. “Does anyone work here?”
Theo’s eyes closed and she dropped my hand. I sensed she was preparing herself to deal with customers.
“Excuse me,” she said, her voice stony.
I suppressed a smile as I watched her move around the desk and walk out to the showroom. I’d never seen her interact with other people, so I almost wished I had popcorn.
“May I help you?” Theo said, her voice almost sarcastic. Oh, she really hated this. Why didn’t she just hire a showroom manager? Then she could have a buffer between the customers she clearly loathed dealing with. Her back was to me, but I could see the tension in her shoulders.
“Yes, I’d like to buy this table,” the woman said, tossing her hair. I couldn’t really see her features, but I got an impression of a massive statement necklace, a massive diamond ring, and a designer purse. You didn’t see a whole lot of those in Castleton, unless they were gifts or knock-offs.
“All of our furniture is custom made. I could put in an order for you, but it’s going to take a least two months for delivery,” Theo said, and I could tell she was doing her best to keep her tone calm.
“Well, that’s just unacceptable, I need this table shipped to my home today,” the woman said, all bluster. “I’m having a photoshoot next week!”
“I’m sorry, I can’t help you. We don’t keep stock on hand. Each piece is ordered and then made.” So take your money and fuck all the way off was unspoken.
“Do you know who I am?” the woman demanded. I hadn’t seen her around town, so my guess was she didn’t live here and was just passing through.
