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Ryan stopped next to me, then moved closer to examine the freshly painted wall.
I’d chosen a gray/beige my realtor friend, Juliana, assured me was the new neutral for homes.
Corey lifted his chin slightly. “I prepped them first, and I went slowly.”
Ryan clasped his shoulder. “It looks good.”
Corey lowered the roller to the tray.
I moved to grab it. “You can head out. I’ll clean up.”
“We always clean up after we’re done working,” Ryan said, more to Corey than to me.
Warmth filled my chest at his words. I loved that he was instilling a sense of duty and responsibility in Corey.
“Is there somewhere I can wash these out?”
“There’s a tiny room and utility sink in the kitchen. Nana insisted on adding it before they rented this place out.”
“That’s smart,” Ryan said as he walked toward the kitchen with the tray and rollers. “Most downtown apartments don’t even have in-unit laundry rooms.”
Most residents used the laundromat, but it wasn’t within walking distance, and it was an inconvenience.
“Yeah, Nana’s smart like that,” I said, letting affection fill my words.
I moved the drop cloths so that Corey would be ready to start the next time he worked.
The water started running, so I looked at the apartment. Zoe had lived here, painting the walls bright colors. Cheerful, but it wouldn’t attract new renters or a buyer.
A pit formed in my stomach. Was Nana going to sell both the house and this building? Even though I wasn’t sure running the shop was something I wanted, I was scared everything would change.
“Everything okay?” Ryan asked as he returned the freshly washed tray to the drop cloth, resting the rollers on top.
“I was just wondering what Nana’s plans are for this place.”
His understanding gaze met mine. “I’m sure she’ll want to keep the store.”
“I’m not sure of anything anymore.” Things hadn’t looked so uncertain until recently.
Nana owned everything. I was merely running it for her. Not that Nana would do anything without discussing it with me first, but there was always that niggling fear in the back of my mind that the proverbial rug would be pulled out from under me. That everything familiar and comforting would disappear. I wrapped my arms around myself to contain the shiver.
Ryan opened his mouth like he was going to say something, but I turned and led the way down the stairs. “You’d better get going. It’s getting late.”
We headed down the stairs, and I waited for them to step onto the sidewalk before locking up.
Feeling awkward, I said, “Thank you so much for helping, Corey. I really appreciate it.”
Corey nodded, his cheeks turning pink.
“I’ll see you on Thursday?” I asked, knowing Corey had practice the next day.
Ryan finally nodded. “Have a good night.”
I needed to shake off this worry and fear. I didn’t want Ryan saying anything to Jake or Nana. It would be fine. I’d handle whatever happened. The last thing I wanted was Nana making decisions because I was scared. I didn’t want her to change her plans for me. She needed to do what was best for her, and if that was selling her house and this building, I’d have to be okay with it.
ChapterFour
RYAN
