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“Hi, New. Thank you.” His scrutiny makes me want to squirm, but I refuse to let him see a physical response.
“I had a good time at dinner the other night. I was wondering if we could do another working date. I have the plans ready for you.”
“You do.” I step toward him excitedly.
“I think you’re going to be pleased with it.”
“When can we meet?”
“Newton Raglin.” The shrill voice shatters the mood like a baseball coming through a window. Mrs. Ethel bustles over with a flushed face, Nell in tow. “Just the man we were hoping to see.”
“Oh?”
“Oh yes, Nell was looking at making some improvements to her home.”
“Really? What did you have in mind?” New asks.
“I want to add a deck in the backyard. It was the one thing the house was missing when I originally purchased it.” Nell smiles. “I’m ready to commit, and we all know you’re the best in town.”
“Well, I appreciate your vote of confidence, Nell.”
Nell blushes prettily, and Mrs. Ethel preens. “When were you thinking about pulling the trigger.”
“As soon as you can fit me in.”
“We’re pretty swamped. I wouldn’t be able to say if we had space until an appraisal was done.”
“Perfect. We want that,” Mrs. Ethel blurts.
“Well, I don’t have the schedule on me. I try to avoid work on my days off as much as possible. You know how it goes?” He winks.
“I’ll have Law look at the calendar and swing by the store to set something up.”
“What?” Mrs. Ethel’s face falls. “We want you.”
“I’m afraid I’m not going to be available.” He wraps his arm around me and pulls me to his side. I’m torn between hissing like a cat sprayed with water or purring. “Daph just booked me for a special project with a quick turnaround date.”
“And what’s that?” Mrs. Ethel asks, glaring at me.
“It’s top secret at the moment. So my lips are sealed.” He mimes, zipping his lips.
“That’ll be fine,” Nell says loudly, clearly embarrassed, over her mother’s antics.
“We want the best.”
“And you’ll get that with Law.” New stares her down, silently daring her to indicate any of his brothers are less talented. I silently cheer him on as Mrs. Ethel drops her gaze.
“Of course. We look forward to having him stop by. Let’s go, Nell.” Her mother turns on her heels and flounces off.
Nells' shoulders slump slightly, and I feel for her. There are so many ways to be browbeaten and controlled. “It was nice seeing everyone again. Tell Law I work Tuesday through Thursday and Saturdays from 1 to 8.” She waves and turns to follow in her mother’s wake.
“Poor girl,” Fey whispers.
“You can’t make a liar out of me now, Daph. We have to keep busy this week.”
“I did not agree to your scheme.”
“Would you really leave me to Mrs. Ethel?”
