AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Exactly.”
We split apart for a second to make way as a man passed with a heavy basket.
As we came back together, Linea added, "Plus, you know some people would like to use our services, but they can't afford it."
“Well, if we just—”
“No, Ava, we are not cutting back our rates.”
I laughed. She knew me. We’d had this conversation lots of times.
Linea was sure if we didn't work together, I'd be cleaning homes for free.
She wasn't entirely wrong.
“Look, this would be a way to help them and still make money on the side. What do you think?”
“I—”
“Ava! Yoo-hoo, Ava.”
I spun in the direction of the voice to see Mrs. Mullen. She was a stout woman in her forties. A few gray hairs played through her red hair. That hair now whipped around her face as she rushed to us.
“Hey, Mrs. Mullen.” I smiled.
Linea offered a greeting, too.
“How are you today, girls?” She cast tender eyes between us. “Ava.” She smiled warmly. “I can't thank you enough for the casserole.”
My face heated. "It's nothing, and it was three weeks ago. Don't mention it.”
“Well, the kids are still talking about it.” She took my hand and patted it. “Thank you.”
A smile curved my lips. “Dad made it. I just brought it over.”
“Oh, Thomas. He sure does know his way around the kitchen. I hope I can return the favor someday.”
I squeezed her hand. “I’m sure you’ll get back on your feet in no time.”
Sending one last smile between Linea and me, she said, “I sure do hope so. Have a lovely day, you two.”
And then she was off.
“They do love you,” Linea chirped.
“What? No.” I continued through the aisles.
“You’re very kind.”
“Anyone would do that. Doesn't matter.” To stop her from pressing the issue, I changed the subject. “So, about selling cleaning products.”
“Mm-hmm.” Linea perked up, compliments forgotten.
“What if we not only offered the products, but also a checklist?”
Her brows furrowed. “Like?”
"Well, we know houses get very cluttered over time, and the biggest reason they do so is the owners aren’t keeping up daily. What if we create mock-ups of simple things they can attend to each day, so it doesn't pile up and overwhelm them?”
