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Luna did not lack an imagination. In truth, it had been the opposite. Having free rein to express herself was both thrilling and the type of distraction she needed. Working at the jewelry store didn’t occupy her mind as much as it had before and there was a lot of downtime. She kept herself busy by making notes on her phone and saving pictures to a Pinterest board with affordable things she could do. Luna also started using her Instagram to take progress pictures of her work. #HomeSweetApartment #DIYstyle #FixitGirl. Surprisingly, her photos were generating more activity than normal, and from complete strangers, which inspired her to do more. It was almost a blessing she didn’t get the perfect duplex as this whole activity was stretching her creativity (and her budget) in a way that challenged and interested her. As Luna had told Sam a few days prior, she was just getting started.
“I’m not sure you’re going to find any treasures here today,” Mia said as they reached the end of the aisle.
That’s when Luna saw it. Tucked in a corner, beneath a stack of decorative pillows, was a small kitchen table with two mustard yellow chairs. Once the pillows were removed, a wooden mid-century-style table was revealed in all its glory. “Oh my God,” she said. “This is it.”
Mia checked the tag. “Sixty dollars. I thought you said your budget was fifty.”
Yes, but the budget was for a standard table. When it came tothe perfecttable, there was always some wiggle room. This one would contrast nicely against a peacock blue wall and fit with her modern style. “Mia, Ineedthis table. You brought Ross’s truck right? This isn’t going to fit in the back of mine.”
“Yeah.”
“Okay, wait here. Don’t let anyone take it. Sit on it if you need to.” Luna departed to find help. Apparently, she didn’t have to do anything because as soon as the cashier was notified, Mia was on her way with a man carrying the table over his head. She smiled and chatted while rubbing her pregnant belly. Then her wonderful cousin procured an extra discount from the cashier due to a wobbly leg needing new screws. Perhaps inviting Mia shopping was a good idea after all.
When they arrived at Schnell Ridge apartments, they met at the truck bed. “I should call Ross to see if he can slip out of the store for a bit to help carry this upstairs,” Luna said. The items weren’t heavy, but she also didn’t want Ross yelling at her for letting Mia carry furniture to the second level.
“Or we can ask your landman.” Luna loved Mia for changing Sam’s title as there was nothing lordly about the guy.
“No. Definitely not. I don’t want him inside my apartment.”
“Honestly, I think you and I can handle it. We’ll take the table together and then each of us can grab a chair. We’ll be done in ten minutes. It’ll take Ross that long just to leave the workshop.”
“Are you sure? I don’t want to get in trouble.”
Mia laughed. “I don’t either. That’s why it’s our secret. Plus, if I’m expected to push a baby out of my body then I should be strong enough to lift half of a small table and climb a few stairs.” A mischievous spark lit her eyes, and Luna wondered if there was a different side of her cousin-in-law that she hadn’t noticed before.
“Okay,” she relented. “But we’ll have to be quiet. I don’t want Sam to see us. He can’t come inside my apartment.”
Luna climbed into the truck bed and lowered the table and two chairs to Mia, who put them on the ground. Each of them took a side of the round table with Luna being the one to walk backwards. She could probably manage to lug the furniture to the second level on her own but it certainly would have been more awkward without Mia’s help.
They were at the halfway point of the staircase when Sam departed the laundry room. The women froze, both hoping Sam’s lowered baseball cap would block them from view. Luna made a silent shush with her mouth and that’s when Mia began pressing her lips together in an effort to keep from giggling. Great. Now the other woman was fighting against a laugh attack.
Sam stopped when he spotted Ross’s truck with the two yellow chairs beside it. His head swiveled in their direction when Mia couldn’t hold the giggles any longer and released a snort laugh.
“Mia!” Luna said.
The apartment manager opened his mouth, but Luna jumped in before he could say anything. “We got it. Don’t need any help. Thanks.”
With their cover blown, they continued climbing the stairs not caring if they were making noises and they certainly were because Mia couldn’t stop laughing. Luna never pegged her cousin-in-law as a person to get the giggles at inopportune moments but here they were.
“God, Mia. What is so funny?” she asked as they carried the table inside.
“I don’t know. I just find it hilarious we’re sneaking furniture in. I mean, what exactly did you think was going to happen? Did you think Sam was going to say,no, you can’t have a kitchen table? I just found it funny.”
“I told you, I don’t want him helping me. The less I have to deal with the man, the better.” Luna was surprised to find the mustard-colored chairs waiting on the second level walkway. He must have carried them for her anyway.
“Nice!” Mia said. “I like it when things magically appear.”
They each grabbed a chair and put them in the dining nook on either side of the table and it was perfect.
“I love it. I admit, I wasn’t sure about this table when you found it, but I’m in awe of your vision. You were right. It looks great in here,” Mia said, but she was soon interrupted by a tinymeow. “Oh my heart. You got her?”
The little gray and white cat approached with caution, wearing a fluorescent pink collar. Luna scooped the animal from the floor, cuddling the tiny furball to her chest. The feline purred, rubbing her head against Luna’s chin. “I did. I’ve named her Duchess and she’s the sweetest thing.”
Mia stroked the animal’s head. “She’s a gorgeous cat. Perfect pet for your perfect little home. You have a great eye, Lu. I know this is all a work in progress, but I love what you’re doing. It feels like you. Maybe you could help me decorate the nursery.”
Luna was struck by Mia’s request and was sure she misunderstood her. “You want my help?”
“Of course. You’re really good with this, and it’s making me feel a bit overwhelmed right now. I like how you just fearlessly throw yourself into something, and I need that.”
