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“Andrea, you started without me. Not fair.”
Andrea chuckled at the fake sad puppy look the woman who’d just walked into the room was giving her.
“Hello to you, Marg,” she greeted, resting the paintbrush in the container she was using.
“I thought I’d get an early start on the painting because I have quite a number of things on my agenda for today,” she explained.
“Before I forget, Jamie said the painters will be available to start painting the outside by next week.”
“That’s great news,” Andrea replied, pleased at the pace of the project. She made a note to ask Cora to work out the details for materials and labor costs with the handsome contractor that she’d been keeping at arms-length. She figured the more interaction the two got between them, the easier it would be for them to transition from friendship to something more.
“Yes, it is,” Marg agreed. “The inn will be ready just in time for the influx of visitors that usually come around the end of June through September.”
Curious, Andrea asked, “How many visitors are you talking about?”
“Well, by the end of June, we’re usually at full capacity, and when one room empties, another gets filled.”
“Wow, that’s a lot. It looks like we might have to add another building,” Andrea mused.
“That’s a good idea,” Marg replied. “Let me go change so I can come help.”
Marg left to go put on some overalls while Andrea resumed her painting of the cupboards. When she returned, the two worked in unison for the next few hours. Marg left a couple of times to speak with a few of the guests that were there and explain that the kitchen was out of commission for right now. They managed to finish painting by afternoon.
“We’ll have to give it another coat, possibly tomorrow, just to ensure evenness, then we can move on to the bathrooms,” Andrea spoke as they gathered the paint supplies.
Andrea left to go home and freshen up and grab a bite to eat before returning to send out the emails and contact Kerry Davis, the executive social media marketing director of WeChat. The conversation she had with the woman was promising, and she left for the fire station feeling satisfied with all that she’d accomplished since the start of the day.
“Andrea, I’m glad you could make it,” Donny greeted, a grin making its way onto his face.
“I’m glad too.” She smiled warmly before raising her camera and snapping him unexpectedly.
“What was that for?” he asked, confused. “Are you planning to put that on the website? Please don’t.” At this point, his expression had changed from confusion to alarm.
Andrea laughed at this. “You can relax. I won’t be putting this on the website.”
She could see him visibly loosen up as his shoulders lowered, and a look of relief crossed his face.
She couldn’t help the feeling to rattle him a bit more. “Not this one anyways. Who knows how many times I’ll catch you by yourself unaware,” she spoke matter-of-factly.
She saw him stiffen once more as he gave her a wary look. She threw her head back in laughter.
“What’s so funny?” he asked, full-on perplexed by her reaction.
“The way you tensed up at the mention of getting your own photo spotlight. It’s just funny,” she expressed.
Donny gave her a small smile. “What can I say. I’m a simple guy. I don’t really like the attention.”
Andrea nodded her understanding.
“It would be nice if you allowed me to post one of these photos that I’ve taken of you, though. I think it would bring a level of humanness to the website and a greater appreciation of the work you all do,” she expressed sincerely.
“Wait, you said photos. Does that mean you have other photos of me?” he asked, surprised.
“I have photos of all your staff both as a group and individually,” she answered.
“Andrea, I appreciate that, and I’m sure the guys won’t complain about being featured, but I don’t really like being—”
“I just want to highlight your individual personalities and the heroes you become when you put on that suit and head out to save lives and property. You’re a part of that, Donny. Why don’t you want people to see what a good person you are?” she implored, looking into his sharp blue eyes staring back at her intently.
