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When Shelby got home, Nate’s truck wasn’t in the driveway yet. She used her key and unlocked the door, walking in to find Tricia still there. “I thought you’d be long gone!”
Tricia shrugged. “I was doing laundry and kind of lost myself. I did tablecloths and all kitchen towels.”
Shelby smiled. “You are the best!”
“I’ve got one last load in the dryer. Do you mind if I stay and finish it?”
“Do I mind if you do my laundry? No!”
Tricia laughed. “How long have you known Nate?”
“We were high school sweethearts,” she said. “We meant to go to the same college, but his dad got sick, and he was needed. So I moved away, and he stayed here, and we kind of drifted apart.”
Tricia frowned. “That’s sad. I’m glad you’re back together now.”
“I am too. I always saw myself with Nate.”
While Tricia folded the last load of laundry, she said, “A real estate agent brought someone through today, but they didn’t mind me being here. I asked.”
“Did they seem to like it?” Shelby asked. She was in love with the house and almost wished they didn’t need to sell it. But she understood the concept of flipping houses, and it made sense.”
Tricia nodded. “They did. The couple has three kids, and they like the idea of everyone getting their own room. The wife wanted to put down an offer right away, but the husband insisted they look at the rest of the houses on their list.”
“I hope they make an offer. I don’t know how long I can keep Nate from working on the next house, and he wants the money from this one to buy it.”
“That makes sense. Is there a lot of work to be done on the new one?”
Shelby shrugged. “Kind of looks like a heap of trash to me, but Nate’s whole face lit up. He said it was perfect, and it had good bones. Whatever that means.”
“We really need to get our husbands together. Jeff would love Nate.”
“He took pictures of this place before he fixed it up. I have no idea where said pictures live, but maybe we could have you guys over on Saturday for supper, and Nate could show off his skills.”
“He’d have a very willing audience in Jeff.”
“Let’s plan on that then. Nate will make something fantastic for dinner. I would cook, but I’m kind of limited to ramen and grilled cheese sandwiches. Nate has all the cooking skills.”
Tricia smiled. “Let me know what he’s making, and I’ll make something to go with it.”
“I can do that.”
Finishing folding the last towel, Tricia said, “I should head home. Jeff will be there soon, and he likes me to be home when he gets there.”
“Sounds good. I had no idea when Nate will be here. I have to guess he’s working late.”
“It is the busy season for construction.”
“I know. Doesn’t mean I don’t wish he was here,” Shelby said with a smile. “I’m a newlywed, and I think it’s my job to miss him or something.”
Tricia laughed. “We’ve been married for three years. I still miss him.”
“I guess I’m not insane then.”
“Not at all. Okay, I’m done. I’m going to put your laundry away and head home. Supper is in the oven. Just keep it on warm, and you’ll be happy with it.”
After Tricia was gone, Shelby peeked in the oven. Whatever it was, smelled delicious. When she saw it was enchiladas, she wanted to jump up and down with joy. Mexican food made the whole world go round, and she didn’t care who argued with her. They were wrong.
When she heard the front door open, Shelby rushed into the living room to greet Nate. She threw her arms around him and kissed him. “It feels like today took forever.”
