Total pages in book: 53
Estimated words: 49294 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 246(@200wpm)___ 197(@250wpm)___ 164(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 49294 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 246(@200wpm)___ 197(@250wpm)___ 164(@300wpm)
“We’ll see. I’m thinking he’s taken. A little girl is with him, and I heard them talk about her mom.” I shrug my shoulders.
“Still wouldn’t hurt, sugar,” Russel says as his hand holds Catherine’s hip.
“All one color, right?” She looks down at me.
“Yes, especially in this room. The other living areas I think we’ll stick with the cream color for walls and ceilings.” As much as I’d love a moodier color, I’m worried I’ll feel claustrophobic once all the furniture is in place.
“I agree. The other bedroom you could do something like this, if you want.” My room is the only one I splurged on, wanting to go with a different color from the soft cream, minus a yellow undertone, in order for it not to clash with the original wood throughout the house.
“Maybe. For now, I’d just do what needs to be done. I can always go back later.” Everyone agrees. I dive in to help them work, no matter what they say. Two people rolling and one cutting in will surely cut the time in half.
“I can go along with that,” Russel says, going about getting his roller that’s coated in paint. I follow his lead, doing the same minus the extension part. I’ll go low, he can do the higher parts, and Catherine can cut in the room. Our time is dwindling down, and I’d love nothing more than for them to get back to their hotel at an earlier time than last night. As for me, I’m going to start working on the rest of the place tonight. I’m still getting used to all the noises in the house, meaning sleep is not coming easily. I’d much rather work than spend my time in a bed tossing and turning. The last time I moved, it took me nearly a week to get adjusted. I really don’t want it to take that long this time around. Plus, in a few short days, I’ll be working an eight-to-five Monday-through-Friday job, and I’ll need my sleep to stay sharp as a tack.
I still don’t know what I was thinking.
New town.
New house.
New job.
“So, about the new neighbor. When will you introduce yourself?” Catherine asks when I’m nearly done rolling the bottom half of one wall. The only background noises are the soft rock and roll music coming from the radio and the whir of brushes and rolls.
“That didn’t take you long, honey,” Russell says while continuing painting.
“Smooth, Momma Catherine, very, very smooth.” I have to stop my painting as my shoulders quake with laughter.
“Well, when are you?” she questions again.
“Obviously not right now,” I answer.
“Why not? There’s no time like the present,” she offers.
“Well, there are a few reasons. One, I stink. Two, I’m painting. Three, there’s a little girl there, and while she may be his daughter or not, the last thing I want to do is interrupt their time together.”
“Makes sense to me. There’s always tomorrow, Lennie.” Russell nods, then returns to his task.
“Fine, fine. I won’t push.” The man and I snort at the same time. Catherine absolutely will, and if they come over tomorrow and I haven’t marched my booty next door, she’ll ask me why again. Then probably walk over there herself, dragging me along with her. Yep, I’ll have to head over tomorrow morning, for sure.
7
ASHER
“Thanks again. Next time you can take her for the night, she’s yours.” I help Kennedy and Briar into the car. Between my niece’s backpack, her new bracelet making kit, and the extras we picked up at the grocery store, they needed a hand. When I texted my sister earlier this afternoon offering for Briar to spend the night, she never got back to me. It’s a good thing I didn’t so much as peep a word to my niece, or a full-blown meltdown might have occurred. Kenny texted me as she got out of work, later than she hoped, saying they had a field trip tomorrow and she took the day off to chaperone.
“Never a problem hanging out with my girl. She’ll probably fall asleep on the ride home.” After her snack, homework, and then making five bracelets in the span of thirty minutes, Briar darted off to the spare bedroom she calls hers. She yelled through the house that it was time to swim. I meandered to my room, put my suit on, and then waited for her to make an appearance. I wouldn’t call what we did swimming; it’s more or less me throwing her in the water, Briar swimming back to me and demanding I do it again.
“You won’t find me complaining. Homework is done?” Kenny asks.
“Yes, I got off easy. Reading,” I reply.
“Ugh, lucky duck. That means the day after tomorrow will be spelling words and math.” She plops Briar in her booster seat and watches as she buckles herself in, like we all do. I open the driver’s side door and then wait to close it until Kenny is situated and starts the car.