“Tilly, that’s less than what we agreed.” Great. Now Erin felt as if she were taking advantage of an old lady.
“Look, your unit needs a lot of work. You cleaned it. You also cook for me and clean, though your dusting needs some work.”
Erin rolled her eyes. She left the unit spotless, and Tilly knew it.
“And you don’t mind helping with other stuff. You have my offer. Take it or leave it.”
Erin didn’t trust the militant look in Tilly’s eyes, so she shrugged and gratefully took the gift for what it was. “Fine. But if you go broke because you’re undercharging people, I expect to be the first one you kick out.”
“The very first. My foot on your tiny ass as I shove you out the door.”
“Thanks, so much.”
Tilly snickered. Today she wore a pretty blue blouse and jeans over white orthopedic shoes.
“I thought Smith was supposed to be handling this,” Erin said. She knew Brad had been notified, but Smith typically handled maintenance issues, even the ones subcontracted out.
“He was, but he’s coming in half an hour when he can get away. He thought it would be sooner, but he said someone was out sick this morning and he had to fill in on a job farther away.”
He hadn’t told Erin any of that, but then, why would he? She was supposed to be working in her place. She had to be careful not to fall behind. She had two new articles to edit, one on almonds and another on fire prevention. And she was way past due to film something new for her cooking channel.
Two men appeared in the open doorway to the apartment. Both extremely handsome, wearing jeans and white McSons Plumbing shirts, they came with a toolkit, friendly smiles, and a lot of muscle. Erin now understood why Tilly had been so keen on having these particular plumbers solve her problems.
“Hi. Mrs. Cartwright?”
Tilly moved faster than Erin had ever seen her, flying toward the plumbers and barely using her cane. “I’m Tilly Cartwright.
“I’m Brody Singer.” The sandy-haired man with the killer grin notched a thumb at his companion. “This is Flynn McCauley, my talented employee.”
The dark-haired man glared at him. “He means partner.” Then he turned on the charm and had Tilly laughing and flirting in seconds.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” Tilly cooed.
Erin just stared at her landlady, in awe of Flynn’s power.
“And you are?” Brody asked, friendly but not too friendly. She noted he and Flynn wore wedding rings, and she appreciated him being more professional with her. The guys couldn’t have been too much older than Erin. She imagined they dida lotof business through referrals, no doubt from the single lonely-hearts of Seattle.
“I’m Erin.” She shook their hands. “I’m with Tilly. She’s the boss. I’m just here to do what she says.”
The guys grinned. “Sounds good. Now Tilly,” Flynn said. “The guy who called said something about the shower not heating up?”
“Yes. Follow me.” Flynn followed her while Brody remained behind.
He asked her, “I don’t suppose you know where the hot water heater is in the building.”
“Sorry, no.”
Brody shrugged. “No problem. Tilly mentioned Smith Ramsey, our point of contact, should be arriving soon.”
She nodded. “Smith does all the handyman work around the place.” She started to say more when she saw a cat sitting on the kitchen counter. “Um…”
Brody followed her gaze. “Hey, kitty.”
It allowed itself to be held and petted while Flynn and Tilly spoke in the bathroom. Tilly kept laughing at whatever Flynn said.
“Erin.” Brody motioned her over.
She joined him near the cat and petted it until it drew back a paw. Man, she did not seem to have luck with felines. “What?”
