“Nope, it’s an unknown number,” Teagan replied. “If it was trash ass Shawn, you would have known, ’cause he’d be already hung up on.”
“Whatever. Gimme the phone.” I rolled my eyes as I snatched it out of her hand. I didn’t have the mental capacity right now to entertain her disdain for Shawn.
“Here!” She winked as she backed out of the doorway. “And put your sexy voice on. Your morning voice isn’t it.”
“Bye!” I dismissed her annoying ass and pressed the phone to my ear. “Hello? This is Noa.”
“Good morning.” The voice that greeted me was low, deep, sexy even, and instantly familiar. I straightened as much as my body would allow, excited about whoever was on the other end. “This is JaQuade from Northside Rebuild. I’m giving you a call this time instead of popping up unannounced again.” He chuckled as I stared into space.Quae Lo,the man who’d been on my mind as I closed my eyes last night.
“Wow, a phone call. I won’t lie; I expected more banging.” I finally spoke.
“Nah, figured I’d try the civilized route this time. I just wanted to let you know you’re accepted into the program.”
“Wait. What?” I was surprised. “That quick?”
“Yeah, I saw all we needed to see, and I have the green light to move forward.”
My mouth opened, then closed. A bittersweet feeling quickly washed over me. “You serious?”
“Dead ass.” He paused. “I’m the lead on your job, so I’ll be back by later today, if that works for you. I want to hit the ground running, take some actual measurements, go over some layout ideas with you, and stuff.”
I should’ve said thank you, but the words got stuck, and my mind was already racing ahead. I was finally going to get a livable house.
“I-I don’t know what to say,” I stuttered.
“Say you’re available today for me to stop by.”
Something about his words had my cheeks turning red.
“Yes, um... Sure, I’ll be here all day. Just make sure, you know, with some sense this time.”
“You threatenin’ me already?”
“I’m warning you. I don’t want to use my pepper spray. There’s a difference.”
“Warning received. I’ll see you later, Noa.”
“Okay, um, thank you!”
“Just doing my job.” He hung up first, and I sat there for a second, staring at the phone. I never thought in a million years I would get in.
“Mhm, and who was that?” Teagan popped her head back in the doorway with a stupid smirk stretching across her face.
“That was Northside Rebuild. I got in!”
“Wait, you got in? Like for real?” Teagan’s eyes widened.
“Yes!” I squealed. “The contractor’s coming by later to walk through and take measurements.”
“Oh my God! Noa, this is huge. I’m so happy.” She charged me, leaning over to hug me.
“I know… I don’t know how to feel yet,” I admitted.
“Feel grateful. This is a blessing.” She stood up and stared at me. This was a blessing, and I was grateful, but I guess I was scared too. “Oh, and thank your little sister for always knowing what’s best for you.”
“Thanks, Tea. This definitely wouldn’t be happening without you.”
“I know,” she boasted. “Now, let’s get you ready. If he looks half as good as he sounds, you’d better put on something cute and brush them edges, Sis.”
