“All the way in the back by the door,” she says and starts to walk off.
I follow her through the barn, noting the outlets, appliances, and cords running on the walls. I also notice the knob-and-tubewiring. That alone is a problem. Not only is that a fire hazard but knob-and-tube can’t handle modern appliances. More than likely her circuit is overloaded but I need to check the breaker and the outlets to be sure.
When we reach the breaker box, I grab the flashlight resting on top, then open the box. At first glance, I confirm what I suspect. The actual panel is rusted and there’s a slight burnt smell.
“Come here,” I tell her and she steps closer. “Do you smell that?”
After leaning and inhaling, she sighs then says, “Yes. It’s bad, huh?”
“Not good. And you see this rust? This breaker is old and so is your wiring. “When was the last time any of this was replaced?”
“Replaced? Ugh, never. I’m thinking. My dad had someone work on it a while ago but nothing has been replaced. God, I knew it was bad.” She sighs as her shoulders deflate then she steps back. She crosses her arms and looks at me intently. “How much?” she asks and her pretty face looks sad as fuck.
“It’s not the expense but the amount of time,” I say, trying to comfort her. Then I close the box. “Let me show you something.” She follows me as I walk toward the freezer. After pulling it from the wall, I show her the outlet and the wires. “A lot of older barns have this knob-and-tube wiring. It works, but not with appliances like this. You need NM-B wiring,” I say, then quickly explain when I see the confused look on her face. “A non-metallic cable with insulated copper wires. I can switch it all out, install a new breaker, and rewire this whole thing. It’ll take a minute though but it’s doable and not too much.”
“How long you think?”
“About four to five days.”
“Four to five days is a lot. That has to be expensive.”
“I’m volunteering my services. I owe you, remember?”
“Some broken jam jars definitely don’t equal rewiring. I wouldn’t even feel right not paying you. Besides, doing this while working all day at The Phoxes Den is going to be too much,” she says.
“Nah, it won’t. I originally came here to work at The Phoxes Den but I was too late. I got stuck in bad weather in Missouri and my trip was delayed. By the time I got here this morning, all the spots were taken. I might be able to get on at the Circle Bar G next week, but for right now, I’m open. I’m all yours.”
“But if you’re not there, where are you staying? This time of year, everywhere is booked.”
“I was going to look for a room until something opened up,” I admit.
“I’m almost positive it’s full but I may have a solution since you won’t let me pay you. Come on. Let me show you something,” she says and she starts toward the barn door. I follow her and we walk back toward the main house. “It’s small but it has everything,” she says as we approach the stairs. “Before I was old enough to help on the ranch, my dad would get seasonal help. They stayed up here. I use it for storage now but it has everything you need, except a kitchen.”
She heads up the stairs and I follow, enjoying the view. When she reaches the door, she puts in the code on the lock, unlocks it, then twists the knob to open. She walks in a few steps then turns on the light.
The attic has been converted into a small apartment. Under the wooden frames and insulated walls are a full-size bed, a small dresser, a desk with a chair, and a table with a small microwave on top and a mini fridge under the table.
“There’s a little bathroom back there,” she says, pointing. “There’s a small shower inside. As you can see, all of my Christmas decorations are in this corner. It’s not too big and it’s a little dusty up here, but I think it’ll do. I love the skylight. It’smy favorite. You can see the stars at night. You’re welcome to stay if you like. It’s the least I can do.”
“Shit, it’s perfect,” I admit, taking it all in and meaning every word. I’m on a beautiful ranch. I can sleep under the stars and I can be near her. “Are you sure?”
“I’m sure. You look harmless. Besides, the entry to the house is blocked and I have an entire rifle collection. This cowgirl can hunt and my aim is impeccable,” she says with a slight grin but I believe every word.
“You don’t have to worry about me,” I assure her.
“Then we’re good.”
“Well, let me leave you to settle into your space. It’s getting late and I get up early. We can look at the barn again and talk about this wiring when the sun comes up.”
She walks toward the door, and when she passes me, I grab her hand. She stops and looks back at me.
“Thank you for real.”
“Of course.” She flashes me a smile then removes my hat from her head. She places it back on my head. “Get some sleep, cowboy,” she says before walking out of the doorand damn.
She is truly perfection.
Chapter 6
