“Yes!” she shouts as she takes off running for the barn.
Shit. I should have had her change her clothes. Those are some of her good ones.
* * *
“So,Janine, how much will it cost to have you in once a week?”
She’s taken a walk around the entire house as well as the small cottage that we used to live in. “Well, I charge by the hour. I think it’ll take me quite a bit of time initially to get your home to a point where all I’d need to do is spend a few hours here every week. My usual rate is twenty per hour.”
I stare at her for a second as I calculate the cost of cleaning. I think she’s misinterpreting my expression.
“I work fast, Nash. I won’t try to gouge you.”
“No.” I hold up my palm. “I didn’t think you would. I think twenty dollars per hour is reasonable. I just want to be sure we’re on the same page about confidentiality.”
“I’d never say a word. Heck, I won’t even tell anyone I’m cleaning out here. Someone may see my car, I can’t do anything about that though.”
“True.” I nod. Her old van has her company logo on each side. “That all works. So, are you thinking Fridays?”
“Monday works best for me if that’s okay with you.”
“Perfect.”
“Great.” She smiles brightly. “See you Monday then.”
“Yep.” I walk her to the door and watch her hop into her van. People will definitely see her here. Nothing I can do about that.
18
Isabelle
Things have changedbetween Nash and me the last couple of weeks, ever since he and Andi had dinner with us at Mom and Dad’s. The change has been subtle, but it’s there. Our friendship, if you can call it that, no longer feels strained. It’s taken on the characteristics of a natural sort of comradery. I like it, but I’m not going to lie to you. I sort of enjoyed the tension. Especially when he stood so close, I could feel his warm breath on my cheek. Yeah, I loved that tension, but it wasn’t meant to be with Nashville. I’ll just embrace what I’ve got with him. What else can I do?
So, now I’m sitting at Nash’s clean and shiny dining table listening to Andi read like a pro while Nash makes us both a healthy snack. I decided not to use my folk’s house to work with Andi. Instead, I’m still taking her to their house on Tuesdays and Thursdays. She’s improved so much I’m afraid she won’t need me much longer. I say “I’m afraid” because it means my visits to the Watson house will come to an end and it saddens me. As for his “clean and shiny” house, it looks amazing. Janine has done a wonderful job getting his place cleaned up in a very short time. So much so, there’s not a speck of dust to be seen. She’s even cleaned the small carriage house just west of the main house. I know this because Andi took me on a tour one day after we were done with our lesson, explaining, “We lived here when I was a baby.” I knew they lived on the property, at least I’d heard that from Isaac.
I was curious why she’d brought me out to the house until she pointed to a spot in the living room and said, “This is a perfect spot for your dollhouse.” I wanted to giggle, but I didn’t because she looked so dang serious when she said it. I guess it was Andi’s way of asking me to live in the little house. I’m not going to lie; I was flattered. Only slightly though, because she just wants my dollhouse. I don’t blame her; it’s a beautiful dollhouse. My dad made it for me when I was six. I’d never part with it.
“Why don’t we go grab a pizza in town tonight?” Nash asks as he sets down a dish holding sliced apples, cheddar cheese, and crackers. My goodness, I feel like I’m at some sort of art gallery opening. I want to ask, “Where’s the wine?” But, technically, I’m working. Sure, it’s unpaid, but it’s still my job.
“Yay, pizza!” shouts Andi, using one little fist to punch the sky.
“Sure.” I nod as I bite into a tart green apple wedge. “Pizza is always good. But we’ll have to go to Emmetsville. I don’t think the diner is going to have pizza tonight.” I know they make it once per week, but Tuesday isn’t the day.
Nash nods. “Yeah, Emmetsville. I’ve wanted to try Pascal’s Pizzeria.”
“It’s good,” I say as I nibble on a piece of cheese.
Nash claps his hands. “Good, while you two do your thing here, I’m going to finish up a couple of things in the barn. We’ll go in an hour. Sound good?”
“Perfect.” I’d better text my mom and let her know I won’t be home for dinner. She’s getting used to my dinners out with Nash now since we’ve gone out three or four times in the last couple of weeks. Each time he mentions dinner out, Andi is so thrilled I wonder if they ever ate dinner out before now.
Me:Going out for Pizza with Nash and Andi.
Mom:Again?
Me:Yes. I guess he doesn’t want to cook.
Mom:You should cook for him.
