"This part is quick.We're just tearing things out and trying not to create any damage to the existing structure.I still need to get behind the walls and check the pipes."
She winced."That's the part I'm worried about."
"Don't forget.I estimated plumbing fixes into the original numbers.I overestimated, so if there aren't any problems, we'll come in under budget."
She smiled."I love the sound of under budget.But I want to do this right.I don't want to cover up something that could be a bigger problem tomorrow."
"That's my motto," I said as we headed down the stairs.
Toward the main level, we ran into more guests, and Natasha greeted each one.She was a natural with people, warm and welcoming.
We paused by the counter where Aspen was working."Going home for the night?"
Natasha cleared her throat."Actually, we're headed over to town hall for the toy drive kickoff."
Aspen nodded."I wish I could go."
"I'll be representing the Sterlings," I said, wondering if she'd think anything was weird about me going to the event.
Aspen smiled at me."It's such a great event.I'll pick up some toys this weekend and drop them off."
"That's so generous of you," Natasha said graciously.
I don't know how anyone could come here and not think these women were doing good things, even if the inn itself was a little dated.Hopefully, the service more than made up for it.
"You can tell the guests that there will be refreshments if they want to stop by."
"Will do, boss," Aspen said with a smile, and when Natasha continued walking out the doors, Aspen said to me, "What's going on between you two?"
I gave her a warning look."It's just business."
A smile played on her lips."Sure it is."
Apparently, she wasn't impressed by my glower."Don't go making it something it's not.I just happened to be closing things up, and she asked me to go.It wasn't something I could say no to, and I wouldn't want to."
She smiled wider."Of course not."
Natasha was waiting for me, so I said, "Stay out of trouble."
"I could say the same to you," she called as I walked outside.I hunched my shoulders against the cold.I never wore a jacket to work because I usually overheated on demo days.I hadn't planned on going anywhere after work, so I didn't even have anything in my truck.
Natasha raised a brow when I approached."Everything okay with Aspen?"
"She's irritating.Typical annoying sister stuff."
She smiled."My sister can get that way, especially if I'm interested in someone.Or I should say, she thinks that I'm into someone."
I hadn't seen anyone hanging around the hotel, waiting to talk to her, but I didn't spend much time in the main areas of the inn."Are you?"I cleared my throat."Into someone?"
Her smile faded."I was dating someone when my parents died, and I don't think he was prepared for it.He quietly faded into the background, eventually saying we should take a break, and I've been too busy since to even think about dating."
I should have been pissed that her boyfriend didn't stick by her side when she needed him.Instead, I was relieved."He sounds like a jerk."
" I was overwhelmed with all the decisions that had to be made, and I couldn’t deal with him demanding more of me."
"You shouldn't have to handle him.He should be there, giving you whatever you need to make your life easier."
Her startled gaze met mine."We weren't that serious."
