“Any updates in the bathrooms?” he asked.
“I know the tile and fixtures are old-fashioned, but they’re handsome and seem to work. For now, I think we just lighten the rooms with paint.”
She led him back down, wrapping up the tour.
“How about the exterior?” he asked as they went outside.
“Well, I’m not sure,” she confessed. “I do think the trim could use some paint. It looks like it’s crackling in spots.” As they went around the perimeter of the house, Cliff tested the bricks and a few other things, finally deciding that the wood trim was probably the only thing that really needed help right now. Willow expressed relief, admitting that George would probably be overwhelmed when he saw the bid.
“We’ll just stick to the basics,” he assured her. “I can probably get back to you in a couple of days.” He smiled. “Want me to drop it by your gallery?”
“Thank you.” She shook his hand again. “Any idea of when you can start?”
He scratched his head. “Well, if I thought the place was going to get really fixed up—I’d probably ask you about putting it in the Tour of Homes. That’s the second week of August. It’d be amazing to have a house like this on the tour.”
Willow was surprised. “You could have it done that soon?”
“Well, you’re not doing a whole lot here. I could probably move some things around in my schedule—I mean if we were going to include this on the tour. But the place would have to be really fixed up.”
“What do you mean byreally fixed up?”
“You know, like a showplace. Furnishings and everything. I’ve never had a house of this caliber on the tour before. And I’d gladly pull out all the stops just to have my name on it.”
“What if I got it all staged and looking great?” Willow asked. “I could bring in art from my gallery, save back some interesting furnishings. And maybe a few other tricks to make it sparkle and shine.”
“Well, if you can do that, I’ll put it into full gear to getit done on time.” He frowned. “As long as my cabinet guy comes through. You better go talk to him ASAP.” He pulled a business card from his wallet and handed it to her. “If Ross knows it’s the Rockwell Mansion, and that it would be on the tour, he might make it happen.”
“This is exciting,” she told him. “I’ll do my best ... if you will.”
“And if you folks are considering selling this place, it’d be a great opportunity to show it off.” He nodded toward the yard. “But the outdoor space should be spiffed up some too.”
Willow promised to discuss it with George, and Cliff promised to get back to her within twenty-four hours. This was all going much faster than she’d anticipated. But it would be worth the effort. The question was, how would George react? As she dialed George’s phone number, she prepared her speech.
It took a few minutes to convey the information, but to her relief—as well as her concern—George still sounded rather detached from the whole thing. “I trust you, Willow. Whatever it takes to get it fixed up and ready to sell. That’s fine. I appreciate the help.”
“But it might take more than the estate-sale money to cover the expenses. I don’t have the bid yet. I asked him to keep it minimal.”
“I have the funds needed for renovations,” he assured her in a somewhat flat tone. “And I want to pay you for your time too, Willow. This isn’t charity.”
“I understand, but I’m actually enjoying this, George. And I agree with the contractor—it’d be fun to have your house on the Tour of Homes. And it could help if you decide to sell it.”
“Well, I suppose that’s a prudent plan. The house has sat idle for too long. As you mentioned, it’s beensad.”
Willow felt a bit guilty. She had called it sad. And now it appeared George was sad too. “How are you doing?” she asked quietly.
“I, uh, I’m not sure.”
“I suppose you haven’t heard back from the doctor yet?”
“No, nothing yet. He said the end of the week.”
“Well, don’t worry about your house, George. It’s getting the best help possible. I think you’re going to be impressed.”
“Yes ... I’m sure.”
She talked a bit longer, but George sounded tired ... or bored ... or maybe just plain sick. She told him to take it easy, then hung up. Poor George.
twenty-six
