“I know it is.And it will be for Jamie, too.But Mike, good luck and don’tfuckit up.”
“Did you honestly just quote Ru Paul?”
“Maybe I did, but I mean it.”
“How the hell am I supposed to get through this day and dinner tonight now?”Mike whined.“This is all I’m going to be thinking about.”
“One thing at a time, Mike.Focus on what you need to get done, but don’t forget to get me that name.Text it to me, please.I need to strike while the iron is hot!”
* * * * *
Joesph pulled Belindainto the parking lot of the hardware store, taking up two spaces, as he usually did.He was considerate enough to do it as far away from the front doors as possible, leaving the closer spaces for other customers.He thought there would be less of a chance of someone pushing a shopping buggy into her.
He pushed the store doors open.He closed his eyes for a moment and took a deep breath.Yep, it smells just like a hardware store should, not like those big box stores.Immediately, it reminded him of the time he went with his uncle to the local hardware store when he was a little kid.It was such a good day.They’d gotten what his uncle needed and then got ice cream.
“May I help you find something?”
When Joesph opened his eyes, he saw a young man with an apron on, his name tag saidAaron.
“Yes, please.I would like to speak to Ms.Terry Hanson, please.”
“Sure thing.”Aaron pulled a small walkie-talkie from his waistband.“Terry, you have a visitor.He’s near the front door.”
“Who is it?”Joesph could hear the tiny voice, clearly Terry’s.
“Joesph Collins,” Joesph volunteered before Aaron could ask.
“A Mr.Joesph Collins,” Aaron repeated into the small device.
“I’m on my way.”
Aaron smiled.“She’ll be here in a sec.”
“Thank you.”Joesph turned to look at the outdoor grills and other things that were on display, ramping up for the summer.
“Joesph,” Terry barrelled into him, giving him a big hug.“What a nice surprise.I want to thank you again for the other night.I had such a good time.”
“No need to thank me!”Joesph hugged her back.“I had nothing to do with it.I was a guest, just like you.”
“Anyway, it was fun.”
“It was.”
“Now, what can I help you with?”She asked.
“I hate to have to rely on you so much for information, but could you give me a referral to a good construction company, please.I really appreciate all the help you’ve given me so far.”
“It’s no bother at all.I like helping friends and neighbours.What kind of construction?”
“First off, I need a new building.One portion will be a showroom, then some offices, and a storage area.All up, I’m thinking about four thousand square feet.Then I’d like to have an upstairs apartment, kind of what Jamie has.”
Terry looked at him, her mouth slightly open.“You’re going to open up an interior design business, aren’t you?”
“I am.”Joesph smiled.“Can we keep this under wraps for a while?I don’t want to jinx it.”
“Of course.”Terry pantomimed zipping her lips shut.She stood there a moment, her eyes half shut, slightly squinting.“I think I have just the right guy for you.This is right up his alley.”
“That would be excellent.Thank you.”
