“Okay.I hope to have an answer for you about the hardware store by the time you’re done.”
Jamie set up his laptop on the old wooden table where he’d eaten many a meal, got out his cell phone, and called the hardware store.He was surprised when old man Hanson himself answered the phone.
“Hi, Mr.Hanson.”Jamie figured the man had to be close to his nineties by now.“I don’t know if you remember me or not, but this is Jamie...Puckett.”
“Of course, I remember you, Jamie.I’m old not senile as yet.Just don’t go asking any of my kin about that if you don’t mind.”He chuckled.“What can I do for ya?”
“I was wondering if my grandparents had an open account with you, is all?”
“Of course they do...well did.I did make it to the funeral but couldn’t stop by the diner.I don’t get around as well as I used to, I hope you’ll forgive me?”
“Please, Mr.Hanson, don’t worry about it.I understand.I hope you’ll come by the diner sometime so we can catch up.I’ll make sure to give you a good feed too.”
“Now, as far as I can tell, the account is paid in full and still open.You needin’ sumpthin’?”
“Yes, sir, I sure do.I’m going to have a short list.Is it okay if I send an employee over to pick some things up?He’ll have that list of what we’ll need.”
“Yep, I’ll make sure he gets whatever he needs.Just tell him to ask for Terry.She’s my great-granddaughter.She’ll take care of ’im.She’s about the only one here who doesn’t want to stick me in some nursing home.”
Jamie had to laugh.“Sure thing, Mr.Hanson.Just give the invoice to Salzy and I’ll make sure it’s taken care of.”
“Pfft.I wasn’t a bit worried, Jamie.Hope we can catch up soon.”
“Bye, Mr.Hanson.”
He’d just disconnected the call when Salzy knocked on the old screen door.
“Come on in, Salzy.”Jamie stood up.
Salzy had his notepad in hand.“I got a list for what I think it’s gonna take to get both sets of stairs all fixed up.I was thinking we might rent a good pressure washer.Will make things go a lot quicker.”
“See if we can’t just buy one from Hanson’s Hardware.”Jamie put his phone down next to his computer.“I just got off the phone, and we do have an account there.You’re to ask for Terry.Mr.Hanson said she’d hook you up.”
Salzy’s eyes opened wide.“Really?”
“Yeah, why?”
“Well...”Salzy thumped his pencil on his notepad.“She’s beautiful.”
Jamie sat down.“I see,” he grinned.“Got a bit of a crush thing going on?”
“Like she’d be interested in me.”Salzy rolled his eyes.“I’m going to have to borrow Mr.Solan’s truck for all this stuff.You okay with that?”
Jamie started to stand.“Of course, I’ll get the keys.”
Salzy motioned for him to sit down.“I know where they are.”
“Put all the supplies in the garage.”
“Um...that garage is going to be need a good cleaning out.About the only place to put all this is where the truck is parked now.”
“Then just park the truck next to my car.We’ll worry about cleaning out the garage later.”Jamie’s brow scrunched up.“Papaw used to keep that place spotless.What all’s in there?”
Salzy shook his head.“I think things just got away from him, is all.He had a hard time this past couple of years.Of course he wouldn’t let anyone help him.You know how he was.He was a proud man.”
Jamie nodded.“He was that.”
