“Hmm...”Salzy looked around.“Well, I’ve told you that things look like they need a major update.”
“And I’m working on that.I’ve decided to do a complete overhaul on the diner.I also think that I’m going to do this apartment and yours as well at some point.Don’t know when, but it only makes sense.It’s way past due, and it will only increase the property value.”
Salzy blinked a few times.“There’s Mr.Solan.I sometimes don’t even know who I’m talking to.Sometimes you’re like Ms.Mattie, then just you, and then your grandfather.It’s like you have three personalities sometimes.”
Jamie had to laugh.He held out his empty beer bottle.
“Yeah, yeah.I see how it is now.I’m just more hired help.”He stood taking the two empties.He paused.“You’re serious about renovating both apartments?”
“Yep.”
“I have a wish list.”Salzy smiled before going inside.
“Oh hell,” Jamie said, making sure it was loud enough for Salzy to hear.
When he had a fresh beer in hand, Jamie asked, “What’s on the list?”
Grinning like a loon, Salzy answered, “I’d like a hot tub.”
“Not gonna happen.”Jamie shifted in his seat and crossed his legs, then took a big slug of beer.“Maybe later we can think about a joint use one.But it won’t be anytime soon.”
“I could live with that.”Salzy took a drink.“What I do think is that you should extend this veranda and make a big deck.Get like a grill and some tables and chairs.Take advantage of the short winters.”He indicated the fields that would be full of wildflowers and wildlife come summer.“I mean, this view is great.”
Jamie looked out.The breeze was picking up now that the hottest part of the day had passed.“I’ve always liked being out here.”
“Ya know...”Salzy paused and then stood up.“You could make a super big deck that would connect the garage apartment and this one, and that’d give us covered parking underneath.Be like a big U-shape.”
Jamie stood up.“You have a great eye for things like that.I agree with you; it is a good idea.”
“And...there would be plenty of space for that hot tub!”
Jamie rolled his eyes.“We’ll see.First off, I need to get the diner redone.What do you think of the current menu?”
“Huh?”Salzy shook his head.“I don’t know.What do you mean?”
“How many things on that menu would you order?”
“Um...”Salzy thought for a bit.“Personally, I like the ham and egg platter.One of my favourites.For sure, the biscuits and gravy.Oh, and I do like your biscuits better.”He shook his head.“I’m sorry Ms.Mattie,” he said, looking skyward.“The meat loaf is okay, if not a little bland, and I’m not sure it should be on the menu every day.Maybe make it a special once a week?”
“Okay, okay.”Jamie stood.“Let’s go inside so I can write all this down.”He looked down at Salzy.“This is what I’m talking about.You just kinda know things.Fresh eyes.I don’t think that menu has changed much in over twenty years!”
