“Are you kidding?” Windy beamed. “I’m happy to do the work. I definitely want that room, Riva. I just didn’t want to pressure you. I hope you didn’t feel pressured.”
“Not by you,” Riva said.
“By me then?” Laurel asked with a furrowed brow.
“No.” Riva smiled. “By God. He’s been gently twisting my arm. And that storm last night really sealed the deal.”
They all laughed and then Windy grabbed her brother’s hand. “Come up and see my new room with me. You can help me get it ready.”
“I knew there was a catch when baby sister offered to take me to coffee.” He winked at Riva.
“Marcus is a very handy handyman.” Windy tugged her brother up from his chair. “Come on, Mr. Handy Mandy, I want your opinion on a couple of things.”
After they left, Laurel turned to Riva. “So, you’re taking in your first boarder?” Her lower lip jutted out. “Does that leave me out in the cold?”
Riva nonchalantly sipped her coffee. “How about my upstairs ensuite?”
“Seriously?” Laurel’s whole face lit up. “You mean it?”
“If you want that room, it’s yours.” Riva smiled, then further confessed how scared and lonely she’d felt last night. “It really did help me make up my mind.”
“It was a disturbing storm.”
“Strange how you feel more alone in times like that.” She looked around the sunlit room. “But to be honest, in the light of day, I wasn’t so sure. Until just now ... when I took a moment to pray.”
“And what you said about God was true? Was he really twisting your arm?”
“I’ve got a real peace about this so I’m convinced he has something to do with it.” Riva could see the eagerness in Laurel’s eyes. “Go on up to check out the ensuite. Who knows, that room might not measure up to your memory of it. You can still change your mind.”
“I doubt I’d change my mind, but I do want to look.” She stood.
“I think everything on the second floor could use new paint. The kids’ rooms are pretty atrocious-looking from where posters and things were hung. But I’m thinking I should leave the color choices up to the tenants.” She considered this. “Within reason and with owner approval, of course. I don’t really want to see any chartreuse or magenta or fire engine red.”
“Ugh, no worries. I’m pretty conservative. Off-white, probably. Or at the most, a pastel shade.” She beamed at Riva. “This is exciting.”
Riva simply nodded as Laurel made her exit, but as she gathered up the coffee mugs, she wondered about this move. Sure, it was exciting, but it was also unnerving. She’d just opened the doors of her quiet home. She knew it was right but hoped she wouldn’t be sorry.
She was wiping down countertops when she heard Marcus call to her. “I’m in the kitchen,” she yelled back.
“There you are.” He joined her, leaning against the island. “Laurel wants to know if you have a tape measure she can borrow.”
Riva opened her junk drawer, then dug around a bit until she found one. “There you go.”
He pocketed it. “The two of them are already making plans to swap a few pieces of furniture, and Windy offered to share her storage unit with Laurel.” He looked rather intently at her. “Your house is going to become lots busier, Riva. Are you sure you’re up for that?”
“I’m not sure. It’s a lot to wrap my head around, but I think it’s the right choice. And if it allows me to stay in my home, well, then it’ll be worth it.”
“I noticed you have two other good-size rooms up there. Will you be letting those out too?”
She peered curiously at him. “Are you asking for yourself?”
“No.” He laughed. “I’m happy in my condo for now.”
“Oh, good. Because I only plan to rent to women.” She closed the junk drawer.
“That’s a wise plan. Do you have rental contracts?”
“Contracts?” She frowned. “Laurel is a friend ... and Windy is your sister. Do you really think I need contracts?”
