“Do you issue library cards to your patrons? And charge late fees?”
“No, I believe in the honor system.” There was a noise upstairs, and she paused to listen. “Sounds like Laurel is calling for me. I better go see.”
“Mind bringing her the tape measure while I finish my coffee?” He fished it from his pocket and held it out to her.
“Not at all.” She took the item from his hand, then gestured toward the room. “Feel free to make yourself at home in here.” Then, taking her coffee and the tape measure with her, she climbed the stairs. But as she went, her mind was preoccupied with Marcus. He seemed like a very nice man. And if she was interested in a relationship—which she was not—he might’ve been a good candidate. But Riva had decided years ago, right after Paul first got ill, she was a one-man woman. She would never marry again. Just the same, Marcus seemed like a good guy. And he was a handyman too!
Chapter5
Riva discovered Laurel sitting on the bare mattress of the ensuite room with a thoughtful expression on her face. “So, what do you think?” Riva asked her, setting the measuring tape on the bed.
“Ilikeit.” Laurel stood, went over to the window, and pushed back the filmy curtains. “I like how the light comes through the trees up here. And there’s a nice view of your yard too.”
Riva looked from this vantage point. “My yard does look better from a distance. I’m afraid I let it go.”
“Windy likes yard work,” Laurel said.
“Feel free to replace those curtains.” Riva felt the thin fabric. “They’ve been here for ages. They’re probably about to fall apart.”
“I think I’ll try to gently wash them first. I like how the light filters through. My horrid little apartment has tiny windows that look across a grungy alley and directly at a solid brick wall. Very uninspiring.” She turned around.
“Sounds pretty dismal.” Riva sat on the edge of the bed, waiting.
“You can’t imagine. So anyway, I’m making a plan now. I’d like to paint the room a very pale blue if that’s okay with you. It sounds cool and peaceful to me.”
“I think this room would look lovely in pale blue. This peachy color was Kenzie’s idea. I’ve never been a fan. I think it clashes with the wood floors.”
Laurel nodded. “Would you mind if I switched out your king bed for my full? It’d give me a lot more room for my favorite chair and ottoman right here.”
“That’s fine. Although I don’t know where to put this huge bed. Unless Windy would like it in the attic. The other rooms on this floor already have queen beds.”
“Windy might like it. But she’s also offered us the extra space in her storage unit. I don’t want to cram all my stuff into this room, so I’ll probably take her up on it, or else I’ll just donate it. It’s mostly a lot of junk that I won’t even miss. I’m sure we can find a place for this bed to go too.”
“I really don’t care what you do with it. Or with anything else in here. That dresser and bedside table can go. I just hope you and Windy do whatever works best for you. Make these spaces your own.”
Laurel peered curiously at her. “You’re absolutely certain you want to do this, Riva? No second thoughts?”
“Well, knowing me, I’ll probably have second thoughts, but I’m okay.” She stood and looked at the room that hadn’t been used for a long time. In a way, it was sad. She tried to imagine it with color and life and furnishings. “My mind is made up, Laurel. I want to do this. And like I was just telling Marcus, I will probably look to rent the other two rooms up here too. But no hurries. I want to get the right women. So if you have any suggestions, I’m open. Windy seems a great fit.”
Laurel came over to hug Riva. “Thank you so much for being open to this, sweetie. You have no idea what a godsend this is to me. That awful apartment was seriously depressing. The manager is lazy and negligent, and the rate increase made me want to pull my hair out. Coming to your house will feel like a new lease on life, a breath of fresh air. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” As Riva backed away from the hug, she noticed Laurel’s misty eyes. And Laurel was not a crier. Riva extended her arms and hugged her old friend again, with more enthusiasm this time. Laurel always seemed like the strong one, but underneath it all, this tough talking woman had a big soft heart. “Welcome to my home, Laurel. I probably should’ve done this a year ago.”
“No, sweetie, you were still getting over Paul. It was a necessary season. No looking back.”
“You’re right.” Riva firmly nodded. “It was a necessary season.” But just like weather, she knew that seasons eventually changed ... when the time was right. Apparently the time was right, and this was the beginning of a new season.
“Marcus offered to help us with painting and moving,” Laurel said, grabbing the tape measure as she bent down to measure a wall. “He’s very handy.”
“That’s nice. He seems like a good guy.”
Laurel let the tape snap back into place as she stood. “He is a good guy,” she confirmed. “And a bachelor too.” Her brows arched. “According to Windy he’s not even involved with anyone.”
“Uh-huh.” Riva kicked a dust bunny out of a corner. “These wood floors probably need a good scrubbing.”
“I’ve been hinting around with Marcus.”
Riva felt her brows arch. “Hinting around?” Hopefully Laurel wasn’t about to play matchmaker with her. “About what?”
