“Mexican chopped salad.” Windy cut an avocado in half.
“Looks yummy.” Riva filled two tumblers with ice.
“It’s really cool and refreshing on a hot day. You can eat it like salsa with tortilla chips or like a salad. I’m serving it with grilled halibut tonight.”
“Oh, Windy, it sounds delicious, but you’re spoiling us.” Riva filled the glasses. “We really should be taking turns cooking.”
“That’s what Laurel was just telling me so I sent her out front to weed.” Windy grinned as she peeled the avocado. “Seems like a fair trade to me.”
Riva held up the glasses. “That’s where I’m headed, to help her.”
“See, we’re all pulling our weight.” She wrinkled her nose. “Well, for the most part.”
Riva paused before saying, “Meaning Fiona and Kitty aren’t doing their share?”
“Well, I get that they both work. Fiona’s music takes some time too. And to be fair, Fiona is stepping up. She’s brought home groceries and helped me in the kitchen.”
“But Kitty?”
Windy shrugged. “Well, I hate to sound like a tattletale, but Fiona hinted that Kitty is not too tidy.”
“Not too tidy in what way?” Riva took a sip of ice water.
“Well, for example, the bathroom Kitty, Fiona, and I share. I didn’t realize that Fiona has been cleaning up after Kitty every morning. But she decided to skip it yesterday and today, so I have seen what a mess it’s been. Since Laurel is in charge of the chore roster, I thought about mentioning it to her, but there’s already bad blood between those two.”
Riva nodded, biting her lip. “Right. Let’s not rock that boat if we don’t need to.”
“So I have a suggestion, if you agree.”
“What?”
“How about if Fiona uses the bathroom down here to get ready for work. I know she’ll keep it clean in case you need it for company or whatever. But since she goes to work early and doesn’t always have time to clean up after Kitty, well, it might simplify her life. And then she can shower upstairs in the evening. Fortunately, she likes to shower before bed.”
“I love that idea, but that doesn’t solve the problem of Kitty’s untidiness.”
“That’s true,” Windy said. “But I don’t mind calling Kitty on it. And if it’s mostly just her and me using that bathroom, it’ll be easier to make her toe the line.”
“And if she doesn’t comply?”
Windy sighed. “Then I suppose the house mother will have to chime in.”
Riva cringed inwardly. Confrontation had never been her strong suit.
“But let’s just hope things get better.” Windy squeezed some lime juice onto her chopped veggies.
“Thank you for all you do here.” Riva put a hand on her shoulder. “You’re a natural peacemaker.”
Windy sighed again. “Well, I’m not sure you realize what a godsend you’ve been to me by letting me live here.”
“That’s what you keep telling me. You know, that godsend thing works both ways. I love having you here, Windy.” Of course, Riva wasn’t sure she loved having all her other housemates.
Windy rinsed a knife. “I never told you about my dark night of the soul.”
“What do you mean?” Riva took another sip of her water.
“Well, it was just a couple days before I met you at the grief group. I’d given notice for my apartment but knew I had no place to go. Anyway, I’ve been volunteering at the houseless shelter for a couple of years now, cooking dinner for them once every other week.”
“Even this time of year?”
