I raised an eyebrow, but before I could say anything, Eileen showed up right behind him, holding a tin. “I brought a little something for after the inspection,” she said, beaming. “Thought you could use the sugar boost.” She lifted the lid slightly, revealing a few dozen cookies. “Chocolate chip.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle at the timing. “Y’all just ‘happened’ to stop by, huh?”
Richard rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. “Moral support, Joyce. You know we’ve got your back.”
Anya watched the scene unfold, her clipboard lowered now and a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. “You’ve got quite the team here, Ms. Hicks,” she said.
I nodded, glancing around at Gabriella, Richard, and Eileen.“Thank you both for coming,” I said softly, realizing just how much that meant.
The three of them followed Anya and me toward the kitchen, and that’s when the real show began. Richard, Eileen, and Gabriella were practically breathing down Anya’s neck, making comments as she moved from room to room.
“Look at that caulking job!” Richard said, a little too enthusiastically, pointing to the kitchen windows. “Sealed tighter than a drum.”
Eileen chimed in, leaning over to inspect the same window. “And don’t you just love how smooth the plumbing work is now? That’s craftsmanship!”
Gabriella gave a knowing smile but didn’t say a word, just watched the show unfold.
I caught Anya’s eyes for a split second, and there it was—the tiniest smirk tugging at her lips. She knew exactly what was going on but wasn’t about to ruin it. Her professional demeanor stayed intact, but I could tell she was amused.All right, all right,I thought.Maybe we’re overdoing it just a bit.
Anya finished her inspection of the last room and straightened up, her pen hovering over her clipboard as she prepared to give her final assessment.
Just as she opened her mouth to speak, there was another knock at the door.
“Oh, Lord,” I muttered under my breath. “Who now?”
It was Wardell and Christine, stepping inside like they’d been invited to a cookout. “Hey there!” Wardell boomed, his eyes immediately taking in the scene. “Saw all the cars in the lot and figured there must be a party goin’ on!”
Anya raised an eyebrow but stayed silent, watching as Wardellsurveyed the room like he didn’t know exactly what was happening. “Well, don’t this place look mighty fine!” he said, nodding approvingly. “Who’s this?” he asked, gesturing toward Anya like he hadn’t a clue.
Anya, keeping her composure, said, “My name is Anya. And I agree with you. It looks like several construction pros came through here for these repairs, great and small.”
Wardell puffed out his chest and couldn’t help but grin. “Well, you know… We do what we can,” he said, obviously pleased with himself.
Christine rolled her eyes and gave him a playful slap on the arm.
“Christine, Wardell,” I interjected, trying to steer the moment back to the main event, “Anya was just about to let us know her final thoughts.”
“Well,” Anya began, glancing over her notes, her eyes scanning the room one last time. “Everything seems to be in order. The repairs are solid, the plumbing is fixed, and the windows are sealed properly. I’m happy to say that your house has passed inspection, Ms. Hicks.”
A wave of relief washed over me, my knees nearly buckling from the release of tension. I’d been holding my breath for so long, I wasn’t even sure I remembered how to exhale. Applause and a few hoots ensued right there in my living room.
“Thank you, Anya,” I managed to say, my voice clogged with emotion.
“Take the wheel!” Eileen hollered to the ceiling. Clearly, she was fully healed from all sickness and disease.
She quickly covered her lips and told Anya, “It’s an inside thing.”
Anya nodded, her eyes softening. “You all have done a great job here.” She faced me now. “And it’s clear you’ve got people around you who care. That’s just as important as the repairs.” She took a bite of her cookie.
Gabriella let out a cheer, rushing over to hug me tightly. “I told you we had this!”
Richard clapped me on the back, grinning from ear to ear. “And I told you not to worry, Joyce.”
Even Eileen looked like she was about to tear up, and I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed by the love and support that filled the room.
Anya gathered her things and made her way to the door. “Good luck with everything, Ms. Hicks. You’ve earned it. I’ll send confirmation of the closed case in an email later today.” She turned to Christine. “And thanks for the cookie. It’s delicious.”
“Any time, sweetheart. But not at my house, you hear?” Christine warned.
