She named a figure. “For labor and materials. Stock comes from a different budget. I can increase it a bit. If we use those shelves, I won’t have to purchase as many shelves elsewhere.” Saving money would be fabulous. She had a never-ending list of things she could use it for.
“I think I can work within your limit. What about storage? Will you need extra?”
Her elation deflated. “I hadn’t considered that. There isn’t much storage next door at all.”
“I suggest this.” He sketched the wall shelving. “Beneath these, we put in narrow cabinets. We can buy pre-made cabinet boxes and I’ll make the doors. We can alter solid doors with glass ones. It’ll serve double duty as storage and display shelving.”
Excitement surged again. Why wasn’t Jesse run off his feet with business? He had great design instincts and easily picked her ideas up and improved on them. “You’re good at this.”
“Thank you. I think we have enough to get started. I have the information I need and if I have questions, I know where to find you. I’ll go get the supplies for the dust frame. I’ll be back in half an hour.”
“Do you need cash? Do I need to come with you and set up an account?” She broached the touchy subject head on, but carefully.
“I think I can swing it. I’ll let you know when I need money. Okay?”
It didn’t sit right to let him pay up front. There had to be a way. “What if I give you a deposit on the work? Isn’t that standard?”
“Depends on the client. But if it makes you feel more comfortable, I’ll take a cheque.”
“Perfect. I’ll have it ready when you get back. I’ll order pizza for dinner. do you have a preference?” She asked, recalling her promise to feed him.
“I’ll eat anything. Order what you like.”
Jesse left and she locked up the expansion. She couldn’t wait to be able to walk through from one side to the other without going outside. By the time he returned, the pizza had arrived and she had Christmas music playing softly in the background.
“Christmas music already?” He grumbled.
“You better believe it. I’m just getting into the spirit of things. Do you want me to turn it off?” For a moment, she thought he might ask her to shut it off. In the end, he just shrugged.
“Naw, it’s okay.”
“Are you going to have to fasten the barrier to the wall? She asked as they sat in the office eating pizza and sipping sodas.
“It’s big, but I’ve purchased enough lumber to make it freestanding. It’ll stay, unless someone hits it hard. It’s our best option to reduce holes we’d have to fill later.”
“I’ll put a couple of those sturdy shelves against it for security against accidental contact.”
“That’ll help. Good thinking.” They bumped sodas together in a celebratory toast. “Let’s get started.”
Following his instructions, she helped him measure the space and held lengths of two by fours while he nailed them together. He did the cutting on a portable saw outside to keep the dust inside down. The constant opening and closing of the back door dropped the store’s temperature until Hailey had to double up her sweater for warmth. Jesse moved quickly, seemingly oblivious to the cold in his long-sleeved cotton work shirt. His muscles bulged as he carried wood and drove nails home with his hammer. He worked steadily without tiring. She was exhausted, but kept going because he did.
Serena had long since closed up and gone home before the sturdy frame was complete.
“I’m going to need you to stand behind the frame and brace it while I cover it with poly. It shouldn’t move, but we want to be certain.” A quick trip outside and he was back with a roll of thick plastic and a fancy stapler he used with a hammering motion.
The music shut off abruptly.
“What is the meaning of this?” Her mother’s voice cut through the silence like a guillotine.
Crap. Her dad was supposed to keep her mother away from the store until they left town.
“Good evening, Mrs. Masters, Mr. Masters.” Jesse greeted them formally before she could even formulate a reply.
“Mom, Dad. We’re just building the dust frame, so we can knock out the wall.”
“I can see that. Why ishehere?” She gestured at Jesse but didn’t look at him.
“Mom! You’re being rude. I’ve hired Jesse for the renovations. He’s more than qualified.” Her mother was being ridiculous, just like Hailey predicted. She was clinging to a five-year-old feud, which should have died out ages ago. If Hailey didn’t calm her down, she’d ruin the entire expansion plan by alienating Jesse.
