That doesn’t mean I have to like them.
We finished the walkthrough and returned to the living room, where I had established a temporary command center. Laptop, printer, filing system, and a large whiteboard with the renovation timeline mapped out in color-coded phases.
Just the usual things needed for a house remodel.
“Wow,” Chase said, staring at the whiteboard. “That’s... detailed.”
“Each color represents a different phase,” I explained. “Blue is demolition, green is structural work, yellow is electrical and plumbing, orange is installation, red is finishing work.”
“And purple?” Gavin asked, pointing to a small section in the corner.
“Contingency buffer time.”
“You have a color for contingency buffer time?”
“Of course.”
More laughter.
Why do they keep laughing?
“Dr. Darcy,” Mason said, his expression becoming more serious. “I want you to know, we’re going to get this done. On time, on budget, and exactly to your specifications. You have my word.”
Something in his tone made me believe him.
“Thank you,” I said.
“Now,” he continued, his smile returning. “When do we get to meet your wife?”
And that was when Athena arrived. I heard her before I saw her. The sound of her voice calling out, “Julien? Where are you?”
“Living room,” I shouted back.
She appeared in the doorway, one hand on her lower back, the other on her stomach, looking radiant despite being approximately the size of a Volkswagen Beetle.
And then she saw the contractors.
And stopped.
And stared.
“Oh,” she said.
Oh? What does ‘oh’ mean?
“Hi!” Mason said, walking over with that same space-visible smile. “You must be Athena. I’m Mason. We’re going to be renovating your house.”
“Hi,” she said, still staring.
Why is she staring?
“This is Jasper, Clint, Bo, Chase, and Gavin,” Mason continued, gesturing to each man in turn.
They all smiled.
Again.
In unison.
