Page 10 of If You Like It, I Love It

“How was I supposed to know I was going to want this change when we first started planning the project? That’s why it’s called change—because it’s different from the original plan. I bought an island that needs a Carrera marble top and belongs in a kitchen with a bay window. I don’t know what else to tell you.”

So matter-of-fact. There’s no point in arguing with her. I may not have known her long, but I can see the resolve in her eyes.

“Without walking on this tile, can you give me a general idea how far out you think this bay window needs to extend?”

“Far enough to accommodate the new kitchen table I bought. Well, I mean, it’s not new. It’s an antique, round trestle table that weighs a metric fuck-ton because it’s sold oak and the most perfect match for the island. I swear, you’d think the same person made both pieces—”

“Do we have dimensions on this table, by any chance?”

“It’s being delivered day after tomorrow.”

“So, for the next two days, we’re in limbo.”

“The cabinets can still get installed. I’m not making any changes to those. I swear.”

“And we for sure won’t need to redo the layout?”

“No, the only thing I want to change is this end of the room. Only the breakfast nook. Everything else stays as is.”

“You’re sure?”

She nods, but then immediately sucks in a sharp breath.

“Don’t do that. Speak now or hold it in forever.”

“I might want a slightly larger stove.”

“You live alone. How much bread are you going to bake? If you go bigger on the stove, you’re getting into commercial appliance territory. Are you opening a bakery?”

“No. You’re right. It’s just that they make these reproductions that are so beautiful.”

“I knew that’s what you were talking about. Did you happen to glance at the price tags on those stoves? If you’re willing to pay for that style, I guarantee we can find you one that will fit the opening in your cabinets. You don’t have to go bigger.”

“I didn’t think about them being available in smaller sizes. Are you sure?”

“Positive. But if you’re going to spring for upgrades like that, I hope you plan on living here forever.”

“I do, actually. You know what? You’re right. I should get precisely what I really want in my forever home.”

Is that what I said? I don’t remember saying those exact words. Doesn’t matter because she’s beaming right now. Clearly, she heard what she needed to hear.

“If you can get me some links or brochures for those stoves, that would be great,” she says.

“Yeah, I can do that. Are you going to want a matching fridge and dishwasher, too?”

“It would look ridiculous if I only upgrade the stove.”

“It’s your money.”

“You’re right again. It’s only money.”

“That’s definitely not what I said.”

“But it’s the truth. For just a little more, I can get my forever appliances.”

“They can make new appliances look like the vintage models, but that doesn’t mean they’ll last as long as the originals.”

“Nobody knows how long anything will last. The best we can do is choose what makes us happy and enjoy it for as long we can.”