Page 31 of If You Like It, I Love It

“This must be my lucky day. I just got an email that my appliances came in ahead of schedule and can be delivered by the end of the week. And earlier, I found out my island is ready, too!”

My smile might be a little smug, just a tad cocky, but we both know I got her day off to a good start, and it feels pretty damn good to keep it going.

I know it’s not all about me, but maybe it’s a little about me?

“Did you do something to put a rush on the permit?” She narrows her eyes.

“No, I can’t take credit for the timing. When I showed up to check on it, Carlene said the architect was already reviewing it, so I waited for the verdict.”

“Oh, I should’ve known. Carlene has always been a total sweetheart.”

“Is there more than one Carlene in this town?”

“Nope. She’s the one and only. An absolute original gem.”

“I’m with you on the original part. But now that I’ve got the permit in hand, your project can get going again. I’ve got some free time this afternoon. I could pick up your island.”

“It’s heavy. You’d need help.”

“I just so happen to know a few guys who enjoy getting paid to pick up heavy stuff. If it’s already waiting in your garage when the appliances are installed, we can set the island right away. We’ll have to cover it all while the breakfast nook is reconfigured, but everything will be in place to unveil all at once. No more waiting once the construction is done. Well, except for your wallpaper to arrive.”

“The wallpaper duo is coming over this evening to take measurements.”

“Sounds like your kitchen is going to be done way sooner than I anticipated.” My smile falters a little at the thought of her project being finished. I don’t think she’ll kick me out of her life just because her remodel is done, but . . . “And then we can move on to the bathroom.”

It’s a gutsy assumption that she’s going to want to proceed with another reno right away, or that she’ll hire me again, but I had to say it.

“That’s true,” she says. “I guess you’re not getting rid of me as soon as you thought.”

I rest my forearm on the wall next to her and lean in. “Oh, I have absolutely no desire to get rid of you, beautiful.”

Another vet tech leads a panting golden retriever up front just in time to hear me. She stumbles over her own feet, but quickly blames the dog. The receptionist bites her lip to keep from smiling as she clicks away on her keyboard. Maybe I said that louder than I intended.

Joni’s look makes it clear I shouldn’t have said it at any volume, and I feel bad for not being more careful. I’m not saying I feel terrible about it or that I didn’t mean it . . .

I stand up straight. “Shoot me the address where I can pick up the island.”

“Okay. I’ll send it shortly.” She’s trying so hard to sound like this is a totally professional encounter.

“What time do you get off?”

She hesitates to answer my question.

“I want to be sure you’ll be home to open the garage when we deliver it.”

“Oh. Right. Um, I should be home by five-thirty.”

“See you then.”

She smiles despite probably still being annoyed. I’ll take her smiles any way I can get them.

As soon as I lay eyes on Joni’s new kitchen island, I fear she’s done some creative measuring. This piece looks huge. It’s nice. Extremely nice. But also, big. Extremely big.

The two guys I’ve brought along to help me load and unload move into position to lift it.

“Hold up,” I say. “I need to measure this thing.” I walk back to my truck to get a measuring tape, dreading what I’m about to discover.

I’m not sure why I’m bothering. We have to pick it up and deliver it, no matter the size. She’s already bought it and had it restored. It’s hers, regardless, but if it’s not going to fit in her kitchen, I need to break the news now so she can find something else.