Page 45 of My Favorite Hero

“I’m being nice.”

“Nice enough I can have that lasagna?”

“Sure.”

“I’m going to leave the ladder by the garage. On my next set of days off, I’m going to wash the windows. It’s supposed to rain tomorrow, so no point in doing them today.”

“Makes sense. Any big plans?” I asked lightly.

“Gonna put in a few hours at Habitat over in Greenstone. Some groceries. Then I plan on vegging. Me, the TV, and not much else.”

“Sounds great.”

“You?”

“I have some code to work on. And I have a couple of projects to do.”

He nodded. “Stay out of trouble, Pixie.”

I laughed, waving him off. “Go. I’ll bring the lasagna over later, or you can take it if you want.”

“No, later is good. Maybe a glass of wine by the fire pit?”

My stupid pulse picked up at his casual suggestion, but I managed to sound normal as I replied.

“Sure.”

“Great. See you later.”

“See you.”

He walked away, placing the ladder by the garage, then whistling for Miller, who was on the deck with Barney. Neither of them strayed far, which was a good thing.

Barney followed me inside, heading up to my bedroom for his morning nap. I laughed as I watched him disappearing. “Hard life,” I commented, but as usual, he ignored me.

I opened the package that had been on the porch, examining the furniture lifters. I read the instructions, feeling excited. Once I was done with my work, I would attempt to move the armoire. I had measured it already, and if I could move it, it would fit at the end of the hall facing the door. That was where it belonged. I could paint the wall where it presently sat and buy a nice hall table. I planned on a pretty bowl for keys and sundries, plus a small lamp. It would look great.

I didn’t want to ask Jesse for help. I was used to doing things on my own, and if it didn’t work, I could return the items or use them another time. It would be a surprise for him the next time he came over as well.

I sat down, putting on my headphones, and got to work.

A few hours later, I lifted my head, shocked as usual at how much time had gone by. But I had gotten a lot done, including a surprise phone call from a prospective client here in town. I agreed to come to their office and meet with them next week to discuss their needs.

I stood and stretched, going to the kitchen and making a sandwich that I ate standing over the sink. I drank some water, refilling the glass and adding ice. I thought about taking Jesse his lasagna, but I wasn’t sure he was back from his volunteer work. With my headphones on, I wouldn’t have heard his truck, and I couldn’t see if it was parked in its usual place unless I walked over to his side of the house.

He knew it was here, so if he wanted it before dinner, he would no doubt show up for it.

I went into the living room, unpacking the furniture lifts. I slid them under one side of the armoire after emptying it of the few items I had hung inside. I also removed the shelves to make it a little lighter. On my knees, I squeezed the handles, frowning when nothing happened. Remembering the instructions, I did them at the same time to keep the weight even. I was about to give up when I felt the shift, and the heavy piece inched up a little. I squealed in delight and kept slowly pumping up the jacks until the armoire was about two inches off the floor—high enough I could slide the furniture mover under the one side.

I went to the other side and did the same thing, beyond excited my idea was going to work. Once I had the armoire on the movers, I stood back, panting a little. It was a heavy piece of furniture, and it had taken all the strength in my hands to get it off the floor.

I sat on the sofa and drank the water I had poured earlier, planning my next move. I had to pull the armoire away from the wall, turn it slightly, and push it back to the end. It was the turn I was unsure about. I didn’t want to cause any rocking or pull it the wrong way, triggering it to topple. I thought about waiting for Jesse to come home and asking him for help, then decided I would try on my own. But if it didn’t go well, I would wait. I was feeling hot and sweaty, so I pulled off my shirt, leaving my cotton camisole in place. It was old, thin, and stretched out of shape, but the cool air felt good on my overheated skin.

I approached the armoire and checked the balance, pleased to see it felt fairly solid. Moving it took everything I had. Inch by inch, I pulled it away from the wall. One side, then another, then back. Once it was far enough away, I slipped behind it, ignoring the dust bunnies and dirt buildup under it, and used my legs to help push it away. It took a long time, but I finally got it far enough from the wall that I could try turning it. Slowly, I managed. Then again, inch by inch, I slid it toward the back, only to realize that while it fit perfectly, I had no way to lift it off the sliders I had it on.

I frowned and decided one of two things. I could leave it on the rollers so it could be moved. There was a locking mechanism so that it would be safe. Or I could use the jacks on the front and hope to wiggle the sliders out. I blew out a long huff of air and decided I needed to sit down and let my energy build back up.

I got more water and a protein bar and sat on the sofa looking at the now-empty wall. It made the entranceway look so much bigger and brighter. Once I painted it to match this room, it would be perfect. I’d have to ask Jesse if he had any more of this paint.