Page 20 of Tiers of Joy

“Think nothing of it.” He answers.

We remain in silence the rest of the way until we pull back up the shop.

Bob greets us and give me a run down of what needs doing first and how much it’ll cost.

“Great. What sort of time frame do you think we’re looking at? I ask.

“Well, with Gaige helping me I’d say anywhere from four to six months.” He states.

I smile and shake his hand.

“Great, I will see you tomorrow morning.” I say. I’m excited to get started on the renovations.

Gaige leaves without saying a word. He just gives me a nod before getting into his truck. I smile and shut the door. I walk up to the apartment and see that Bob has cleared up all the glass for me.

“Well Jay, I think I definitely made my mark on my first day. It could have been worse I suppose.” I shrug, sitting down on my rocking chair. I eat Nellie’s casserole.

I just hope everyday isn’t this eventful.

Chapter Five

The next few days went by without disaster. I managed to get online and order a sofa and a bed with a mattress that are coming today. To say I was excited to be sleeping in an actual bed was an understatement. I even ordered some soft furnishings too: curtains, bedding, and scatter cushions. Jay always used to moan about my cushions on the bed. He didn’t see the point in buying cushions that were never used. I tried to explain that their only purpose was to lay there and look pretty.

I may have got a little bit excited and bought some battery fairy lights to put up around the place. Bob started looking at the electrics further and turns out the whole bloody place needs rewiring! He suggested I stay in a hotel until it’s done, but I assured him I wanted to be here and help in any way I can. The fact is there is hardly any furniture to move around so I can stay in one room.

I’m having a nice long hot shower and blaring music from my Bluetooth speaker.

“Whatta man, whatta man, whatta man, what a mighty good man!” I sing at the top of my lungs. I step out of the shower and start to dance. Shaking my arse, still singing at the top of my voice, I wipe the condensation off of the mirror and see a man’s reflection staring back at me.

I scream and turn around seeing Gaige standing behind me. I reach for the towel to cover myself.

“What the hell you pervert?!” I yell.

“You left the door unlocked and your bathroom door wide open.” He states, standing in the doorway.

“That doesn’t mean come on in and join me!” I point out, crossing my arms across my chest while making sure the towel keeps my front covered.

His eyes focus behind me. I look over my shoulder and see the reflection in the mirror: my behind.

“God damn it! Get out!” I yell. I think I catch a twitch of a smile on his lips as he holds up his hands, turns, and leaves.

I march forward and slam the bathroom door. Note to self: never leave the bathroom door open, apparently Canadian men see it as an invite to come in and have a peep show.

I wrap the towel around myself properly and scurry into my bedroom to get dressed. When I walk in Gaige is there.

“Seriously?! Get out!” I yell.

“I was just measuring up the room.” He defends, holding up his tape measure.

“Go make us some coffee so I can get some clothes on. Unless you want a second show?!” I ask sarcastically.

He pauses and raises an eyebrow in question.

“I was being sarcastic! Piss off.” I point out.

His lips twitch again. He's fighting a smile! He turns and leaves, shutting the door behind him.

What an arsehole!

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