Page 6 of Summer Message

“No, you don’t, but you’re stuck with us anyway.” My mom comes over to hug me.

I’m the luckiest girl in the world.

She motions for me to get busy on my coffee. “Mrs. Michaels and I started in the living room, but we didn’t know where you wanted all of the other colors.”

“Great. I’ll move the paints into their prospective rooms, so we know. I don’t even think I remember except for Randi’s room. One wall red while the rest are white.” I roll my eyes. My mom laughs at Randi’s antics too. “We need to look at light fixtures, too. We can order those online, but first we need to get an idea for what the room looks like after it’s painted.” I lean against the counter and look at Dad over the rim of my mug. “Dad, is it easy to change the fixtures or do I need an electrician?”

“When was it all last updated?”

I hold up a finger and run into the dining room. I have the paperwork from the relator in my suitcase. I come back, waving it before I read.

“The paperwork said it’s been about fifteen years. So maybe we should get someone, right?”

“Yeah. I can do the plumbing, but I don’t know electricity. That’s out of my wheelhouse.”

I sigh as I pull my phone out to make more notes.

“For being an older house, there isn’t a lot of big stuff that needs done, so be grateful for that. You picked a great house.” My dad grins. I love that he’s proud of me.

“I needed to hear that. When you’re hearing new wiring, plumbing, a roof,” my eyes get really big. I let out a breath. “It’s so overwhelming.”

“I know, Carrot Top, but it’s going to be okay.” My mom chimes in. “Let’s get started, shall we?”

I nod. I grab my painting clothes and run into my bathroom downstairs to change.

Mrs. Michaels comes back and she and Mom send me to paint upstairs while they do the downstairs. They’re laughing more than painting. I think my parents are going to be spending a lot of time here. I’ll be surprised if they don’t end moving here to be with me.

I’m about to start painting when my phone goes off.

Matthew: Morning. How did you sleep?

Me: I slept like a baby. My parents let me sleep in while they started working on my house

Matthew: That was nice of them. I just got home from the hospital so it’s a resting day

Me: What happened? Are you okay?

Matthew: I fell when I got up off the couch and ripped open a big gash across my temple and cheek. I lost a lot of blood sitting in the E.R. waiting to be seen so I needed blood.

Me: Oh my. How are you feeling?

Matthew: A little tired but good. I’m going to be covered in bruises for my job interview in a couple of days.

Me: Oh, that should be an interesting story to tell

Matthew: What are you up to?

Me: I’m getting ready to paint. My mom and neighbor are taking care of the downstairs.

Matthew: Message me later if you want.

Me: I will when I take a break.

I turn on an audiobook to listen to as I begin painting. I put Matthew out of my mind for a little bit so I can get the work done. I want to bring my furniture in and get the truck emptied out in case we need it for something.

I’m listening to a newly released book by my favorite authors, Avelyn Paige and Geri Glenn, called Dark Protector. I love how they write their men so hot and Alpha. I’m painting and working muscles I didn’t even know I had. I’m going to need to soak in the tub tonight. After two hours of painting, I realize I need to talk to my dad about the master bath's plumbing. We’re going to need to wash up tonight.

I was heading down the steps to talk to Dad when there was a sharp crack. My foot went straight through the last step. “Son of a bitch!” I yank my leg out of the jagged hole and hobble to a chair that was left here. “Ouch, that hurt.”

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