Page 7 of The Fixer

“This place looks way better in the pictures than in person.” She eyed a missing chunk of carpet and tried not to think what had caused someone to cut it out.

“But the pictures of the lobby are amazing,” Estelle gushed.

The lobbywasamazing, but it wasn’t an accurate representation of the rooms, which were sorely in need of remodeling.

“Which doesn’t do me any good unless they let me sleep there instead. There’s a Victorian couch I could curl up on. I’m sure the other guests wouldn’t mind,” Joy deadpanned. The bathtub faucet drummed a steady beat in the background.

“Was that … Did you crack a funny?”

“Apparently not, since you have to ask.” Nothing about this day had been funny, so it was no surprise that Joy’s half-assed attempt at humor hadfallen flat.

“I’m sorry, boss. It was either that or a sketchy motel on the outskirts of town with a one-and-a-half-star rating. The reviews mentioned rodents, and I know you’re not a fan.”

“Is anyone?”

Estelle ignored her snark, which wasn’t unusual. “Everything else within a ten-mile radius was booked. July Fourth and all that. I was lucky to get you this last-minute cancellation.”

“And how many nights do I have?”

“They could only spare three, but that should be enough, right?”

“Should be.” Doubt niggled at the back of Joy’s brain, and she shoved it aside.

“On a happier note, how’s the rental Beamer?”

Joy nearly let a swoony sigh escape. “Driving those twisty mountain roads was amazing, so good call there. But we have to talk about the outfit.”

Estelle had arranged Joy’s wardrobe, so the choices were her fault. Right?

“Bet you popped out a few eyes.” Estelle wiggled her eyebrows.

“I tripped over those heels so many times I nearly popped out myowneyes. In the future, let’s leave out the skyscrapers. They’re a hazard in a town with no sidewalks and uneven boardwalks. Not that I intend many more trips out this way.”

“Noted. The silk pantsuit was a knockout, though, huh?”

Joy barked a laugh. “I was seriously overdressed. Flannel and denim are the town uniform. And hello, it’s at least twenty degrees colder and way windier in the mountains.”

Estelle’s eyes widened behind her glasses. “But you gave the thumbs-up on the outfit. You said it’s your summer power suit!”

As tempting as it was to pinallthe blame on her PA, a little voice piped up in Joy’s head—probably her annoying conscience—reminding her that since she was in charge, the buck stopped with her, so ultimately the fault wasn’t entirely Estelle’s. Besides, Estelle was the best PA she’d had in years, and she needed her at least while she was stuck in Bumfuck, Colorado.

“Let’s agree that you’ll be more diligent about the choices next time, and I’ll pay closer attention.” Joyhadpaid attention and had thought the selection was suitable. Fashion was her forte, and clothes were her addiction. Her penthouse condo with its crammed multiple walk-in closets was the proof.

“Well, you’ll have to give me more to work with than Chicago executive attire when what you need is mountain town chic,” Estelle shot back.

Joyhadclothes that would have blended in. Why she wore the silk and heels in the first place was a bit of a mystery, though her therapist probably would have said she was cloaking herself in her professional persona for self-preservation in this derelict town.

Estelle leaned in so her nose practically touched the screen. “What is that on your boobs?”

Joy glanced down, alarmed at the reminder of the grimy display case. She quickly explained her mistake. “I thought I could dust it off, but it’s kinda sticky. God, I hope I didn’t ruin the top! It’s the first time I’ve worn it.”

“Wait. Did the contractor notice the dirty girls?” Before Joy could answer, Estelle guffawed. “Oh my God, of course he did! He’s a man. He probably gave them a thorough once-overbeforeyou plastered them with dust. Cue the wolf whistle.”

Heat raced up Joy’s neck. “No, he’s not like that,” she tossed back, though she had no ideawhathe was like. Hehadlooked after all, and he’d seemed thoroughly unimpressed with what he’d seen as he’d warned her to be careful. Why did that realization carry a sting? Probably because he was young and good-looking, and the only men who eyed herthatway were her geriatric clients or Sterling when he was in the middle of a long dry spell.

“Aw, that’s too bad. I saw his picture on Facebook. Yummy!”

Surprise had Joy jiggling her phone. “You’re stalking my contractor on social media?”

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