Page 26 of Love Letter Lost
“It shouldn’t take long. If it’s the same issue they’ve had in the past, I just need to plunge it and tighten a few things.” I could also use the break from Ridge, though I wasn’t going to tell him that.
“Then maybe you can teach me a thing or two about home repair. I really don’t mind.”
Deciding that it wasn’t worth the delay to argue further, I nodded and allowed him to follow me downstairs to the Jeongs’ unit. Mrs. Jeong greeted me with a large smile and motioned us inside once we’d removed our shoes. The house was clean and smelled like the amazing pho Mrs. Jeong had shared with me on multiple occasions.
“It’s the toilet in the guest bathroom,” she explained, leading me through the apartment, past pictures of various locations in Vietnam, to the tan jack-and-jill bathroom.
As soon as I stepped in the room, the constant sound of running water alerted me to the problem.
“Has it been running like this for long?” I asked Mrs. Jeong. She and Ridge both stood in the doorway leading to the hall, watching me.
“It started last night and hasn’t stopped no matter what we try.”
I nodded, grateful she hadn’t waited to tell me about the issue. While an easy fix, the constant running of water would quickly drive up their water bill, an expense they could hardly afford since Mrs. Jeong had had to quit her job due to health concerns.
I lifted the lid on the toilet and got to work. Within a few minutes, I’d addressed the problem, giving the toilet a couple of flushes to ensure that the repair would last.
As I worked, Ridge and Mrs. Jeong talked. Mrs. Jeong was a quiet, private person and I was delighted to learn more about my reticent neighbor, including her favorite places to visit when her daughter came to town.
Satisfied with my work, I nodded and straightened. “That should do the trick, but if you have any issues, let me know.”
Mrs. Jeong thanked us and walked us to the door.
“That was quick,” Ridge said as we headed back into my apartment. “I think I even knew how to fix that.”
I shrugged. “Most repairs I get asked to do are simple, but I’m happy to help, and it gives me a chance to get to know my neighbors better.”
Ridge watched me as I spoke, his brows crinkling as he listened. “Most people would find it a huge inconvenience. Amber’s dad regularly complains about the little repairs and side jobs his managers get forced into doing as maintenance.”
“If I ever reach the point where helping people becomes too big of an inconvenience then I need to take a hard look at my life and make some major changes. I never want to be too busy to help a neighbor or friend.” I put away the tools and walked to the kitchen, not wanting to see the skepticism I was sure would be written on Ridge’s face. When I’d told Matt something similar, he’d laughed and commented on how easily I would be taken advantage of with that attitude.
“I think that’s an enviable perspective.”
I turned sharply to look at Ridge to gauge his sincerity. The appreciation in his eyes warmed my heart, a blush traveling up my neck and stealing into my cheeks.
“Well, it does get me into some interesting situations,” I said, needing a change of topic. “Like arranging flowers, for example.” I gestured to the assortment of craft supplies awaiting us.
Ridge laughed. “True, but I know Livvy appreciates it.”
I chose to ignore his comment. Instead, I settled into the nearest kitchen chair. Ridge dropped into the chair next to me, Ruby wandering over and looking for more attention. She sniffed his pants, but when he didn’t bend down to pet her, she decided he wasn’t worth the bother and made her way back to her perch on the couch. I wished my response could be similar, but somehow, he was worming his way back into my heart, and I didn’t know how to stop it.
CHAPTERSIXTEEN
I tooka moment to consider the sheer amount of stuff we had purchased. If we weren’t able to create the floral arrangements and centerpieces with everything in front of us, I’d be amazed.
“Remind me when I get married that a wedding planner is worth the extra money,” I said.
“Done,” Ridge said. “But only if you promise to do the same for me.”
“Deal. Though I’m guessing that day will come sooner for you.”
“Sooner than you might think.”
Before I could ask what he meant, Ridge’s phone began to ring. He glanced at the screen before answering.
“Hi, Amber.”
He paused and glanced at me. I took this as my cue to stare at my dinged, second-hand table and pretend like I wasn’t listening.
