Page 32 of Perfect Pact

Chapter 6

Beth

It’sbeenalittleover a week, and with each passing day, the shock wears off, and the nerves set in. I’d been trying to be patient, so I used the time to get prepared.

I finally heard back from the bank. Apparently Brayden, the president of Bradford Bankwent on a little getaway with Joy, his girlfriend, and the owner of the Sweet Spot. I guess Dusty wasn’t the only reason why there was a shortage of tarts. Good for her!

NowI’m standing in the middle of the Mason Creek Lumber Yard with a list of supplies and feeling slightly overwhelmed.

“Who knew there were so many kinds of paint brushes?”I mumble as I stare at a wall. Synthetic brushes, natural bristles, long handles, short handles—

“Painters.” I hear his voice before I see him. If I pretend he’s not there, I wonder if he’ll go away?

Probably not.

“Hey, neighbor. Making a list and checking it twice?” He smirks.

“Do I look like Santa?” I attempt to leave the paint aisle but he blocks my exit with his cart.

“Is that a trick question?”

“Screw you,” I say out loud without meaning to.

“What’s that?”

“Screws. I need screwed—I mean screws!Please say I didn’t… I totally did.My face flashes hot. His smirk grows to a full-blown, shit-eating grin.

“Well, that I can help with. After all, it’s the neighborly thing to do.” He steps backwards and motions to the left. “Aisle five should have what you’re looking for.”

“Thanks.” I hurry to put as much distance between us as possible.

“And if that’s not what you’re looking for, you know where to find me,” he calls after me, earning us a few curious looks.

Great! Just what I need! And here I thought I was getting my life together.

“Over my dead body.” I want to scream after him, but he’s already halfway to the cash register, and I’m in aisle five, trying to get screwed.

Apparently making a list is easier than actually buying items on said list.

Hiring a construction company is out of the question, but Joey gave me a name. Tom Hicks, a local who’s willing to take on side job. Heshould be able to help me with the bigger things likeinstalling new doors, hanging fans and lights. And maybe he could point me in the right direction of any supplies I miss on today’s little excursion…

One by one, I grab some basics and make notes of the things I need to ask Tom.

My cart now filled with items—most I’ve never used before—I’m back to being excited.

I checked some items off my list and added some to mywish list. As soon as I talk to the handyman and get a quote and a timeline, I’ll come back and get a price on the next phase of the project. Lumber has been hard to find lately, and I want to make sure I get that beautiful white oak I saw.

This is real.

This is happening.

“Will this be all for ya today, darlin’?” Sally pops her gum as she checks me out.

“I think so. Thank you.” I run the numbers of everything in the cart out of habit before reminding myself I’m well within my budget and can actually afford to buy not just the things I need, but the things I want.

“Actually, I’ll take this too.” I grab the home decorating magazine I was eyeing in line and toss it on the counter.

After loading my car, I climb in and crank up the radio as I head back the barn.Mybarn.TheBackyard Barn.

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