Page 72 of See No Evil

“I’d like to ask you something since you’re here. I was going to call you, but this is so much better,” the man laughed a bit nervously, as if not certain how to engage him. “You want two kitchen areas, and this storage room over here, right?” He pointed to a spot on the blueprint he’d been holding.

“Yes.”

“Well, here’s the deal. I’ve taken a look at this area, and we could probably extend it another 4.5 ft., and make this into a shelving area, storeroom, or closet. Otherwise, there will be a gap.” He pointed to an adjacent area in question. “That’ll mean the costs will go up a little, because of supplies and labor, but—”

“That’s fine. I want to make sure we have enough room for our supplies, anyway. That’s right next to the private break room, so it’ll all work out. Just go ahead and do it.”

“Works for me. I’ll get you the new estimate for your signature in just a moment.”

Legend nodded in agreement before the man made his way back to where other construction workers were busy at work. Just as he was about to take a little jaunt up the road for a joyride, his cellphone rang.

“Legend.”

“It’s Caspian. Looks like—”

“Speak up. Lotta noise ’round here.” Legend coasted on his motorcycle several feet away from the action to hear his friend clearly on the phone.

“IT’S CASPIAN!”

“I know. What’s up?”

“Looks like I’ll be comin’ to town again. Sooner rather than later.”

“Why?”

“Mama fell ill. She’s pretty sick, Dale says.”

“Mmmm, okay. Want me to swing by her house?”

“No. It’s fine. I’ll be there in a couple of days.”

“Okay. If you change your mind about me comin’ through, let me know.”

“Okay. I’ll let you know when I’m there.”

“Bet.”

When Caspian ended the call, Legend lit a cigarette as he watched a big dump truck in action. After speaking to thebuilding contractor a couple more times and signing off on the updated work order, he headed home to change clothes, then go work at Jeff Ruby’s restaurant that evening for a few hours, as per his practicum. He’d been doing so well in college, maximizing his time, that he was granted permission to graduate a few months early, upon completion of his exams. It was just the good news he needed to get his own show on the road.

“Let me see… I need to clean up this kitchen before I take a nap. Dishes in the sink. Get a lil’ shuteye before going in tonight.”

He moved around his apartment, working efficiently, feeding and taking out his dogs, then navigating the boxes stacked everywhere. Half of the place had been packed up, as he and Desiree were now house shopping, planning to move in together soon since her lease was about to expire in a couple of months. This would afford them more time together, and they could stack their money jointly. He also wanted her to have a designated area to make her candles, scrubs, and soaps instead of in her kitchenette. He paused after he picked up his ashtray from the coffee table. There, in the middle of it, was one of his favorite presents.

English had gifted him an amazing book showcasing famous chefs from around the world, including full-gloss photos of them in action, holding or preparing one of their signature dishes, and captions of where they were located and what restaurant they worked at, or in some cases, owned. He placed the full ashtray back down and flipped through it, loving the smell of the glossy pages.Motivation.It reminded him of the book that Ms. Florence had given him so long ago. An updated version.

Not wanting to lollygag any further, he got back to business. Picking back up, he washed the few dishes in the sink, took the trash out, and clipped Tank’s nails. They’d grown so long, thesounds of the beast clicking and clacking against the linoleum drove him crazy. His cellphone rang, and he noticed it was a number he wasn’t familiar with, so he left it alone. Spam callers were getting out of control. After a short while, the voicemail notification on his phone lit up.

“All right, go on.” He pet Tank on the head, dismissing him. The big baby galloped away, tongue wagging. Grabbing his phone, he replayed the message as he leaned back on his couch.

“Hi, Legend, this is Tina. Gimme a call when you can, baby.”

He recognized the voice, and the name. It was his soon-to-be mother-in-law. The woman had never called him directly on the phone before, though he was aware she had his number.

I wonder if something is wrong with Desiree?

A bit concerned, he quickly called Tina back.

“Hello.”

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