Page 85 of Idle

I can use window coverings to make the windows appear taller. Like in 1626. I’ll definitely take her up on her offer to change the sliding glass doors, though. Anything to open up the space. I slide the door and allow Chloe to walk out ahead of me.

“Wow. This is a huge balcony. Look, it spans the entire length of the apartment. I think there are a couple more sliding doors out here as well.” She walks toward one end and yells, “Here’s one.” Passing me, she walks to the other end and skips back. “There’s another one down there. Very cool.”

“I agree.” My voice is low, trembling with my desire to renovate this apartment. I re-enter the living room and examine the kitchen. The remainder of the tour goes about the same. When Lelah finishes showing us around, she gives us a few minutes to talk between ourselves. I’m ready to put in an offer, but Chloe’s more cautious.

“I don’t know, Paige. This is a shit-ton of work. You can’t possibly do it on your own.”

“Of course not. I’ll be the general contractor, overseeing everyone.” I know who has to go in with me on this project. Even if he’s not taking my calls.

Chloe walks in a big circle around the primary bedroom, opening the small closet door. “You’ll have to add in decent closet space. Not to mention changing out all the floors.”

“All cosmetic stuff.” Items Jesse could handle with one arm tied behind his back. So long as I’m not doing the tying, like I did on the show.

My cousin’s face breaks into a huge smile. “When you’re done, I want to buy it. It does have a spectacular view.”

I raise my fist, which she bumps. Without a job and the freezing of our trust funds a definite possibility, I doubt she has the money this place will command once I’m done with it. I’m not going to dash her hopes, though. “We’ll see. You might like a different one of my projects better.”

Her mouth falls open. “You’re planning on taking on more than one of these?”

With Jesse by my side, I’ll be invincible. “I’m not sure yet. I’d like to. Let’s go talk with Lelah.”

We return into the living room, ideas forming about how to reorient the entire interior to take advantage of the breathtaking view. I’ve learned it’s not a good idea to seem too anxious, so I tell the real estate agent I’ll think about it and take her card. Printed on thick cardstock. I thought these things were a relic of the past, but boy does it make a positive impression.

When we exit the building onto the High Line, Chloe remarks, “I’ve lived in New York City all my life but haven’t come here since this was built. Care to take a walk with me?”

The ice cream stand where Jesse and I shared a sweet treat is to our left. Calling to me. I link my arm with hers and point us right, joining the crowds on this sunny afternoon. When we reach “Stormy Tides,” I stop. “Isn’t this magnificent? It’s one of my favorite statues here. I’m happy it hasn’t been removed.” I pause. “Walking on Moonbeams” was my favorite, but it’s gone now. Like Jesse. I rub my arm.

My cousin takes in the glorious work of art and bites her bottom lip. “I don’t need anything reminding me of possible problems ahead. I only want positive artwork.”

She walks away, leaving me in front of the statue. “I think you’re very uplifting. You’re aware storms are ahead, but don’t let them stop you. You’re a winner.” This work of art gives me hope that I’ll win, too.

After we return home, Chloe dives back into scouring all the websites and working her LinkedIn profile searching for job openings. I, on the other hand, retreat into my bedroom, pick up my journal, and write down a list of points about why Jesse has to help me with the High Line apartment.

Figuring a text might be better received than a phone call, I decide to write him my pitch. This way, he can digest everything and not turn me down without all the facts. I open a new text:

Hi Jesse. Hope you’re doing well. I’m writing because I have a proposition for you.

“Proposition”? Sounds too sexual. Even though I’d love to proposition him again . . .

Getting my thoughts back on track, I erase the last four words and try again:

an opportunity I’d like you to consider. I toured an apartment on the High Line, a few doors down from where we filmed. It’s in need of as much—if not more—renovation than the one we did on the show. I’m interested in buying it to flip, but only if you’d be willing to be the carpenter for it.

Now the harder part. I need to convince him he can do it even though he’s returned to the banking world. Where his passion does not lie. I continue:

Before you say no, hear me out. You could work on this project during the weekends and after banking hours. I would coordinate all the other trades, once we’ve agreed on the best course of action.

I reread my text. It needs a close.

I watched the show. I am sorry for not listening to you, and putting my nose into places it didn’t belong. I’m the reason we lost, and I can’t live with myself knowing this. For this project, I promise to give you total control over all the carpentry items. There is no one I’d rather do this with than you. No one I WILL do this with. Please say yes.

I read the text once more, gasp, and press send.

Please respond, Jesse. With a yes.

25

Jesse

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