Page 20 of Begin Again

“Don’t compare,” he said, tugging on her brown hair she’d left down.

She’d always had long hair that he could remember. She didn’t wear a lot of makeup, but she was still stunning to him.

Natural. He had that preference in a woman.

“Sorry,” she said, smirking. “It’s hard not to when I’m standing in this brand new house.”

“Hardly brand new,” he said. “You can see most of it down here. There are three bedrooms and a full bath upstairs.”

They climbed the stairs and she looked in. She’d see that the bathroom was simple with a double vanity and shower tub combo but nothing else. Basic colors of gray and white floor, white vanity and countertop, the same with the sink.

“I’d need shades in here,” she said.

He grinned. “I know. But in doing flips I’ve learned it’s best to stay neutral. Whoever buys this can easily paint the vanity cabinets a different color, or the walls, curtains and artwork go a long way. I order things through Butler Construction and what is the best price.”

“I’m glad to know I’m not the only one shopping bargains. I know it’s my forever home, but I don’t need fancy things either. Strong, simple, and functional is all I’m asking for.”

“Like you,” he asked.

“You think I’m simple?” she asked him. She’d just popped her head into the bedrooms— his was last—then came back out. Not much to see, as he didn’t have a lot of possessions. It was easier to move when that was the case.

“Hardly,” he said. “I’ve always thought you wanted people to think you were, but you’re pretty complex.”

“I think the same is said about you too,” she said.

She moved past him and went down the stairs and then to the basement. He’d let that drop for now. No one ever thought things about him like Liz did. Almost as if she got him when others didn’t.

“This was the biggest change,” he said. “It wasn’t finished and I did that. Not a lot of work but figured it’d be a good kid space. I put a bathroom and shower down here. Laundry too. There was just no place for it upstairs.”

“This will be a great first home,” she said.

“That was my thought. There is only so much I can do with the space I’m given, but I made sure there was more than one full bath. That is all it had.”

“Really?” she asked. “Did you do all the work yourself?”

“Yes. I carved out space for that tiny half bath off the kitchen.”

“It seems as if it should have always been there,” she said. “I need to take more notes of the things you are doing for my place.”

“What I do for the flips is nothing that your place should have. Unless you like this. I got the feeling you didn’t. Or it’s not the look you’re going for.”

“It’s not,” she said. “In terms of the colors and finishes, but you’ve got an eye for design. Must come from the engineering background.”

No one had ever said that to him before. That he had an eye for design.

“I do design most of the houses for the new builds,” he said.

She laughed. “Guess you put me in my place.”

“It’s fine,” he said. “I just need to finish up some things downstairs and then I’ll get it listed.”

“What do you have to finish up?” she asked.

“Trim work. Small things you won’t notice walking through.”

“I’ll take your word for it. Now you just need to find another house, right? Or will you be on the street? Maybe moving back home with your parents like I had to with my father?”

He closed one eye at her. He wasn’t sure if she was joking or not.

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