by Lynn Galli
“What do you see for a second master up here?”
She regarded me for a moment like she was deciding something. “The sitting room isn’t necessary. I’d rather have two walk-in closets and,” she paused, again considering, “a large bath with two of everything except for one bathtub.”
My eyes widened. I had to bite my lip to keep from grinning. She was turning the master suite into something permanently sharable. I could tell from her expression that she hadn’t wanted to tell me.
“Hers and hers closets and one bath with double everything?” I couldn’t help but tease a little. Sounded like she was taking the big leap with her girlfriend, Glory.
“It’s good for resale, right?”
“Are you selling?” Maybe I’d been wrong about them moving in together.
“No, I just thought any improvement would be good.”
“Yes, it would.” I let that hang in the air for a bit, hoping she’d tell me her plans for Glory. I had a thing for romances, and theirs was as good as it got. “Will anyone else have input on the design decisions?”
“My gram, but just on colors and maybe some of the bathroom fixtures.”
I nodded, waiting for her to say Glory’s name. When she didn’t offer it up, I got a little confused. Shouldn’t the woman who’d be sharing this master suite with her have some say? “No one for up here?”
She regarded me for a long time. I almost backed off the question, but I had enough practice with tougher clients to wait her out. “It’s a surprise, okay?”
“A surprise double closet with double bath in a master suite?”
She shook her head, an exasperated sigh spilling from her lips. “You’re almost as bad as she is.”
“She?” I teased. Needling my friend definitely added enjoyment to this client visit. “You really think you can keep this from her? It’s a major reno.”
“She knows the bathroom needs work, and you’re here mostly for my grandparents’ suite. It won’t be that hard.” She shook her head at my knowing smile. “It’s time, and she doesn’t like rings.”
I laughed again. This was the most romantic thing I’d heard in a long time. “So you’re giving her an engagement closet and bathroom?”
“Not a word, okay? Not even to Cass,” she said of my sister-in-law. “They’re too close to ask her to keep it quiet. I really do want it to be a surprise.”
“I’d be happy to take on the project and aid in the smokescreen. This will be fun.” And heartwarming. I might even tear up when it was done.
“Thanks, Viv.”
“You’re welcome. I’ll draw up some plans and get your approval. After that I’ll call the contractor I usually work with and estimate time and costs with him. Do you want to start as soon as possible?”
“Yes, if that fits into your schedule. My grandparents are just waiting for the room to be ready.”
“I’ll get right on it.” I was already excited both for the project and for my two friends whose lives would change once my renovation was done. I didn’t mind the envy I felt this time. It was all for a good cause.
3 Natalie
My cellphone rang as I was maneuvering a drywall sheet into place. My arms were killing me, and I had a low grade headache from the odor and dust. The last thing I needed was another request for yet more work.
Two stabilizing screws sunk into place, allowing me the use of both hands. Four more sheets would complete the room, but I could at least look at the phone display.
Cal.
Perfect. What else could he want? I was only halfway through the punch list for today. I didn’t need the boss to add more items to the list, but I knew he’d just keep calling until I answered.
“Hey, Cal, what’s up?”
“Need you over here to work up an estimate, Harp.”
An estimate? What the hell? Since when did I start doing his job? Oh, that’s right, since the housing market tanked and he was overextended on all of his spec homes.
“Sheetrock isn’t done yet.”
“That will hold. I’ve got ten other projects going and don’t have time for this estimate.”
Which means he doesn’t have time for the project, so why take on the estimate? “Can’t the estimate wait until you start the project?”
“It’s an ASAP, and the decorator has a huge budget. We can’t overlook this one. I’ll text you the address.”
“Cal,” I protested, but he’d already hung up.
Seconds later, the text chimed and an address popped on the screen. Aspen? That was minimum thirty minutes from this jobsite. I wouldn’t get back to hang any more rock today, putting me another day behind. What was he thinking?
Below the address was a single name: Vivian. Was that the client or the decorator? I smiled. I bet she’d love to hear she’d been reduced to a decorator, like all she did was add flowers to a room and call it complete.
I looked down at my work pants, boots, Henley, and dirty hands. Bleh. Did I have time to stop by my apartment to get into something less dusty and more presentable? Cal always showed up at the jobsites in khakis and polos. I didn’t own either, so that was out. And Cal could schmooze. I wasn’t good at the schmoozing.
“Miguel?” I called, walking toward the other bedroom where he was working.
“¿Qué pasó?” Miguel’s solid frame filled the bedroom doorway. His short black hair was flecked with drywall dust, and dirt streaked one of his cheeks. Sweat drenched his shirt, proving how hard he’d been working. He’d now be required to work harder, thanks to Cal pulling me for the day.
“Cal’s lost his mind.”
His brow shot up even as he nodded in agreement. “Idiota loco.”
“He wants me to do an estimate for a new client.”
Miguel whistled, long and low. “He doesn’t have enough crew to take on more work. What’s he thinking?”
“Lost his mind,” I repeated, walking into the now working bathroom to wash my hands and face. I took off my visor and ran wet hands through my short hair to give it a little life. I brushed my bangs to the side, trying to iron down the cowlick my visor always created. It didn’t help much.
“You look fine, Nat.”
“What if it’s at an extravagant home with some rich woman who might not let me come inside looking like I work for a living.”
“Screw it. Cal should know better than to send in the people that actually do all the work for him. He’s an idiot. It’s his own damn fault if this backfires, but it won’t.”
“Thanks for the encouragement.” I meant it. Miguel made my work days bearable. “Remember to lock up when you leave. Danny forgot yesterday. We’re lucky that no one broke in here to steal the supplies.”
“Will do, boss,” he teased. We were coworkers, but he believed Cal was only good for signing his checks.
I dashed out to my truck, feeling the sting of the cold wind. It made me appreciate the newly installed furnace in the townhouse. I’d almost forgotten that it was January in the Colorado Rockies. My fingers shook trying to key the lock, but I managed to get the door open before hypothermia set in. After two cranks, the engine flared to life. If only I could get the heater working as fast. It would take half the trip before hot air began blowing in the freezing cab.
Digging into my backpack, I came up with a clean shirt and did a quick change over my thermal undershirt. I agreed with Miguel. It wasn’t worth stopping off at the apartment first. Cal should be doing this. I flipped down the mirror and winced. Eyeliner would help. That was the extent of the makeup I wore to work. I looked really tired without it, so I succumbed.
Half an hour later, I turned onto a familiar street. As I headed toward the L bend in the road, I knew exactly where I was. I’d worked on the small house to the right of the curve years ago. A custom build for a local. A really nice local. We’d actually become friends over the course of the five months it took to build her place. I hadn’t seen Glory in more than a year. I’d have to remember to call her soon.
I parked about ten feet from the driveway. Two newer SUVs sat in the driveway, which was pretty standard for Aspen. Nearly everyone owned an SUV, and they were almost always luxury brands. I was now even more glad that I parked my nineteen-year-old Nissan pickup off property.
I grabbed my clipboard and tape measure and took a deep breath. I could do this, even if I’d never done it before and had no business doing it now. I glanced again at the name on my phone. I wasn’t always great with names. Had to see them written down and associate that with the person before I’d remember it.
“Hi, Vivian,” I practiced in the car. “I’m Natalie Harper.”
Easy for everyone else, but I stumbled sometimes. I liked the people I knew. I liked most of the guys I worked with. I could talk to them easily, but Cal could schmooze. I just wanted to work.
My hand opened the door for me, as if it knew I needed the push to do this. I eased out of the truck and contemplated putting on my parka. Forget it. I’d rather freeze doing the estimate than trot out my old work coat at a nice house like this.
I rang the doorbell as soon as I stepped onto the front stoop. I glanced at the workmanship on the portico. It was excellent. If the inside was as good as the exterior, I couldn’t imagine what would need to be done.
I heard someone say something from inside the door just before it opened. My mouth nudged open at the sight. It was that gorgeous woman from the store the other day. The one I’d bumped into and gotten yelled at for it. I couldn’t really blame her. She’d been in a rush. I hadn’t noticed her when I’d moved out of the way of the oblivious kid, and all of her stuff went flying. I probably would have yelled at someone, too. Well, I wouldn’t have, but most people not afraid of confrontation would have. Plus she was gorgeous, so I didn’t mind the yelling.
“Hello,” she greeted.
She didn’t seem to recognize me without a hat covering part of my head and clothes that actually fit. Nor was I as memorable as she. Holy smokes, she really was a looker. Her long, wavy, chestnut brown hair framed a narrow round face with a nose that had just enough length to add character and another dimension to her attractiveness. And that mouth of hers with full rose colored lips made it hard to look away. In heels, she stood a good five to six inches taller, but I’d guess in stockings she wouldn’t top me by more than three.
“Can I help you?” Her eyes skimmed over me then out to the driveway.
“Cal sent me?” I made it a question like I didn’t really know. Who’s the idiot now, Miguel?
She blinked beautiful green, well, bluish green, maybe greenish blue eyes at me. “Cal’s not coming? Is he okay?”
“Yes.” My tongue felt too heavy to say anything else. The same thing had happened in the store that day when I’d been stupefied by her beauty and fierceness.
“He’s not coming or he’s okay?” Her hypnotic mouth twitched. She was teasing me. First she yells at me, then she apologizes, then she teases me?
“He’s okay. I don’t know if he’s coming. He asked me to work up an estimate at this address.”
“I can’t believe he didn’t mention he wouldn’t be here.” She shook her head, seeming to talk to herself. That was fine by me. I could stand here and stare at her for hours. “This is the first time he’s ever…we just spoke this morning.” She fixed her gaze back on me. “Forgive me. I always seem to be apologizing for my rudeness around you.”
So she did remember me. I felt my heart trip. This stunning creature remembered a thirty second encounter with me.
“I’m Vivian Yeats. I’ll be the project manager if Cal or you, I guess, decides to take on the project.”
“Okay.”
“Do you come with a name, or should I make one up?”
I felt the burn in my ears before it hit my cheeks. If I stood out here long enough, we’d probably see steam come off the blush. “Natalie,” I said. “Natalie Harper.”
“Nice to meet you, Natalie. Let’s get started if you don’t mind.”
Big relief. She didn’t need schmoozing. If a designer was running the project, I wouldn’t have to worry about the schmooze.
I followed her inside, stopping to kick off my boots in the foyer. That was one thing I couldn’t stand about Cal. He never cared if his workers took off their shoes or used booties. Whoever owned this house didn’t need snow from my boots melting on her pristine walnut floors.
Vivian looked down at my stocking feet and smiled. Yeesh, she gets even better looking when she smiles. “Nice socks.”
I glanced down and blushed again. I favored fun socks when I didn’t have to wear wool. This pair had little pink pigs hopping hurdles all over the black background. I had a dozen other designs at home, but this was one of the cutest. Also one of the most embarrassing to someone who didn’t know me.
“Come on through. The homeowner is on a phone call.”
We walked through to the great room. Timber beams were open on the ceiling. Floor to ceiling windows lined the far wall with a spectacular view of trees and the back side of one of the ski resorts. I couldn’t remember which one.
The kitchen was all marble and custom cabinetry. Almost as nice as the cabinets I made, but I was a little partial to mine. So far nothing looked like it needed work. Was this a test on Cal’s part? See if he could get me to write up an estimate on something minor?
“I’ve drawn up a design plan for the work the homeowner wants done. I faxed it to Cal this morning. He gave me a rough estimate and timeframe but wanted to take a look. I guess you’ll be his eyes.”
I nodded and focused on the drawing. It was very good. Measurements were clear, and the specs looked thorough. Cal should have been able to give her an accurate bid based on this. She even had price sheets on the materials.
Her hand grasped my arm and pulled me close. Heat spread through my body as I brushed up against her. I looked up in time to see that she’d just saved me from walking into the dining table. I’d been too engrossed in her drawings, and now I couldn’t focus on anything other than her nearness.
“I see how you work.” She smiled that dazzling smile again. “Have no fear. I’ll look out for hazards while you finish looking over the drawings.”
“Thanks.” I stepped away to regain my concentration. She even smelled good, hints of lavender and vanilla pulled at my attention.
“Here we are.” She stopped our progress in front of an open doorway, oblivious to my sudden obsession with her touch and scent.
I looked down at the drawings and up at what was in the room. I stepped back and looked on either side then back into the room. “We’re making this into a master suite?”
“That’s right. The dining room and den next door gives us the space to expand this room, the bathroom, the laundry room, and a separate room for her dogs.”
“Dogs?” I looked up and tilted my head to listen for them.
“They’re at a neighbor’s house right now. The homeowner assures me they’ll be out of the way of any construction.”
“I like dogs, but they can get hurt in an open project site.” I watched her lips curve and eyes crinkle at my concern. To keep from staring stupidly, I went back to her drawings. “You’ve got all the measurements here. All that’s left for me is to figure out if either of these walls are load bearing.”
“There’s another job upstairs.”
My eyes widened. A major remodel. What was Cal thinking having me come here for this? He could have sent his son, Mini-Cal, who was pretty much a shortcut taking idiot like Cal, but at least he’d done estimates before. Something this major shouldn’t be pushed off to Cal’s worker bees.
Vivian led me upstairs to the master bedroom. In it I could see a si
tting area and bedroom as well as doors for a closet and master bath. I looked down at her drawings and my eyes widened again. The homeowner was willing to turn the sitting room area into two walk-in closets and what looked like two side by side bathrooms that had a shared entry and bath tub in one large space. A great design that would no doubt become a marriage saver down the line.
I stepped into the bathroom and felt the effect as if I’d hit an invisible wall. “Wow.” I was looking at one of the most in-your-face bathrooms I’d ever seen.
“Garish, isn’t it?”
I glanced back, hoping the homeowner hadn’t come up the stairs after us.
Vivian watched me and explained, “The homeowner bought it like this. She thinks it’s tacky.”
Good to know. “She’s going for his and hers closets and a double bath in a single room?”
Vivian hesitated a moment. “Basically.”
Her plans showed that, but maybe I’d used the wrong terms. “Do you want an estimate based on all the price sheets you’ve got, or are you looking for a bid on the construction only?”
“Construction. The client wants a ballpark for planning purposes. Then she and I will settle on a design budget. If the fixtures go over, it’ll come out of my fee.”
“Okay.” I couldn’t figure out why Cal hadn’t loaded her drawings into the bidding software and come up with something.
I checked where the plumbing lines ran then did a few measurements to check that her drawings were accurate. They were, no surprise there. “Depending on the grade of materials she wants to use, I can get a pretty good estimate over to you tomorrow if that works?”
Vivian smiled again. I suddenly liked pleasing her very much. “Yes, and assume she’ll want the best grade of materials as well as green wherever possible.”
“All right.” I followed her back downstairs. I wouldn’t bother to write up anything here. It was too large a job for a quick estimate on a clipboard.
“Thanks for being here in Cal’s place, Natalie. I appreciate not being stood up by a contractor.”
Who’d be stupid enough to stand her up? Well, Cal, I guess, but he’s an idiot.