“That’s what my dad insinuated too. But you never know. She’s pretty and she seems genuinely interested in him. If nothing else, Kellie could end up being his rebound girl. Or whatever you call that—you know, the one who helps him to get back into the dating world.” Suddenly Daphne wondered if that’s what she needed too. A rebound guy? And if so, who would he be? Or was that just plain silly?
“You might be on to something. Ricardo has seemed kind of frozen since losing Bernadette. Maybe someone like Kellie would nudge him back into the wonderful world of dating.” She laughed. “And then he could see that she’s totally wrong for him and go looking for someone more suitable.” Olivia looked at Daphne. “Maybe even someone like you.”
She smiled. “I’m not going to categorize you with my matchmaking dad for that. Instead, I take it as a compliment. I’m honored you think I’m worthy of Ricardo.”
They visited for a while longer, then went window-shopping at the stores Olivia had mentioned but finally decided that until Olivia chose paint colors, it would be pointless to make a single purchase. So they cut the shopping excursion short and went to a paint store instead. There, Olivia helped Daphne select a wide variety of colors she thought would be suitable for the Queen Anne Victorian. And they even took home some paint samples that Daphne could actually try on the walls.
“But remember that’s making a commitment,” Olivia reminded her as they drove home. “Once you start plastering different colors throughout the house, you will have to paint.”
Olivia came into the house with Daphne and together they carried the paint chips from room to room, trying to imagine how they’d look and which ones were best. And they even tried some of the paint samples. By the end of the day, they had decided on a soft dove gray shade for the front room and foyer and stairway, a buttery yellow for the dining room, and a soft apple green for the kitchen. All the painted wooden trim would remain white but freshened up with a rich coat of milky white. The downstairs bathroom would be a warm peach to brighten it up. And Daphne’s bedroom would be a pale robin’s egg blue. However, both Aunt Dee’s bedroom and the den would remain the same for the time being. Daphne was not ready to change those spaces yet.
“This is so exciting,” she said as she walked Olivia out to where her bicycle was parked in front. “Thanks so much for helping.”
“Hey, I enjoyed it.
“Well, I never could’ve picked out those colors by myself. And you made it seem so easy. I don’t even know how you did that so fast.”
“It was kind of like making a bouquet. I just picked shades that looked compatible, like they’d be happy together. It makes me look forward to when Jeff and I find the right house to buy.” She glanced down Huckleberry Lane. “I wish it could be something in this neighborhood, but these homes hardly ever go on the market. If you hear of a neighbor who’s even thinking of selling, you better let me know right away.”
“You’ve got my word.” Daphne almost added that if Olivia could wait a year, this house might be available, but she bit her tongue.
“And don’t forget to call Willie,” Olivia reminded her as she hopped on the pink flower delivery bike. “And if I see him first, I’ll put in a good word for you. Because I know this is his busy season.”
Daphne went inside and looked up Willie Troutman Painting in the Yellow Pages and called. But getting his voice mail, she could only leave a message. And now she was so eager about the paint colors that by the time she hung up, she knew she’d given him way too much information. But it was too late. Hopefully he wouldn’t chalk her up as a nutcase and refuse to return her call. But she was relieved when he called later that evening, and to her surprise he quickly agreed to the entire project.
“Without even seeing the house?” Suddenly she felt suspicious. “Do you have any idea how big it is? Or how old it is? Or what kind of condition it might be in?”
“Don’t worry, I’ve seen the house before. Your aunt—and please forgive my manners because I forgot to offer you my condolences. But your aunt already had me out there last winter. I had her scheduled for early June.”
“And you can still do it?”
“Fortunately for you, I haven’t changed my schedule yet, but I was about to. Your aunt was a real sweet lady, and that house will be a nice change of pace for me and my crew. Lately we’ve been doing new construction. So anyway, if you don’t mind, we’ll be out the beginning of next week just like I’d originally planned.”
“Oh, I have to be in New York next week.”
“Lucky for you. That way you won’t have to be around while we’re working. I suggest we do the interior while you’re gone.”
She looked at the kitchen table where all the paint chips were spread out like a small rainbow. “I have all the colors picked out.”
He promised to stop by in the morning, and as Daphne hung up the phone, she felt like Aunt Dee was smiling down on her. As if she’d had this all planned out long ago, as if she had known all along that Daphne would see that it got done. As if she’d always felt confident in Daphne’s ability to handle everything.
Of course, Daphne knew that she wasn’t really handling everything. Not yet anyway. She still hadn’t gone into her aunt’s study. It was hard enough being in her bedroom, but her study was even more intimidating.
When she returned to Appleton, she would prepare herself to go into Aunt Dee’s study, and she would force her feet into Daphne Delacorte’s shoes, and she would do her best to write an acceptable advice column. If that were even possible. In the meantime, she preferred not to think about it.
The next morning, Willie Troutman showed up shortly after Mick arrived with some raspberry plants and a few other things. Daphne had just greeted Mick and told him she had lemonade when Willie’s paint van pulled into the driveway. A lean, lanky man wearing white overalls climbed out and looked around.
“Doing some home improvements, are you?” Mick asked with interest.
“My aunt had planned to have the house painted this summer.” Daphne waved to Willie. “And it needs doing.”
“Right.” Mick nodded. “It’s good that you’re keeping the place up. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ll just get these plants into the ground before the sun gets too high.”
She went out to greet Willie, thanking him for coming. “I’m sure glad you called when you did,” he said as he warmly shook her hand. “Otherwise, you’d be on my waiting list by now.” He pulled a ball cap over his thin and graying hair and grinned. He appeared to be in his fifties or maybe older. And he seemed nice in a fatherly way.
“Well, I owe Olivia a big thank-you. She’s the one who pointed me in your direction. I had no idea my aunt had already booked you.”
She took him through the house, showing him which rooms she wanted in which colors and he neatly penned it all down in a little notebook. “And I want the same colors my aunt selected for the outside.” She handed him the exterior paint chips she’d found. “They seem like good choices to me.”
“So Dee left this all to you?” Willie peered at her, then around the front room. “The whole kit and caboodle? And you plan to stay here and live here?”
“For the time being.”
“The time being?” Willie eyed her curiously.
“Well, who knows what’s around the next corner?” She shrugged. “I might decide I don’t like it.”
He glanced around. “I suppose this house is a pretty big house for just one person. And I do know how that goes . . .” A sad look passed over his face. “But your aunt seemed to enjoy living here. Hopefully you will too. Maybe even more so with the fresh paint on the walls.”
“I’m sure that will help.”
He held up his little notebook. “I’ll put this all into a contract for you to sign. Can I fax it back to you later today?”
She frowned. “I’m not sur
e. I don’t even know if there’s a fax here.”
“Oh, sure there is. I faxed the last contract to Dee. I’ll bet she’s got a fax machine in her study.”
Daphne looked over to the closed door. “Well, I guess I should check to make sure.” She hesitantly opened the door and peered into the dimly lit room.
“See, there it is.” He walked past her to point at a fax machine sitting on the end of a big walnut credenza. Then he looked around. The walls in here looked the same as they had when she was a girl, a dark dingy shade of mauve.
“You sure you don’t want this room painted too?” He gazed at her. “Seems a little gloomy, if you ask me.”
Daphne tried to imagine herself writing the Dear Daphne column in this depressing space. “You’re right. It is gloomy.” She looked at the paint colors in his hands. “Which one do you think would be best for here? Or maybe I should get a completely different color.”
“Well, if it was me, I might go with that soft gray, but then I’m a guy. Anyway, it would lighten up the room, but it’d still look like an office.”
“All right.” She nodded. “That’s what we’ll do.”
“And you sure you don’t want to touch the downstairs bedroom? It’ll be a lot easier to do it when the crew’s here instead of waiting until later.”
She firmly shook her head. “No. For now I want to leave it as is. If I have anything done, I think I’ll consider another wallpaper.”
“Yeah, that’s a good idea. Keep the old-fashioned feel of the room.” He grinned. “Just so you know, I can do papering too. If you ever decide you want it done.” He shook her hand again. “Now, if I don’t see you before you leave for New York, you have a great time. And know that your house is in good hands. Just make sure you go over the contract, sign it, and get it back to me before you go.”
“Oh, I should give you a key,” she said suddenly. “And I have a neighbor who’s agreed to keep an eye on the cats for me while I’m gone. Hopefully they won’t be a problem for your crew. And the cats like being outside on these sunny days.”
“Don’t worry about the cats. My crew is used to working around pets.”
“Then I guess it’s settled.” She thanked him and went over to tell Mrs. Terwilliger about the plan for painters to be here while she went to New York.
Fortunately, her neighbor didn’t seem overly concerned about having painters next door, and she generously promised to keep an even closer eye on Lucy and Ethel. Daphne could hardly believe it, but she felt strangely protective of those two felines. Would they miss her as much as she suspected she would miss them?
Chapter 13
As soon as Willie left, Daphne called Jake and left a message on his voice mail. She explained about securing the painter and the contract he was preparing for her. “So I guess that means I’ll need a check from you—rather, from the trust. I mean, I do have enough in my savings to cover the expense, but since it’s not officially my house, well, I’m hoping the trust will pay for the improvements. Like we discussed. And since I’m heading to New York on Monday, maybe you can just take care of it directly with the painter. Perhaps I can drop a copy of the contract at your law office today or tomorrow. Thank you.” As she hung up the phone, she heard someone behind her and jumped to see Mick was standing in the kitchen.
“Sorry to startle you. But you mentioned lemonade and I was feeling a bit parched and no one answered when I knocked and seeing the back door was open . . .”
“Yes, sure. I’ll get you some.” She found a glass and filled it with ice. How much had he heard just now—and what exactly had she said to Jake? She poured the lemonade, reminding herself that she needed to be careful. She handed Mick the glass, but she could tell he was pondering something as he took a long sip.
“I don’t like to eavesdrop,” he began slowly, “but I couldn’t help overhearing you say that this isn’t your house. So I’m curious, if it’s not your house, I’d like to know whose house it is? Just who am I working for anyway?”
“Oh, that.” She waved her hand toward the phone as if it was directly responsible for the confusion. “You don’t need to concern yourself over it.”
“Except that I thought I was working for you. And now it sounds like maybe I’m not. On top of that, you’re going back to New York?” He frowned. “What’s going on here, Daphne?”
“You misunderstood what I said, Mick.” She poured herself a partial glass of lemonade. “I have to go to New York to pack my things up. For the move here. When I came for the funeral, I had no idea Aunt Dee was leaving me her house.”
“So she did leave you her house?” He tightened his gaze on her. “Or are you just managing the property until it can be sold to the highest bidder? I’d really like to know.”
Again she felt trapped between the proverbial rock and the hard place. “I realize it’s a little confusing,” she said with uncertainty. “For now the house is as good as mine. And I will treat it with the dignity and respect it deserves while it’s in my care. And I want to see you continue your work in the garden, Mick. I love what you’re doing.”
“But?”
“But . . . and I’ll be grateful if you can keep this to yourself . . . please?”
He held up a hand. “I give you my word.”
“Thank you. But here’s the kicker: I won’t know until a full year passes whether or not I get to keep the house. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
He looked confused. “Not completely. It sounds a bit jumbled.”
“I know . . . it doesn’t make sense to me either. But that’s how it stands. And the truth is, that no one besides the lawyer and me—and now you—are aware of this. Even my dad doesn’t know, and I prefer to keep it that way because I don’t want to worry him.”
“So I assume that means there are some conditions attached to your inheritance?”
With lips pressed firmly together, she just nodded, determined not to say another word about this. Hopefully she could really trust him.
“So . . . I might be putting in this garden for you, but someone else might own this place a year from now?”
“That’s correct.” She frowned. “But I hope that won’t happen. And I hope this uncertainty won’t make you stop working here. Because I really want this garden and I’m pretty clueless how to achieve it myself. Although I suppose I can hire someone else . . .”
“I appreciate you being honest with me. As you know I invest myself into my customers and their gardens. And I don’t like being taken advantage of. It might sound silly to some people, but these gardens are like my own creations. Similar to how a painter or sculptor might feel. It’s like a little bit of my heart and soul goes into each creation.”
“Which is why they are so lovely.”
He finished his lemonade and set the empty glass in the sink with a clink. “Well, as long as everything you said is true and you’re coming back from New York—hey, when are you coming back?”
“I leave on Monday and return the following Saturday. And the painters will be working while I’m gone. But they shouldn’t be in your hair since they’ll start with the inside first. The exterior won’t get painted until I’m back.”
Mick rolled his eyes. “I just hope your painters don’t trample all over the flower beds and shrubbery. Some are notorious plant haters. And the rose arbor is just coming on nice now.”
“I’ll make a note, asking them to be extra careful.”
“I’d appreciate that. And say, before you leave for New York, is there any chance I can get you to come out to the nursery and make some selections for the garden?”
“Sure. You name the time.”
“How about after I get the rest of those plants tucked in since I’m heading back there next? You can ride with me if you like. I’ll be coming back to town to deliver some fruit trees anyw
ay. Or if you’d rather, you can just follow me.”
But she agreed to ride with him and less than an hour later, they were riding in his pickup with the windows down, and he was heading out of town. “My grandparents used to live out this way,” she told him as he turned onto a familiar road.
“Yeah, I know.”
“You know?” She glanced suspiciously at him. “How can you possibly know that?”
“Because it’s where I met Dee.”
“What?” She was confused.
“On your grandparents’ farm.”
“But they’ve been gone for ages now, and the farm was sold shortly after they passed on.”
“Yeah, I reckon that’s true. But up until a few years ago, Dee owned the farm property. You didn’t know that?”
“No.” She stared at him in wonder. “Seriously, you know for a fact that my aunt owned my grandparents’ farm, but I didn’t know it? And my dad didn’t know it?”
“That’s right. I know it for a fact because I bought the property from Dee.”
Why should this even surprise her? The more she found out about Aunt Dee, the kookier it all seemed to get. The next thing Daphne knew, she’d probably discover that Aunt Dee had been operating a casino in her basement. Which reminded Daphne that she still hadn’t gone down there.
“I don’t get it,” she told Mick. “The way I understood it, the farm was sold. And the inheritance was shared equally among the children.”
“That may be so. But Dee owned the deed to the farm. I bought it from her.”
Daphne was trying to reconstruct this in her head. Was it possible that Aunt Dee had paid off the farm without the family’s knowledge? From what Daphne could see, Aunt Dee could have easily afforded it. But what would she want with an old farm? Especially when she had her beloved old house in town. Or maybe it was simply her way of helping out her relatives—anonymously. So much about Aunt Dee was anonymous. Why should this even surprise Daphne?
“Dee preferred to keep our business dealings quiet for some reason,” Mick said. “And that wasn’t a problem for me. Especially considering how she gave me a real fair deal on the land.”
Lock, Stock, and Over a Barrel Page 13