Page 21 of Pretty Relentless

“No, I want to do it right. I was planning to replace that porch when I redid the roof. My inspection when I bought this house said the shingles should be good for another six to seven years, and I was hoping to get another year or two out of them.”

“I understand that, and you do have the option to just build the roof. I can send you some drawings to show you what I’m talking about. We could always do the porch now and thenthe rest of the roof later, but if we do that, you definitely want to pick a roofing color that’s common. I’d hate to do the porch and then not be able to get matching shingles or metal to match it.”

She takes a seat on the couch, holding my gaze. “What do you recommend? Shingles or steel?”

My phone buzzes a second time in my pocket, but I ignore it again. “That’s a tough call. Shingles are cheaper up front, but the metal roof lasts so much longer and holds up better in our weather. I can price both for you and we can go from there.”

“All right, thank you,” she says, giving me a shy smile that makes my heart speed up.

“Can I text you on the number you called me from?” I ask.

“Yes, that’s my cell.”

Is that a blush on her cheeks?

“I’ll run some numbers and give you a rough estimate later today, just so you know what we’re talking about. On Monday, I’ll be able to give you a more accurate bid, and I’ll break it down for you, so you have the option to do it in two phases if you want.”

She nods. “I definitely want to do the better roof. I hated that stupid lean-to one, but I wasn’t going to replace it until I was ready.”

“I get it,” I say as my phone vibrates for a third time. “Will you excuse me? I want to make sure that’s not Annabelle.”

“Of course,” she replies as I pull my phone from my pocket.

A message pops up on my screen, but it’s not from my daughter.

Hallie:Hey, Gavin! A bunch of us are getting together tonight for NYE at Gabe and Blair’s. Kid-friendly. Food and drinks (both alcoholic and non—whichever you prefer). Any time after seven. Hope you can make it!

I slip my phone back into my pocket without replying.

“Everything okay?”

“Yep,” I tell her. “Just an invitation to a gathering tonight.”

She nods, that pink blush returning to her cheeks. “Nice.”

“Big plans for you tonight?” I ask, mostly because I want to draw out my time with her.

“Oh, I was invited to a gathering, but I’m still undecided. They’re not really my thing.”

“No, but sometimes, just hanging out with friends is the best medicine.”

She chuckles. “That’s true, and the way Hallie and Logan bicker, there’s always some laughter involved. I’m sure I’ll go for a little bit.”

I smile widely as she gives me the confirmation I was hoping for. Ava was invited to the same gathering I was, which means I will most definitely be attending now.

Replacing the plywood over the window, I slip my hammer into the loop and hold her gaze. “Expect a text from me this afternoon. The window and the roof are okay as they are, but I wouldn’t wait too long to get it fixed. At least have the broken part of the roof taken down so it doesn’t put more strain on the braces it’s hanging from.”

“How is your schedule?”

“For you?” I ask, a grin spreading across my mouth. “Wide open, Miss Rutledge.”

She huffs and shakes her head. “I doubt that, but I appreciate it.”

“I have a few jobs lined up, but they’re not pressing, so if you want me here Monday morning to take it down, I’m yours.”

In more ways than one.

“Okay. Let’s do that, and then I’ll make a decision on what we’re going to do about the porch and the roof.”

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