Page 24 of Through the Dark Night
“Oh.”
“I actually don’t know the year, I just know that it’s not in good shape, and I feel the best thing to do—the safest thing—would be to totally rewire the entire third floor. The plumbing also could use some work, but if we’re trying to get things done…by maybe the holidays?” He stopped and lifted his brows at Dominic and then at her.
“In my heart, I was kind of hoping we could have a soft launch at the beginning of November, but I didn’t want to do that and push people. Especially people who are donating their time and a lot of materials. I am just grateful for whatever you can do.”
“Well, rewiring the upstairs will be a big enough job for me. So we’re going to hire out the plumbing. That might be something that you’ll have to pay for, although Dominic and I haven’t come to a firm decision on that.”
“What he’s trying to say is both of us can do it, but neither one of us are sure that we have the time. If we’re trying to open anytime soon, it would be best to hire out. So basically you have a choice—do you want to pay for it and have it take a shorter time? Or are you okay with Lance and I doing it together, knowing it just might take a little bit of extra time?”
“While you’re doing the third story, the first and second story can be completed and rented out?” she asked.
This is where she wished she had someone to talk to. These were decisions that she wasn’t used to making on her own. It was times like these where she felt the most alone and vulnerable.
“That’s exactly right. You could—we can focus on the first and second story and get those done. I believe Lance would be best served by starting the wiring, and then he’ll be available to help with the plumbing as well on the third story.”
“Okay.”
“I was assuming that you would be able to help me,” Lance said. He lifted his brows and waited for her answer.
What Vera had said the night before came back to her. Something about Lance being interested in her. Was it possible? Or, was he really in need of a helper and she was the only one who could be spared?
“I have no experience in wiring anything.” She felt like that would be the honest thing to say.
Lance chuckled. “I really didn’t think you did. But I don’t need someone with experience. I need someone who can grab tools for me, get things that I need, hold things, and just be a general right-hand man for me. You don’t have to have any experience. That will save us from taking someone else off a different crew and putting them to work on the third floor, which will make it take longer to get the first two floors done.”
“Well then, of course. Yes, absolutely I’ll help you, and let’s do that. We’ll save the money, and you guys can do it. If that’s okay with you?” She didn’t want to put them out. But she couldn’t tell from what they had said whether they actually wanted to do it or were just doing it because they felt like they had to, now that they’d volunteered for it. “If you have other work that’s pressing…”
“I don’t,” Dominic said immediately.
“Neither do I. Tyler is at the store, and I’ve already spoken with him. He’s perfectly fine working as much as I need him to.”
“As long as you guys are okay with it, I’m in. And I’ll help you.” That was an easy decision—she wished they were all that easy.
“All right then. I’ll manage the crews to get the first floor done first and then the second floor. We might even be able to open the first floor at the beginning of November. I’ll try to figure some things out and give you a solid date later this week.”
“Perfect. I don’t need a whole lot of advance warning, but once I know that I can put it up and start advertising, I’ll do that.” She had a little bit of experience in advertising, although not much. She’d worked for an agency for a while once the kids were in school.
“All right, I’ll work on making at least one room picture-perfect soyou can have some photos for your ads.” Dominic stood from the bucket where he had sat down.
“I appreciate that.”
“Sure. And I’ll try to keep an eye on things, and when I’m sure that you can count on an opening date, I’ll let you know.”
“Sounds good. As soon as I know for sure what I can count on, I’ll start trying to sell rooms.”
“Sounds good.” He said a few more things to Lance before he walked out of the room.
“Are you sure you’re okay with that?” Lance asked in his normal, considerate way. Not only was he one of the nicest people that Shannon knew, she enjoyed watching him work, seeing how capable he was with his hands. He had always been good with them, and she remembered admiring him in high school for the exact same thing. He was quiet, but his expertise and competence was attractive, and anytime she had any questions, he was always happy to explain as little or as much as she wanted. He didn’t treat her like she didn’t know anything, nor did he act like he was superior to her because he did. He just made it seem natural that they were working together and she was learning. She had never worked with anyone she enjoyed working with more.
“How much of that did you know?” she asked as he stood up and gathered up some of his tools.
“I had to give my report to Dominic, because he had asked me to check the electrical systems. So I felt like it was important that I answered to him. And I wasn’t sure what he was going to decide. I didn’t want to get the cart ahead of the horse. Not to mention, you can’t really have two bosses for one job. He’s the boss of this job, and it would be a little bit inconsiderate of me to jump ahead and talk to you without the actual boss coming to you.”
She understood what he was saying. And it made sense. How could she be upset with him for just being respectful to Dominic and his position?
“But it looks like we’re moving up to the third floor. I need to look around, and if you don’t mind making a list, we’ll figure out exactly what we need toget started.”
“I don’t mind at all. Anything I can do to help move this project along is something I’m absolutely willing to do. As long as I don’t get in your way.”
