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“Both. Ideally, stark white for interior and Grey Goose for exterior,” I tell him, already knowing the color scheme. Visualizing my new place has me giddy with excitement. My plan is to paint outside in the sunshine during the day and then start painting inside during the evenings. I hope within a week or two of painting day and night, I will have it done. It’s going to make a massive difference.
“Sounds like a hell of a job. Are you sure you’re okay with it all?” He turns to look at me with concern.
“I’ll be fine,” I say, trying not to be offended abouthow the men in this town seem to think a woman can't cope with these types of tasks. Sure, I haven't painted a house before, but how hard can it be?
“You’re neighbors with Tanner Whiteman out there. I am sure he will be happy to help you.”
I bite my tongue. That is the one person I willnotbe asking for help. I am sure he will take too much enjoyment out of seeing me fail, and I am starting to feel like I need to prove everyone wrong in this town.
“Alright, well, how many gallons do you need?” he asks, and I balk. Shit. I have no idea.
“Oh, umm…”
“Outside, I’m guessing you will need a few tins of this one,” he says, starting to put them in my cart. “If you need more, you can always come back in. For inside, let’s start you with a few tins of this one. Plus, don’t forget your undercoat…”
Ten minutes later, I am packing up the truck with all my supplies that will keep me busy for a few weeks. Bob is just as friendly as everyone else, and by the end of my trip, he ensured I had every tool and material known to man, along with another suggestion to lean on Tanner if I need to.Over my dead body.
Bob even had a floor sander to rent, so I grabbed that as well, thinking I might try that today when I get home. Everything so far is coming in on budget, and as I inhale a deep breath, I smile.
I scan the street, seeing people coming and going and stop for a moment to take it all in. Large trees line the street; flower beds are full of color now that spring is here; the sky is clear of any clouds. Everyone is smilingand friendly as they go about their days. No horns beeping, so yelling, no city smells from the subway grates. Only fresh air and friendly greetings. A small church sits at the end of the main street, almost welcoming people into town, and I spot Delish Diner and a few other stores I’ll need to investigate next time I’m here. I even spot a small interiors shop down the street that’s calling my name. Sometimes small towns have the best surprises.
Whispers is a pretty town, picturesque. And it’s my new home.I am doing this. I am really doing this.
I am about to jump back in the truck to go home when Flourish catches my eye. I remember what Peter, the taxi man, said about meeting the owner of the florist. Deciding that there is no time like the present to start meeting more locals, I walk down the street and push open the door, a small bell announcing my arrival.
“Oh, hi! You must be Victoria?” A woman who looks close to my age walks toward me from the back of the store.
“Ahhh, I am, yes.” I’m shocked she knows me before an introduction.
“Sorry, small town,” she says, rolling her eyes. “I’m Jasmine. Welcome to Whispers. How are you finding Marie’s place?” she asks, and she, like everyone else I have met, is overly friendly, so I just go with it.
“News travels fast,” I comment with a smile. It is to be expected in a small town; I just need to remember that. “Marie’s place is great.” That has Jasmine looking at me as though I am crazy.
“We are talking about the same house, right? The old,run-down white one near Whiteman’s Distillery?” she asks, and I nod.
“That’s the one,” I say cheerily. I am in a good mood. I have survived a few nights, I have supplies, online orders are placed, and now I am ready to get to work.
“Have you met Tanner Whiteman yet? Owner of Whiteman’s Whiskey? I heard a rumor that he wants to buy Marie’s place. Or rather, your place now.”
I try to remain impartial, but the fact that everyone keeps mentioning his name is starting to become maddening.
“Oh, I am not planning to sell. I am renovating.”
“Renovating? Really? I thought Tanner would probably offer millions.” She’s dumbfounded if the expression on her face tells me anything.
“He did, but I am not taking it. The house needs a little work, but I love design and just stocked up on all the supplies to get started. I will be renovating and documenting the journey online. Besides, it is a family property; I can’t just sell it,” I tell her, chuckling, and she smiles.
“Huh… that sounds amazing.” She clears her throat. “Well, you will need some immediate color in the place to brighten your day. I have this amazing bunch of red roses that will look fantastic,” she says, grabbing a bunch of flowers.
“They are beautiful. Thank you. How much?” I ask as I follow her to the counter.
“First bunch is on the house,” she says with a wink.
“Are you sure?” I tilt my head in question, hating taking something I am not paying for.
“Think of it as a welcome to Whispers.” She starts to wrap them up in paper, then pauses to look back up at me. “If you’re not doing anything tonight, I will be hanging out at Whiteman’s Bar with my friend, Lacy. Feel free to join us. There aren’t many young women in town these days, so we kinda have to stick together.”
I look out the window and spot a black timber building with gold writing.
