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The air smelled dusty and slightly musty. He opened the two large windows on either side of where her bed would go, then opened the sliding glass door in the sitting area. The fresh evening air brought a chorus of crickets. A month or two from now, the frogs would start courting in the muddy, overgrown pond. It was another project on his endless list.
Like every other room, the walls needed paint. The only wallpaper was on the wall with the windows, and it would need to be removed. But tonight, he just wanted to clean the room.
He swept the hardwood floor, sending small whirlpools of dust scurrying away from the broom. He mopped it twice, dampening the dust and leaving behind the lemon scent of the floor cleaner.
He tackled the bathroom next. The white-tile counter and pink porcelain sink needed scrubbing, and they looked like new when he finished. The bathtub-shower combination had been updated at some point, though it seemed to have been a while ago. The tub and the tile behind it were pink with light green trim. He turned on the brass faucet to make sure it worked, then watched the water drain. No apparent clog. The pink-and-green checkerboard floor was last, and the lemon-scented soap made it shine. He leaned on the mop and admired his work.
Frenchie ran in and barked.
Milo laughed. “Not a fan of pink?”
Frenchie barked again.
“It’s Art deco. Very early nineteenth century.” Frenchie wasn’t impressed.
By the time he was finished, it was past his bedtime, and Milo went to sleep thinking about having dinner on Saturday night with Wilda and Caleb.
After Mathias told her he thought moving into Milo’s house was a good idea, Wilda was excited about the prospect. It would make things simpler. No more searching for a new place. No deadline hanging over her head. No more living alone. Milo was… “Nothing. Milo is just Milo.”
On Thursday morning, she dropped Caleb off at school, then went home to start packing. Mathias had a small job to finish, but he promised to be back by lunchtime. Wilda wanted to make a quick run to Milo’s house before she needed to pick up Caleb from school.
He had a well-stocked kitchen, so she could pack her dishes for storage. That could wait. She went to her room and began packing her closet. By the time Mathias got back, she had her car loaded and several more boxes for him to put in his truck.
She stood in the kitchen, looking at the oak table and four chairs, when he came in. “Are we bringing that to the house?”
“I think so. Do you think Milo will be insulted if I replace the card table?”
“I seriously doubt it.”
“Okay. We’ll bring the table, then.”
Mathias picked up two chairs. “I’ll put these in the truck.” Wilda picked up another chair and followed him outside. He glanced at the boxes on the porch. “You had a productive morning.”
“I guess I’m a little anxious to make this move.”
He put the two chairs in the back of the truck, then took Wilda's. “Excited because?”
“I’ve never felt comfortable in this house. I think I somehow knew the landlord was going to screw us over.”
“He did that all right.”
“I really love Milo’s house. I know this is temporary. But I’m looking forward to staying there, getting up and going right to work on the next project.”
Mathias smiled. “You’re really enjoying this home improvement gig.”
“I really am.”
“Good. Perhaps you’ve found your calling.”
“Stripping wallpaper and painting?”
He shrugged. “Whatever makes you happy.” He looked at her for a moment. “Is the house the only thing that makes you happy about this move?”
“Mathias, you don’t need to worry about me. Milo is…” She picked up a box. “You know I’m not ready to go there.”
“Right.” He took the box from her. “Just don’t be too proud to ask him for help if you need it. I’m just a few hours away. But he’s here and willing to help you if necessary.”
“I’m going to be fine.”
