by Lois Kasznia
"Fix it myself?" repeated Ally dully, a headache forming in the back of her head. "I can’t do that. Who would you recommend?"
"A plumber. However, in Texas, once you have it repaired, you have to have the city inspector come out to look over the fixes to make sure they're up to code. Once they approve it, then they'll call the gas company to have it turned back on. Since it’s a Friday, no one can come out from the town, so the earliest you can have your gas back on is Monday."
"Do you have a plumber you would recommend?" Ally couldn't believe this information.
"No, ma'am. I'm not from this part of Texas." He smiled lazily at Ally.
"Oh." Ally looked at Kat for support.
"Ally, I'll find someone for you by running home and getting my yellow pages," offered Kat.
The agent put away his tools and got ready to leave. "Ma'am?" He addressed Ally. "Welcome to Texas." He smiled and left.
Ally wanted to smack him. Half-tempted to call the gas company to complain, Ally whipped out her phone, but Kat intervened.
"Ally, don't you have a home warranty? Call Dottie." Kat dialed the number and handed Ally the cell phone.
"Dottie? You won't believe what just happened. My gas has been turned off because there's a leak. Why wasn't it caught in the inspection?" rushed Ally.
"I don't believe it, either. I didn't smell anything when we walked through. I'll call the inspector and talk to him about it. In the mean time, you'll need a plumber. Call the home warranty first and they will arrange for someone to come out," advised Dottie.
"Thanks, Dottie." Ally ended the call and looked morosely at Kat. "I can't start cooking for you yet. When is your party?"
"Next Tuesday and, yes, you can. Those are electric ovens, not gas. I'm going home to prepare the Cornish hens, but I'll be back shortly. Are you going to be all right?"
"I'm a big girl. I can handle these things," said Ally.
"I feel badly leaving you alone." Kat hesitated a moment before she left.
Feeling down, Ally went outside in the backyard while she waited for the plumber, Sears and Verizon to show up. She decided to look at the hole where Tank had dug wondering how she to fill it. She needed to find people quickly and she didn't even have a phone book. Tank barked furiously at her for being locked up and he made sure no one could ignore him. Ally kept walking back and forth where she thought Tank's hole had been and couldn't find it. "I know I'm not crazy," she muttered. "Where is it?"
"I filled it up for you," answered Caleb from the other side of the fence. He sat on his horse looking down at Ally.
"Oh." Ally was lost in his beautiful, green eyes. She determined they were definite lethal weapons. "Thank you. I appreciate you being so neighborly."
"What's going on over there? I saw the energy truck show up right after the moving truck left. Having problems again?" Caleb raised one eyebrow.
Ally debated whether or not to tell him but, since he had filled up Tank's hole for her, she could be nice. "My sister, Kat, and I were unpacking the kitchen and we smelled gas. Obviously, I called the gas company. They shut it off and won't fix it because it has nothing to do with an outside line. It's the appliance. I just called the home warranty company and they're sending out a plumber. According to everyone, I have to wait until the city inspectors give the okay before I can turn the gas back on. I won't have any heat or hot water until sometime on Monday."
Caleb kept quiet for a minute, assessing the situation. Hell, he should invite her to stay over at his house until then. He probably wouldn't let her leave the bedroom, though. He quickly nipped that thought in the bud. That wouldn't be very gentlemanly on his part.
"We are in for a cold snap," he said. “How far away does your sister live?"
"Only about ten minutes. The only problem is that she has cats and we found out the hard way that Tank likes to chase them. I can't leave him alone here."
"Tank sure knows how to get into a mess of trouble." Caleb's grin widened.
"I guess he learned it from me," said Ally with a smile.
"I can see that." Ally's smile lit up Caleb's world. No wonder she had become a model. She had on no makeup, flaunting her flawless complexion. She wore the running suit he had seen her in earlier. Her hair hung loose and just a tangle of golden curls fell haphazardly about her shoulders. But the best thing about her, she acted unpretentious about her beauty. He couldn't believe how grounded she appeared for being so famous.
"Just ask my family about it," joked Ally as she rolled her eyes.
"Tell you what," drawled Caleb. "If you need anything, let me know. I've got plenty of room and Tank and I are buddies."
"I appreciate that. I think I can weather this out, but it's good to know you're there." Ally smiled warmly.
"Yes, ma'am." That smile of hers turned his knees to jelly. How could he get any work done? "Your plumber is here." Caleb jumped off his horse and tied it to a tree. He easily hopped over her fence. "Let me talk to him."
"You're going to help?" Surprised, Ally smiled in appreciation. This is the kind of thing where you needed a man. Kind of like when her dad helped her when she moved to New York. Oh, but don't expect the fatherly type for Caleb. If she wasn't careful, well, she better be. No more men.
"Looks like you're having a party," commented Caleb. "Not only is the plumber here, so is Verizon and Sears. Good Lord. It's turned into a three ring circus." Caleb impatiently waited for an explanation from Ally.
"Kat will be here at any minute to help out," said Ally defensively.
"Well, she's not. Plumber is mine and you get the phone and Sears."
"Yes, sir." Ally couldn't get away fast enough. She could do this. Why would Caleb think she wasn't capable of handling this move? She directed the Verizon agent to the location of the existing phone box along with the televisions and computers. She and Kat had painstakingly set them up with the help of the movers. She then led the Sear's workers to set up her washer and dryer. Ally felt confident and went to find Caleb with the plumber, looking not too pleased at the moment.
"Caleb, now what's the problem?"
"You have eleven gas leaks. Who did your home inspection? I have half a mind to call Dottie," growled Caleb.
"She said she'd get back to me. It's Tom something. I'll get the paperwork."
Caleb stormed right next to her and stopped short once they got to her office. Everything had been set up with folders neatly labeled and organized. He shrugged in admiration. Ally had brains.
"He's a crook," said Caleb as he took the papers from Ally. "I'll take care of this. You're not paying for a thing. The Sears workmen are looking for you about your washer and dryer and I don't like the way they're looking at you."
"Get used to it, because I have," muttered Ally, as she followed the workman to the laundry room. She listened intently as he explained how to work the high efficient washer. Usually, Ally had always had her laundry done for her. The last unit she had owned in her Manhattan condo had been an old space saver unit, which she rarely used. This new one looked like a rocket ship with all of its selections and buttons. Ally cursed Kat because she had picked this out for her and obviously gone overboard. Speaking of Kat, had she gotten lost?
****
"How do you like it?" asked Kat as she walked into the laundry room. "Why is Caleb here?"
"He's helping out. Kat, where have you been? Caleb thinks I'm an absolute fool for everything happening at once. Why can't things go as planned?" Ally felt frustrated at everything. "The washer looks like something out of NASA. The service man told me to run it for one cycle before I put clothes in it." She turned to find the Verizon workman wanting her attention.
"I know who you are. You're the model, right?" He eyed Ally.
"No, you must be thinking of someone else," lied Ally, getting to the point. "What's the problem?"
"Are you sure?" He looked at her skeptically, ignoring her question.
"The problem?" Ally stood her ground.
"I have to
change your phone number because they gave you the wrong one. Also, you have DVR with this package; do you know how to work it?"
"But I've already given everyone that phone number, what do you mean I have to change it? And no, I'm clueless about DVR." Ally tried again to remain calm.
"Here's how it works," explained the workman as he handed the information manual to Ally.
"Pay attention, Kat," declared Ally. Both Ally and Kat listened intently as he explained how to set up the television. It sounded like a chapter from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration manual to Ally. She looked down at the instructions as if it were the most precious document on earth.
"Your wireless is all set up, so, any questions?" The workman's eyes rested on Ally.
"Not yet," said Ally as she signed the paperwork.
"Call me if you do. I'm not working this weekend, but you can call me Monday." He smiled at her provocatively.
"She'll be fine." Caleb had come up behind them quietly. He glared at the workman who got the hint. Caleb again glared at Ally.
"What?" Ally asked crossly. They were standing in the kitchen now only feet from the laundry room. Tank barked incessantly from her bedroom while Kat ignored everyone as she loaded the ovens with the Cornish hens for her catered lunch.
"The plumber is done with the repairs and he needs at least a down payment which you'll get back," explained Caleb. "I know some friends of mine who will come out to inspect this for you tonight so we can get your gas back on."
"Thanks, Caleb. I really appreciate your help." Graciously, Ally reached for her checkbook. As she turned, both she and Caleb noticed the water gushing from the laundry room into the kitchen.
"What the heck?" Caleb stormed into the laundry room to investigate the problem with Ally close behind. "Call Sears," barked Caleb. "They didn't install this properly."
Ally tried hard not to laugh because if she didn't, she would cry. The plumber looked at her with compassion and took charge of the situation.
"I can fix this. They put the wrong size pipe on the washer. I've got the correct size in my truck and I also have a wet-vac to clean up for you." He rushed outside to his truck.
Caleb turned to Ally in disbelief. "Is life with you always like this?"Ally nodded her head. "Welcome to the world of Ally Duncan."
Kat smiled as she joined them. "Now do you see why I wanted my little sister to move down here? Just think what she did to New York." Kat hugged Ally.
"Caleb, I can't thank you enough. How can I repay you for what you've done?" Ally turned to Caleb.
"What a loaded question." Caleb smiled at her wickedly.
Red-faced at the innuendo, Ally recanted her statement. "I was thinking in terms of how Kat and I could do a free catering party for you?"
"Don't know. Don't have many parties, but I'll see." Caleb still looked at Ally with an evil grin on his face. "I'm still not done yet. I have phone calls to make and do me a favor. Take care of that poor dog." Caleb turned and left.
The plumber finished up and left while Kat tended to her Cornish hens. Ally continued to unpack the kitchen and put things away. The television blared as they watched the evening news.
"It's almost five o'clock and I'm ready for a drink, how about you?" Kat reached for a beer while Ally poured a glass of red wine. They toasted their drinks. "Here's to my little sister."
"I'll be over first thing tomorrow morning to take a shower.” Ally shook her head. “No, wait. I can't because the pet fence man is coming over."
"The night is young. Maybe Caleb can get someone out here for you." Kat took a drink of her beer.
"That would be heavenly," said Ally as she turned on the water. "That's right. I don't have any hot water. Take out again. What do we want for dinner tonight? Those Cornish hens smell mighty good."
"Hands off," exclaimed Kat as she swatted Ally's hands "Give me some money. I'll run into town and get some Chinese. I know this really great carry-out place."
"Okay by me. Take what you need from my purse." Ally handed Kat her wallet.
Watching the news signaled the end of the unpacking. Ten minutes later, Caleb knocked on the door and let himself in. Tank greeted him with excited kisses and then ran over to sit next to Ally. "Long time no see," greeted Ally cheerfully.
"What smells so good in here? Are you making dinner for me?" Caleb sniffed appreciatively at the stove and opened the oven door.
"No, that's not for you," teased Ally as she playfully slapped his hand away. "Kat is making them for her luncheon tomorrow. She just left to pick up some Chinese food. Would you want anything?"
"Where's she going?" asked Caleb as he made himself comfortable.
"Beats me, I'll find out." Ally picked up her phone to call and smiled at Caleb.
"Earl is coming over in a bit to check out what the plumber did. If things are good he'll call the gas company and have them turn it on tonight." He leaned in to Ally, their noses almost touching. And you're welcome." He laughed as Ally blushed.
"Kat said it's a place called East Ocean. You know of it?"
"I'll take a number fourteen with extra rice. You're buying, right?" Caleb smirked at Ally.
"Of course." Ally gave Kat the order and disconnected the call. "You want a beer or something?"
"Got any whisky?"
"I haven't unpacked the bar yet, but look in the box over there." Ally pointed. She reached for a glass and turned around to hand it to Caleb, but he had found the bottle and reached for the glass. They collided momentarily, their eyes locked before they separated. "Sorry about that." Ally blushed.
"I'm not," grinned Caleb. "Besides, you have my favorite brand of whiskey." He poured what he wanted and topped it off with water.
"Were you able to get any of your work done today?" asked Ally conversationally. Caleb stared at her, making her uncomfortable. He had an amused expression on his face, which bothered her.
"Nope. I've got lots to do tomorrow, so don't go make a fuss." Caleb waved his hand.
"The only thing I have tomorrow is that the pet fence man is coming to install it so Tank doesn't get loose again."
****
"Earl is here. I hear his truck." Caleb went to the door and let Earl in. "Earl? This here is Ally. She just moved here from New York and has run into a bit of a problem and I figured we could show her some real Texas hospitality."
"Pleased to meet y'all, ma'am. Say, aren't you that model?"
"One and the same," bragged Caleb. Ally made a mental note to remind Caleb that she wished to remain anonymous.
"Here, Earl. Follow me so I can show you what the plumber did." The two of them disappeared so Ally went back to unpacking, letting Caleb handle the situation. She sighed. She didn't know what she would have done today if it hadn’t been for Caleb. Ally shook her head, mad at herself for depending on a man again. It seemed a pattern she wanted not to fall into. Caleb defined the word handsome and strong willed for sure. If she were to get romantically involved with him, there would plenty of confrontations. Her cell phone rang, interrupting her thoughts.
"Ally? It's Dottie. Caleb wouldn't happen to be over there, would he?"
"Why, yes, he is. Earl is here, too, but I don't know his last name." Ally became suspicious of what was going on between Dottie and Caleb.
"He got Earl to take a look at your house? Do you know who Earl is?" Dottie sounded impressed.
"I have no clue, Dottie. Apparently he's important?"
"He's the Mayor of Argyle. Tell Caleb to call me as soon as he can."
"Sure."
Earl and Caleb met Ally back in the kitchen and Earl smiled warmly at Ally. "You're ready to go, young lady. I called the gas company and they are on their way."
"Thank you so much," said Ally. "I can't tell you how much I really appreciate it."
"Glad to oblige," said Earl. "Just one favor; can I have your picture taken with me?"
"But I'm a mess," exclaimed Ally as she tried to straighten her unruly hair.
&n
bsp; "You look fine," said Caleb and he faced Earl. "See? It's the makeup. She looks more natural without it." He turned back to Ally and grinned. "Hold still while I snap your picture."
"You sure made his day," commented Caleb after Earl had left.
"I'm just a little overwhelmed." Ally went to the table and sat down. Caleb brought her the glass of wine, sat across from her and smiled.
"You've had a rough day. But you see in Texas, we help each other out." He definitely could get used to Ally as a neighbor. He hadn't had this much fun in a long time.
