Right from the Start

by Jeanie London

  The thought made him twitch. He stared at her. The smattering of freckles across her nose was more noticeable than usual in the unsuited-to-teach fluorescent lighting.

  It wasn’t enough that he needed to renovate this building on a time limit, now she wanted him to train unskilled labor? Okay...time for plan B. Given this woman’s career, she should appreciate the art of negotiation.

  Because he couldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth.

  “We can work something out as long as you’re flexible on the time frame. There are a lot of windows around here, and I don’t want to hold you up from moving in.” He needed to get moving on Angel House. “If you’re willing to tackle the job one room at a time after I get everything under control, I can show you what to do, provide tools. With both of us on the job, we’ll bring all those windows back.” Before the turn of the next millennia. He hoped. “Does that sound doable?”

  “Sounds perfect.”

  “Do I need to put this agreement in writing?”

  “I’ll take you at your word.” She glanced at the windowsill, her expression glowing again. “I think they’ll be worth the wait.”

  No surprises there. Kenzie had consistently favored the quality of work over speedy resolutions. He’d been involved in residential construction for a lot of years and recognized the symptoms. Will finally had to ask. “I get the sense this building is more than your agency’s new address. Do you know someone on the preservation commission or are old buildings a hobby of yours?”

  The question seemed to amuse her. A smile played around her mouth, softened around the edges of her expression. “I was a student here. I studied dance from the time I was six years old all the way through college. Lots of memories.”

  “Of course.” He didn’t have to look too closely to imagine her as a dancer. She was slender and lean with long, long legs. She wore a fitted skirt that showcased her shapely legs tonight—a similar outfit to the others he’d seen her in.

  Suddenly Will could imagine her wearing a skintight nothing outfit and doing all sorts of dance-y moves in front of the mirrors in one of the studios. Will knew nothing about dance, beyond the image of female bodies in motion, stretching and swaying erotically around poles.

  He had to shake his head to clear the image.

  Kenzie’s connection to this building shouldn’t have been rocket science. Not when he knew she was Hendersonville born and bred, and even looked the part with her graceful form. But former student hadn’t once occurred to him. He needed sleep.

  Still, he had trouble reconciling this gentle and proper woman with the building’s former business. Dance implied motion and abandon. Pole or not, Will simply couldn’t see this prim woman spinning around in front of mirrors with all that red hair whipping around her.

  Time for this interview to be over. Kenzie had gotten all the minutes he had to give. The night wasn’t even close to being over yet, and he hadn’t seen Sam since dropping him off at Angel House this morning. “Let’s have a look at that checklist of yours.”

  “Oh, okay.” Surprise was all over her breathless words, and she quickly handed him the list. Will kicked shut his toolbox and sat on it to take advantage of the work lights.

  Her list was as neat as he would have expected from a woman who presented as properly as this one did. Items listed in her concise handwriting. Items crossed out with even lines. Items added neatly in different colored ink. From the order of the jobs, he knew she’d copied most from his proposal and added her own, likely as they’d occurred to her.

  “Building separated,” he said. “Check.”

  That job had taken the better part of the first week to complete. Will had run the electrical himself, staying every night until the wee hours.

  “Air handlers. Check.”

  He’d spent the entire weekend here with Sam, installing those new handlers on both sides of the building.

  “Ductwork is this week’s project. If we don’t run into any aggravation, we should be done by Thursday.”

  So he could pull Roger from the subdivision going up on State Road 27 to texture the ceilings around the new vents. He hoped there would be something left of WLR General Contracting and Development by the time he’d completed this project.

  If he ever completed this project.

  “Masonry repaired outside around the canopies. Not yet.” He continued. “We’re waiting for shipment on the canopies. Don’t want to put in the new frames until they arrive. Rebuild the attic stairs. Check. Replaced the door header and support beams. Check.” That job had been a mess. Some old roof leak had compromised the supports and had been repaired in the most half-assed job he’d ever seen. Just good luck that the bathroom ceiling hadn’t caved in on a bunch of ballerinas.

  “New lighting fixtures. Not until after the ducts and vents are in. Have you chosen the ones you want yet?” He glanced up and found her watching him intently.

  “I did. Let me grab the catalog, I flagged the page.” Spinning lightly on her heels, she headed toward the doorway where she’d dropped her gear.

  Will didn’t wait, but kept on with the list. “Painting won’t happen until after we get everything done with the ceilings. We’re not refinishing the floors until after we get the painting done. We won’t replace the baseboards until after we get the floors refinished.”

  “That makes sense,” she said, returning with the catalog in hand.

  He was relieved she’d found something from this supplier because he could get delivery within a day rather than wasting more time waiting. He didn’t tell Kenzie that.

  In fact, the only thing working in their favor right now time-wise was the inspections. He’d muscled his way straight to the supervisor and insisted on not being jerked around because this was a city project. All the work he’d been doing on the council and his proximity to the mayor and city manager had produced all sorts of reassurances. So far the inspectors had shown up exactly when they said they would, which almost never happened. Will knew that firsthand.

  “All this other stuff, along with the windowsills and trim can be done after you move in. I consider that fine-tuning, so just trust I’ll get around to it. Neither of us can anticipate everything that needs to be done until you’re in the building. More stuff will come up, so as it does, add it to your list. I’ll work around you for all that stuff. Sound good?”

  She nodded. “Sounds good.”

  “Great. So is there anything else, Kenzie? What’s left to get you moved in? I want to set a date.”

  She appeared to consider that. “Okay. To work I need the reception area with the phones, a mediation room, the large classroom and the first floor public restrooms. My office would be nice, too. Or at least a place to set up my computer equipment if my office isn’t ready yet. That should do it.”

  “Then let’s look at the calendar, so you can call the utility companies and schedule service. That way they don’t hold you up.”

  “That’s a really good idea.”

  He was filled with them. The only problem was that he always wound up executing every good idea he came up with. This building was a case in point.

  Pulling up the calendar on his smartphone, he held it up to her. “I’ll have you ready by the weekend of the eleventh.”

  “Really? That soon?”

  “Really.”

  “That’s Mother’s Day weekend.”

  He shrugged. Maybe he’d luck out and Melinda would want to spend some time with
Sam.

  “Okay,” she said, sounding like the idea was gaining steam. “But the only time I can make the move is over the weekend when I don’t have classes. Will that work for you or would you rather I wait for the following weekend?”

  No more waiting. “I’ll be done with what I have to do, and if I’m not, I’ll stay out of your hair.”

  Kenzie smiled. “Okay, then. The weekend of the eleventh it is.”

  Will forced a smile in return. One more problem solved. One more piece in place. Provided he could actually get the work done by then, of course.

  * * *

  KENZIE INVITED QUITE a few of her nearest and dearest for moving day but wasn’t sure who would turn up since her move competed with a family weekend. Her own mother had joked about returning from Florida in time to work rather than celebrate Mother’s Day.

  But the promise of adequate compensation in the form of lunch had produced results. A few generous cousins and many friends showed up, so packing the rental truck had been a breeze. By the time Kenzie stood at her new front door on South Main Street, she was surrounded by a small crowd to cheer her on.

  “I know this isn’t the first time you’ve hung your shingle,” Geri said, pragmatic as always, “but I’d say quality beats quantity today, wouldn’t you?”

  Kenzie unfastened the key ring from the belt loop of her jeans, where it hung from a carabiner so she wouldn’t misplace it during all the activity of the move. “Absolutely. Have I thanked you for mentioning my agency yet?”

  Geri chuckled. “A number of times, in fact, and you are most welcome. The situation sounded perfect. For you and Hendersonville. Glad everything worked out.”

  “Exactly the way it was meant to.” Mom huddled closer and slipped a fond arm around Geri’s shoulders. “Madame Estelle will be at peace passing the torch. She was so fond of Kenzie.”

  That thought made Kenzie smile. “The place looks just like it used to.”

  She had the City of Hendersonville to thank for making that possible. And WLR General Contracting and Development for the renovations. Will had attended to most of the items on her list. The big ones, anyway. Those he hadn’t managed in the allotted time, he’d promised to complete as quickly as possible.

  Kenzie was content. She understood the nature of construction, knew it wasn’t an exact science, particularly when dealing with a building this age and size. Very much like her work with people. Each one unique. Each one requiring careful and exclusive handling.

  Will had done a fine job, and she was appreciative. The frames of every outside window were newly painted, and the glass sparkled in the midday sun. The bright blue canopies flapped in a mountain breeze that kept the temperature comfortable. Even the sidewalk appeared to have been pressure washed so every crack and crevice looked neat.

  “Go on, honeybunch,” her dad said with a grin, standing beside Mom as he always did. Two peas in a pod, he called them. “Give us the tour of your new place.”

  A few walls wouldn’t dramatically change a building where her parents had, by necessity, spent so much time as Kenzie grew up. But they gamely encouraged her, as always, and she savored the moment while inserting her key in the bolt and flipping the lock. A cheer went up as she opened the door.

  “Welcome to the new home of Positive Partings.” Kenzie’s laughter bubbled up from deep inside.

  Her dad held open the door so she could enter. Then everyone paraded in behind her until Positive Partings’ new reception area was stuffed with people who engendered the sort of values her agency fostered—support, cooperation, caring.

  “Thanks so much for being here, everyone,” Kenzie said. “I appreciate every one of you.”

  She received a few laughing replies then she began the tour by pointing out the new ceiling fixtures that cast an almost natural light on the gleaming floors. The maple planks had been restored to their former glory, and had much more character than the serviceable linoleum left behind in the strip plaza. The air held the tinge of fresh paint.

  Then Kenzie noticed the burst of brilliant color in the midst of all these sparkling upgrades—a floral arrangement perched on the reception counter.

  “Well, look at that,” Dad said as she made her way across the room with an excited gasp, the fragrance of stargazer lilies quickly overpowering the lingering smell of paint.

  There was a card that read Welcome in a distinctive scrawl. There was no name, but Kenzie guessed who had sent them—the only person who would have sent them. She was surprised by the gesture.

  “Congratulations, Kenz.” A quick kiss on her cheek accompanied the greeting delivered in a familiar, smoothly articulate voice. “This was a very good choice for the agency. I think you’ll be happy here.”

  “I’m glad you think so.” Kenzie glanced up at Nathanial, who had appeared behind her.

  Nathanial Wright had always been handsome, and Kenzie was in a position to make that statement since she’d known him most of her life. Her father still told the story of the day she and Nathanial had met. She’d come in from playing outside to inform her parents she’d met a boy from the new family in their cul-de-sac, and his name was The Candle Bright.

  Her youthful interpretation of Nathanial Wright, while not phonetically accurate had proven to be figuratively spot on. Nathanial had grown up to be an ambitious attorney known for burning the candle at both ends.

  He’d asked her to marry him at their eighth-grade banquet, and they’d dated occasionally through high school, college and law school. No ring. No pressure. No rush. They had much to accomplish before turning their focus on to family life. They were comfortable friends—and occasional friends with benefits—and she had always been content with their relationship.

  Kenzie had started her agency and needed to get Positive Partings solidly established. Nathanial wanted to become a full partner in his firm. They were determined to build their lives on a solid foundation, and that meant having all the big pieces in place. Sometimes careers needed attention. Sometimes life. They also believed it was important to become well-rounded individuals before settling down, so they’d both dated other people occasionally, too. It only made sense.

  “Are you as proud of her as we are, Nathanial?” Dad asked.

  Nathanial slipped an arm around her shoulders and pressed another kiss on the top of her head. “You bet I am.”

  “Thank you both.” Kenzie inhaled the lilies. Such a kind gesture, really. “But all I did was take up the city on its generous offer. Geri’s the one who actually did something.”

  And Will Russell. She kept that admission to herself.

  “You’re taking a chance by becoming part of the community,” Nathanial said. “I know there are perks, but you’re also assuming a big responsibility with this old building. Not everyone would do that. Look at where I work.”

  Kenzie considered. The partners in Nathanial’s law firm had just constructed a two-story building in a prestigious part of town. Brand spanking new and every square foot designed to appeal to new clients in a high tax bracket.

  “Point made. Does seem as if Positive Partings and Family Foundations were made for each other. Well, come on, everyone.” She motioned to an interior door. “I want to show you around so you know where to put things. I’d like to get the truck unloaded before lunch gets here.”

  “I ordered from The Deli on Main,” Lou announced. “Kenzie handed over her credit card and, since we’re all working on a Saturday, I made
sure I took care of lunch plus overtime.”

  A cheer went up, and Kenzie joined in with the laughter. Knowing her administrative assistant, she wouldn’t be laughing when the bill arrived. “Hope everyone’s hungry.”

  “And thirsty, Kenz.” Nathanial caught her gaze and winked. “I know Lou didn’t forget we’re thirsty from all this moving.”

  “Be prepared to unpack a lot of boxes,” Lou said. “Because you won’t be allowed to drive. Geri’s rounding up car keys. You have to blow below the legal limit to get them back.”

  “You think I carry a breathalyzer on the weekend?” Geri asked, loud enough to echo off the confines of the newly painted walls. “When I’m not wearing my robes?”

  More cheering. This time Kenzie only rolled her eyes because she really wouldn’t be laughing when the bill came.

  If they could get the furniture and boxes into the designated rooms and the remainder of the stuff stored in the attic, she might be able to function on Monday. If she worked every hour until then.

  Could Mom be convinced that ordering in from her favorite restaurant tomorrow would qualify as a special Mother’s Day? Kenzie made a mental note to bounce the idea off her dad. Then the tour began and questions started, along with stories of the building during Madame Estelle’s regime—to be expected as Kenzie was still close friends with many of her former dancing troupe.

  Consensus was with Mom—Madame Estelle would be pleased with who was moving in and how this building was put to use. There were invariably questions about the other tenant.

  “There will be children. Little ones. Angel House is a school. That’s really all I can tell you,” she explained. “Lou and I did some preliminary research, but we’ve been working on such a tight time frame. We’ve barely had time to pack up everything for the truck today.”