The Maverick - By Jan Hudson Page 0,43
move on the renovations, and she hoped Greg’s bid was on target. Two months ago she’d gotten an estimate from another contractor, whose figure had been exorbitant. Several people had recommended Greg, and she had good feelings about the whole venture.
THE FOLLOWING MORNING, Greg called as she was getting dressed. “I have your estimate together,” he told her.
“Already? I like the way you work.”
“I aim to please. When and where can I drop it off?”
“I’m working today at Chili Witches. I’ll be there until closing. Anytime is fine with me.”
“Great,” Greg said. “By the way, I made a deal with your friend Oscar, and I’m buying his house down the street from yours. It worked out well for both of us. He needed to move to his new job as soon as possible, and I’ll soon be starting renovations there as well.”
“Fantastic. See you later.”
She finished dressing and hurried downstairs to open.
Sometime after eleven, Cass was in the office chasing down an invoice when her mother stuck her head in. “Someone out front is asking for you,” Gloria said. Her mouth drew into a sly smile. “A man. A very handsome man.”
“Must be Greg Gonzales. He said he’d be dropping by.”
“The same Greg Gonzales you went to school with? The football player you used to swoon over when you were fifteen?”
“The very one. You don’t forget much, do you, Mom?”
“How could I forget? For a year I never heard such sighing over a boy. It looks like you finally have your chance. He seem very nice.”
“Don’t go matchmaking, Mom. He’s a contractor, here to drop off an estimate for renovating the houses I bought. Besides, I imagine he’s married with four kids by now.”
“Maybe so, but I didn’t see a ring on his finger. I checked.”
Cass shook her head. “Rings don’t mean anything these days, especially in his business. They’re sometimes a safety hazard.”
She hurried out to meet Greg, who was standing by the bar with a large envelope in his hand.
He smiled when he saw her. “Good morning, Cass.”
“Hi, Greg. That for me?” She motioned to the envelope, which he handed to her. “Have time for me to buy you a cup of coffee?”
“As a matter of fact, I thought I’d grab a hamburger and some fries while I’m here. I’ve been up since five with my roofing crew, and it’s time for my lunch.”
“Sure. Where would you like to sit? You’ve beat most of the lunch crowd. Grab any table you want.”
“Do you have time to join me?”
“For a minute. I’m eager to see your figures.” She turned to tell her mother to watch the door, and almost fell over her. “Eavesdropping?” she whispered.
“Certainly not,” Gloria said. “Go ahead and have a bite with your friend. Min and I can handle everything. After all, we did it for years without any help.”
Cass gave her an exasperated eye roll and trailed after Greg.
Gloria followed. Cass had no choice except to introduce her to the contractor.
“I’m so delighted to meet you, Greg. I remember you as a boy. Now, what can I get you two for lunch?”
Greg ordered, and Cass said, “I think I’ll just have coffee for now, Mom. Thanks.”
She could see her mother open her mouth to argue, but Cass gave a small shake of her head. “Wonderful,” Gloria said. “I’ll get those drinks right out.”
Actually, one of the waiters brought the drinks, and Cass opened the envelope to check the estimates. After a quick scan of the figures, she said, “I’ll want to study this in more detail before I give you a final answer, but my first impression is that it looks very satisfactory. When can you start?”
“Anytime you give the word. We should be finished with our current job by the weekend, and I can have a crew there Monday morning. If you want to wait—”
“I don’t. I’ve put this off long enough. I’d like to get started as soon as possible. I’ll check your estimates later this afternoon and get back to you. Is this your cell number?” She pointed to the letterhead.
“No. Let me write it down for you.” He made a note on the outside of the envelope.
“I’m so excited about this. I already have the paint colors and flooring picked out. I’m going over in the morning to take some measurements so I can begin to plan for rugs and furniture.”
“Want me to help with the measurements?” he asked.
“Oh, not necessary, Greg. I’m sure you have better things to do.”
“Not at