We plan to repaint the oak cupboards in the kitchen a pristine shade of ivory. We’re removing two cupboards and replacing them with dark shelving on which I will display some nice decorative kitchen items. I’ve also spotted a cute blue stand-alone country-style island at Ikea which will be just perfect in the wide open space of our kitchen. It’s amazing what you can do with just a bit of money.
We’ll also be removing all flowered borders, and replacing all toilets. And I plan to put up some of my ‘masterpieces’. I knew those art classes would pay off one day.
But the biggest project is the main bathroom upstairs, which is incredibly outdated. Thankfully Gabe is skilled enough to do most of the renovations; putting in a new toilet and two vanities and light fixtures. We’ll have to hire his contractor buddy to put in the new bath.
It all seems like a lot of work, but it will pay off when we get our money’s worth. You really need to stand out in such a tough real estate market. And we need to sell this house as soon as possible. We can’t afford to have two mortgages.
I’ve also been busying myself checking out properties in Phoenix. The prices are so much cheaper. We can almost afford a castle. Well, maybe not a castle, but definitely a super-cute house with a pool. I’m getting very excited.
I’m standing on a step ladder, dragging a wet sponge over the dreadful border in our bathroom, when Gabe grabs my rear playfully.
I laugh. “Hey, watch those hands,” I scold, turning to look down at him. “You wouldn’t want me to fall, would you?”
“I’d catch you.” He shoots me a smile. One of those wicked grins; the kind that usually lands me right in bed, on top of him. I’m pretty sure that’s what he’s thinking — all he thinks about these days. But he hasn’t made a move. He’s been giving me lots of space. His playful moves and mischievous smiles make me want him, practically every second of the day.
But neither of us has dared to start anything. It’s like we’re seventeen again and madly in love. I smile at the recollection of us at that age. He had a little more experience than I did at the time, but he was very patient with me, knowing I was a virgin. He teased and played, but never pressured. That is kind of what this feels like.
He stretches out under the new double vanity, working on the plumbing. He wears a sleeveless undershirt and green work pants I’ve never noticed before. They hang deliciously off his hips. And I almost want to jump him right here, in the middle of our bathroom. But I’m too shy. I smile at the ridiculousness of it all.
What the hell has happened to me?
“Did you see the print-outs I left for you?” I ask as I ogle the bit of exposed skin between his shirt and pants. His white briefs peek out ever so slightly. If his pants rode a little lower, I could see my name etched on his flesh. I’d really like those pants off.
I think about trailing my finger along the edge of his briefs. That would surely send the message, loud and clear.
But he’s busy…
“I love the one with the pool,” he says, “everything about it.”
My heart fills with anticipation. “Me too. I can’t believe we can afford a pool. And we can use it all year-round.”
“Yeah, it will be epic,” he says, clearly making fun of Chloe and Claire who have been uttering the word like it’s going out of style.
I laugh. “Yes, I’m really looking forward to it.”
“Me too.”
“What I’m not looking forward to though, is telling the school, and telling the girls.”
“The girls will be fine,” he says, “as long as we get a house with a pool.”
“I hope so,” I say, thinking about the few friends they’ve made over the years. No close friendships thankfully.
And then I think about Gwen, about my classroom full of kids, about Weston…
Gabe manages to maneuver his body out from under the sink. His soft hazel eyes fix me in that particular way they do when he’s about to say or ask something difficult.
“Have you talked to Weston yet?”
I twitch a little. It’s like he can read my thoughts. I shake my head and bite my lip. “I’ve been putting it off. That’s something else I’m not looking forward to.”