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“Yeah, Pops. It’s not in bad shape. I’ve got electricity up and running, had my water cistern filled and the water pump checked out, and the only thing I’m waiting on is someone to come and check my propane tank, but that might happen this weekend. Why don’t you pop by in the morning? Come have a look around.”

I turn into the parking lot of my apartment building and pull the Toyota into my assigned spot.

“Can’t. I’ve got someone coming in for the kitchen job,” Pops grumbles.

“Okay, well…come any time,” I offer, grabbing my water bottle and the new list of supplies I’d started, and stuff them in my bag. “I was hoping to get your opinion on some of the projects I’m planning to tackle.”

I throw the last out there in an attempt to smooth my father’s ruffled feathers.

It works.

“Sure, I could probably drop in after and have a look.”

I grin to myself. Making it sound like he’s doing me a favor makes him feel needed.

“Thanks, Pops. I’ll see you then.”

I end the call and exit the car, slinging my bag over my shoulder just as another call comes in on my phone. I manage to dig it out of my bag before it stops ringing.

“Hello,” I answer breathlessly.

“I’ll be there tomorrow. Eleven.”

My mouth immediately twists with a smile when I hear Rick’s voice.

“That’s great. Thanks.”

“Glad to. And sorry, I was just about to text you when I saw your message. Reception isn’t great up at the quarry and I never heard it come in. I’m actually at your house as we speak.”

“You are?”

I’m still smiling as I walk up the stairs to my unit, nodding at a neighbor in passing.

“Yeah. I was leaving the quarry and thought I’d look in on you but you’re already gone.”

I unlock my front door as I respond, “I am. In fact, I’m just walking in the door. It’s been a long day.”

“I hear you. And I can tell you’ve done quite a bit of work out here today. Nice angles on that trim.”

As I let myself sink into my comfy couch, a pleased blush warms my cheeks at the compliment, but for some reason I never know how to respond graciously.

“Yeah, well, did you happen to check the discard pile around the side of the porch? I must’ve screwed up three different boards before I got it right.”

“The final result is the only thing that matters, not the number of tries it took to get there.”

I snicker. “Maybe that should go on a plaque. I have a feeling I’ll need to be reminded on plenty more occasions.”

His responding soft, low laugh does something to my insides.

“Not sure you’re giving yourself enough credit, but we can work on that.”

We? I like the sound of that way too much, but wisely keep my mouth shut before I say something embarrassing.

“Well, I should probably get home myself,” he fills in my silence. “I’ll catch you in the morning, and get some rest.”

“Yeah, you too.”

When the line goes dead, I clutch my phone in my hands, briefly closing my eyes to savor that airy feeling in my chest.