I realized we were headed that way, and I stopped by the house to hunt down Debbie to make sure she knew everything was alright. Ron accepted a Guinness from me, and after he complemented Debbie on the smells arising from the kitchen (hint, hint) we reviewed the addition.
He was a perfectionist, checking out everything, looking into every nook and cranny and asking about a zillion questions. At the end we stood outside looking over the work. “Good work you’ve done here. Someone knows what they’re doing. Makes me feel a little more comfortable.”
“I’ve got good friends in the business.”
“If they’re ever in need of work, have ’em look me up. Ok, the way I figure it, about $5k for everything, replace that carpet in the dining room with hardwood floors, fix the one window which isn’t level, replace the front stoop and build the wrap-around porch. Finish the inside as well but there’s not a whole lot to that.”
Five thousand seemed stupidly cheap for what he was suggesting. I said as much.
“I’m talking my costs, not retail. I’ll split it with you. I’ll make that check out for 48 thousand.”
“We gotta work on your math, Ron. I figure that’s forty-seven five.”
“How about you talk your pretty little woman into setting a place for one more for dinner, and we’ll call it even?”
I had to laugh. “Debbie’s a hell of a cook, but $500 bucks for dinner is still a little high.”
“You’re looking at it wrong. If I took out my new partners in a business for dinner, it could run twice that, easy, and if last night is any indicator, it wouldn’t taste half as good.” He heaved a deep sigh. “Please don’t tell me she’s half as good in the sack as she is in the kitchen. I don’t think my heart could take it.”
I was a little surprised by the turn of the conversation. “I hate to break it to you, Ron, but she’s better.” I couldn’t help myself. I was proud.
“Damn.” He heaved a big sigh. “And you’re taking turns with her AND Beth. Is there no justice in the world?”
“About that. We don’t take turns. It’s a big bed.”
The man had a punch like a sledge-hammer. Even in jest. “Damn it! Son, I’m a fan.”
I tried hard not to rub the ache in my shoulder.
“Tell me about this Eric guy,” he said.
“He’s a great guy. One of seven brothers, his brother Joe is my best friend. I’ve played softball with the Howards for about two years. He and his brother Bill are in carpentry.”
“Bill Howard? Howard construction? His old man does plumbing?”
“Right on all accounts.”
“Well fuck me with a crowbar. I know Bob. Good man. Does damned good work.”
“They undertook the lion’s share of making sure we put this place back together right. When I say it was a shambles when I got it, that’s an understatement. The house wasn’t even counted in the original appraisal; it was that bad.”
“I guess you do know good people. That explains a lot. This is getting better and better. I haven’t talked to Bob in years. I’ll have to remedy that.”
“There you are, Daddy! Jerry said you were around here somewhere.” Amie jogged up and gave her father a big hug. His smile said more than words ever could. His face lit up like a kid’s on Christmas morning.
Beth sidled up next to me for a hug and a kiss. “Hi Mr. Thomas. What are you two up to? No good, I bet.”
“Oh fine. Now that you’ve got a serious boy-friend, no more hugs for the old man?”
Beth giggled and gave him a big hug. “Is there an old man around here? Maybe I should hug him too?” She pulled him down and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “You staying for dinner?”
“If I won’t be cramping your style.”
“I guess I can handle it if you can,” she told him.
“Daddy,” Amie interrupted, “You’re not going to try and take this over now, are you?” She sounded serious.
“Hey, take it easy! I’ll be out of your hair by the end of the week.” He held his hands in front of him, proclaiming his innocence. “This is what I do. Once the work is done, I’m out. It’s all up to you ladies then.”
Amie had her arms crossed and was giving him a hard look. “I’m going to hold you to that. We’re doing all right on our own.”
“Better than alright. You’ve got it all under control. I’m just helping a little, I promise.”
Robin showed up, looking good. She must be rubbing off on me. The more time she spent with us, the better she was looking. Of course the sexy outfit didn’t hurt. She didn’t have the best body in the house, but she sure advertised it well. Of course that said more of the house then it did of the cutie joining us. “The last of the men are leaving. Jerry said they’d be back tomorrow at 8:30.” Robin came up to me and gave me a full body hug. “I deserve a reward; I did good today.”
Ron looked a little surprised by her display, then laughed. “That she did. She has the whole thing planned out pretty well, and is not afraid to get her hands dirty.”
Robin turned toward him, without releasing her hold on me. “Hands? Hell, Ron, ‘dirty’ is my middle name.”
“Slutty ‘dirty’ McSlutterson? That’s a mouthful.” He teased. Evidently he hadn’t missed Sunday’s shirt.”
“Hey! I’ll be the one to judge what a mouthful is or not. And don’t you forget it!”
“Robin! That’s my dad!” Amie cried out indignantly.
“I won’t hold that against him.”
“Oh really? And what WILL you hold against me.” Ron asked with a salacious grin.
I had to admit it. Ron gave as good as he got.
Robin unwrapped herself from me and gave Ron the treatment she’d been giving me, clinging to him like a kindergartner clings to his mother on the first day of school.
“I guess this is the best I can do in public, what with your baby watching and all,” she answered. “Of course we could look for somewhere more private.”
“Robin!” Amie squealed, while Beth giggled.
“Don’t let the spoiled one stop you,” he teased, hugging her back, with what looked like less-than-honorable attentions.
“Ooh, Amie. I like your Dad.” Robin sighed, rubbing herself against him. She ground her hips against him, putting her arms around his neck and looking up into his eyes. “Maybe you and I can discuss just what a mouthful is later.”