“Good morning. I came to get some coffee,” she smiled.
“Just finished brewing. Help yourself.” He nodded toward the coffeepot. “Also have some hot oatmeal.”
“Thanks.” She went to the coffeepot and grabbed a mug. She poured herself a cup and grabbed some packets of sugar and creamer.
She sat down at one of the small tables and went through her email.
A message from her attorney popped up.
“Chris is definitely avoiding his attorney and any attempt to contact him. His attorney seems to be as put out as me. For right now it’s estimated to be three weeks until he’s back in the country. I’ll keep you updated.”
The coffee turned bitter in her mouth. She was on her own now. No knight in shining armor was going to show up with a new roof for her house.
She reached in her purse for her notebook. Her hand landed on her Bible. She pulled it out and looked at the first page.
Her mother had scribbled her favorite Bible verse.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” ~Phillipians 4:6
“I could use a little help right now, God,” she muttered to herself.
“Excuse me?” The owner looked up from reading the paper.
Carolina felt her face heat. “I was just wondering over my options for a roofer who could get to my lake house.”
“Oh you have a house here?”
“Yes. It’s been rented out for a while and needs some work. I have a leak. I don’t know if it can be patched or needs a whole new roof. My husband…my ex-husband took care of things like that so this is all new to me.” She pulled out her notebook and glanced over the list of names, embarrassed that she had told him so much.
The man walked around the desk and refilled his cup. He glanced over her shoulder and pointed at her list. “Don’t use him. He’s way overpriced and does shoddy work.”
She looked up at him and smiled. “Thanks.” Taking a pen out of her purse she crossed the name off.
The man pointed to another name. “He’s good but he’s backed up for weeks. Sounds like you need someone sooner rather than later.”
She nodded and crossed him off as well. “Thank you. That leaves two options.”
She watched his brows furrow. “I have to be honest with you. Thomas isn’t the friendliest person you’ll meet.”
“Oh yeah?” She paused, hoping for more explanation.
“But he is honest and a hard worker,” he added.
“Thank you for your honesty.” She closed her notebook. “I have to cancel some meetings with some roofers.” She looked his way again, and smiled. “Again, thank you. I really appreciate the input.”
“Anytime.” He tipped his coffee cup to her.
“And I don’t think I’ll be needing the room for tonight.” She bit her lip.
He let out a laugh. “I was afraid of that. The walls are pretty thin. I won’t charge you for last night.”
“Thank you. For everything.” She stood and stuffed her notebook back into her purse.
Armed with a little bit of knowledge, and a hope and a prayer, she headed to her room to pack up.
Chapter 11
“Mrs. Johnson, I’m afraid you need a new roof. I could do a patch job but it would only last you a few months. The leak has gotten so bad that it’s spread. And you don’t want to let it go on so long that you do damage to the inside of your house.” Randy Winkle shoved his hands in his jeans.
