He cocked his head.
“You know you are getting me in trouble with the neighbors. You shouldn’t have attacked that cat. Now I’ve got to pay another bill I can’t afford.”
Again, the dog just looked at her like he understood what she was saying.
“We’ve got your dryer hooked up and the old mattress moved out. Do you want the bed set up in the same place?” Freddy asked her.
“Can you put the bed facing the large window?”
“Sure can.” He smiled.
She dried her hands on the towel, headed into the bedroom, and went to work.
She grabbed a broom and gave the floors a good cleaning, catching any dust bunnies that had escaped the first round of sweeping.
She stood where the headboard would go and looked out the large sliding glass window. This would be a better fit, having the sunrise over the lake to wake her up. She still needed a night stand but that could come later when she could afford it. Right now, she just needed the basics.
“Here we go,” Freddy announced as he carried in the headboard and his buddy carried in the footboard.
After retrieving the bedrails they quickly assembled the bed. “Do you want us to move this closer to the wall?”
“No. I think I’ll keep it like this until I have time to paint the walls.”
“Then we’ll bring in your new mattress.” He headed out of the room.
She went and retrieved the sheets she slept on the night before.
The two men came back into the bedroom and cut away the plastic from the mattress. The new mattress was then placed on the bed. The two guys stepped back and looked at her.
“What do you think?” Freddy asked.
“I think I’ll have a real bed to sleep on instead of the couch. My back thanks you.”
They laughed.
“Can I get you two anything to drink? I’ve got some bottled water.”
“That would be nice, actually.”
She hurried into the kitchen and pulled out two bottles. She opened the cupboard and found a couple of granola bars. She brought them to the men. “I hope you like granola bars. I haven’t had time to bake since I got here.”
“That’s awfully nice of you.” Freddy took the offered snacks. “Thank you. Is there anything else I can do for you?”
“I think that’s it. How much do I owe for delivery?”
He shook his head and took a drink of the water. “Nothing. I was headed out this way anyway.”
She frowned. “Are you sure?”
“I’m sure. But we do have to get going. Nice meeting you.” He gave a wave as they walked up the walkway toward the delivery truck.
She waved and then shut the door before heading into the bedroom. She could hear Thomas walking around on the roof and wondered if he was okay by himself.
She made up the bed and put the new coverlet on top. Stepping back she looked at the progress. The bed looked great but it accentuated how badly she needed to paint the yellowed walls.
As she set the room to rights, she heard some loud voices outside. She walked out the back and saw Thomas and an older man standing in the backyard talking loudly.
She folded her arms across her chest. “What’s going on?”
