Nina hesitated. ‘Umm, yep.’
‘I could send you the photos of what I want done if that would be easier.’
‘Err, okay. I haven’t got many slots available at the moment.’
Lindsay took her phone out of her pocket, swiped up, and tapped. ‘Oh, that doesn’t matter. If I text you the photos, we can go from there. What’s your number?’
Nina hesitantly gave her phone number to Lindsay. As Lindsay tapped the number into her phone she seemed really pleased with herself. ‘Excellent. I’ll just add you now. Nina Lavendar. There we go.’
Nina really didn’t want to interact with Lindsay any further. She didn’t like the look of the woman, Birdie had been less than friendly to her, and she didn’t like the way she hung around each time she’d had an interaction with her. All around, she didn’t like the woman at all. She’d meant to say something to Nancy about it, but she’d forgotten. She made a mental note to say something. ‘Sorry, as I said, I’ve got to go. I’ve got loads of work to do.'
Lindsay finally took the hint. 'No worries. It’s beensonice to chat. So nice. Enjoy the rest of your day. I’ll text you those pictures as soon as I get home.’
Nina nodded, hoping that Lindsay wouldn’t follow up. 'Okay, great. I’ll get back to you. I’m really busy at the moment, but I’ll see what I can do.'
Lindsay nodded. 'Yes, fine. I’ve heard you’re busy. I’ve seen it too.'
Nina frowned. 'Seen it? What do you mean? How have you seen how busy I am?'
'Oh, just on your Instagram, you know.'
Nina wondered how Lindsay knew about her Insta account. It must’ve been a local in the town who had told her, perhaps, or maybe in the deli or pub somebody had mentioned that she did decluttering. She thought about her card on the noticeboardin the lobby of the pub and the deli, but her cards didn’t show her full details. Lindsay must have put two and two together and realised it was Nina’s business. Whatever it was, and however Lindsay had found out her name and her business, she didn’t like it at all. The woman filled her with dread.
Later that afternoon, Nina had completely forgotten about the interaction with Lindsay outside by the harbour wall. She’d spent too long finishing off some of the skirting boards in the attic room, sent off some quotes, and had a long conversation with the insurance company about changing her insurance policy for work. She was just making a cup of tea in the kitchen when her phone pinged. She looked down to see a number she didn’t know, tapped on the messages, assuming it would be yet another spammer, and read a message.
Lindsay:Hi, Nina, just getting back to you after our conversation today. It's so nice getting to know you. I am pleased our paths crossed. As discussed, please quote for the attached declutter. I have included pictures of my airing cupboard, wardrobe, bathroom cupboard, and dining room. Thank you so much, can’t wait to hear back from you.
Nina tapped on the downward arrow in the middle of the photos and waited for them to download. She squinted, used her finger and thumb to expand the first picture of the airing cupboard, and frowned. The airing cupboard didn’t look too messy to her; in fact, it was quite organised. In her time in decluttering, she had seen a lot of messy spaces, rooms packed full of junk, kitchens overflowing with utensils and stuff not put away. This wasn’t like that at all; it almost looked as if the airing cupboard had been ruffled up to make it look as if it was a mess.She downloaded the next photo and examined that one as well. It was the picture of the wardrobe in a very organised, clean, and tidy bedroom. The wardrobe was similar to the airing cupboard, as if it had been purposely made messy. By the time she opened all four pictures, it was clear to her that the house was in a good state and decluttering services weren’t really needed at all.
Nina squinted as she drank her tea and wondered what this woman was up to. She didn’t like her vibes, Birdie clearly didn’t like her, and now she appeared to be making up things to try and get Nina to go and work for her. Very fishy indeed. She sat up straight as she realised that Lindsay had told her she was going to be viewing the cottage near Nancy’s. Would someone who was just about to move be thinking about decluttering? She nodded; she knew from experience it was often the time when people wanted help. Maybe it was true…
She wasn’t sure what to reply and going with her gut instinct, she sent a text back.
Nina:Thanks for sending me the pictures. It doesn’t seem to me as if you need much help. My jobs are usually a lot bigger. I don’t really think it would be worth it for you.
The little dots flashing on Nina’s screen in response were instant.
Lindsay:No, I really need you. I don’t care how much it costs. I’m just not getting around to it at the moment, and it’s really affecting my mental health.
Nina frowned.Really affecting your mental health? It's a messy airing cupboard.She didn’t know what to say to that. Before she had a chance to send a text, another one came in.
Lindsay:Can you please get a quote to me as soon as possible and when can you fit me in? I don’t mind when or if you need to charge express rates or something. I just want it done.
Nina frowned again. This was really odd. This woman’s behaviour wasn’t normal.
Nina:I’m really busy now for the next few months, so it will probably be near the end of the year anyway. Would you still like me to quote?
Lindsay:I’m really disappointed with that, actually, but yes, please send me a quote anyway.
Nina:OK will do. Thanks for your interest.
Lindsay:Yes, thanks, Nina. I’ll wait to hear from you. Sure, I’ll bump into you again soon anyway. Thanks again.
Lindsay added a love heart, and Nina winced as she read through.
Nina put her phone down and shook her head. From her side of the table, she’d rather not be bumping into Lindsay anytime soon.
22
