“Sounds like it. So your business runs on word of mouth?” Drew asks, looking at me.
I nod. “It does. I worked hard to build that reputation.”
“This is a lot of information. How did you get into this?”
I lean back on my hands, stretch out my legs, and tell him the short version how my mom left, how my dad was a drunk, how I had to raise my siblings.
“My dad didn’t want us. He bolted before we were even born,” Drew says, voice barely above a whisper. “Mom worked two jobs and went to school online while we slept. Then she had to switch to in person classes.”
“Your mom sounds like one hell of a woman. You’re lucky to have her.”
“I am. Winnie’s struggling with the move, but I’m glad we left. I got picked on a lot. I’m different.” He shrugs. “I need to go see if my mom needs help.”
He bolts for the stairs, skipping the elevator.
“Damn, that kid needs us,” Seth says, looking at Gerald, then at me.
We both nod.
Can I be a good influence on him?I sure as hell want to try.
Chapter Ten
Rosalie
Deepcleaningoneroomtakes me about one audiobook. They usually run six hours, so I’m making serious progress on my TBR list. I’m halfway through a mystery when someone taps my shoulder and I scream.
My hand flies to my chest. “Jesus fucking Christ,” I gasp, yanking out my earbuds.
“Sorry,” Chase says, hands in his pockets. “I called your name a couple times. Didn’t see the earbuds.”
I plaster on a smile, trying to slow my heartbeat. “Cleaning while listening to books it’s the only way I get any reading done. Do you need something?”
He waves his phone at me. I squint at it. “Are you asking for my number? Why are you waving your phone around like that?”
Chase scowls and lets out a grunt. I bite my lip, unsure what’s going through his head.
“I’ve got a bid ready for you. Plus a list of repairs. Gerald and I need to go over it with you.”
“Oh, sure!” My voice comes out bright and cheerful, but my stomach flips. “Where’s Gerald?”
“He’s downstairs at the main desk. He sent the girls outside or back to the house. Drew’s waiting with him he wants to be part of this from beginning to end. If that’s okay with you, of course.”
“Is Drew interested in helping you?” I ask as we head toward the stairs.
“He’s smart. Knows what he’s talking about when it comes to repairs. I only added six things to his list. I mentioned he could help out until school starts make a little money. If you’re okay with it.”
“I’ll think about it. Drew needs to ask me, not you,” I say firmly.
We reach the lobby. Drew stands and offers me his seat. I smile and thank him.
“All right, hit me with the damage.” I tap the desk with a goofy rhythm. Chase scowls again.
He walks me through the roof, siding, porch, tree roots, hot water tank, and central air. I bite my lip and glance at Gerald.
“There’s enough money to cover all the repairs,” Gerald says, pulling out folders. One has the bed and breakfast name, another has mine and Rosa’s. Then I spot one labeledLeeAnn.
“What’s that?” I ask, pointing.
