Robyn tried to remain the picture of calm even though she was screaming on the inside. She stood silently, masking her excitement and allowing Eva to vent. Her friend was so angry that one of her sparkling blue eyes began to twitch.
“I can’t even sue the bastards! I would end up spending more money on lawyers than the pennies on the dollar I’d get in return. I hope I don’t see her on the streets anytime soon because I might just choke the life out of her.”
The furious click-clack of Eva’s high heels on the white marble floors was starting to drive Robyn nuts. The noise intruded in her bubble of delight. Still, she kept quiet and cracked a smile in an effort to calm her best friend down. This was par for the course. Robyn understood every job had setbacks, and she would help Eva get through this one. Plus, it was fortunate that this was a project she could completely throw herself into, considering it was literally her dream home—at least back when she still had dreams.
In awe of the house, Robyn assessed every single detail. “It’ll be fine, Eva.” Slowly, she made a three-sixty turn absorbing all the architectural beauty. Someone had spent a lot of money to give this place character. The crown molding alone in a space this large had to cost a fortune.
Robyn was happy she came dressed to get her hands dirty. Unlike Eva’s high-fashion, ruffled blouse, knitted blue skirt, and matching peep-toe shoes, Robyn came ready to work. There weren’t any clicking of her own heels, maybe a squeak from her white Chucks, as she examined everything from top to bottom. Her stressed denim boyfriend jeans and fitted black hoodie was her serious get-to-work gear. It wasn’t how she would usually dress for a job interview, but this wasn’t exactly that. This was an emergency rescue. Also, the weather was changing. The drop in temperature and angry clouds above were another indication that winter would soon be making a full-scale appearance. As a matter of fact, if the weather report was right, it could snow anytime but would surely arrive by this weekend. So, unlike Eva, Robyn opted for the practical—gym shoes and not heels, especially peep-toes. She did not want to get caught in the snow in something like that.
Robyn sighed quietly and resumed watching her friend stalk around the room. “Eva, you keep going like this and you’ll for sure pop a blood vessel.”
Eva ignored her, but Robyn would do whatever she could to prevent that. It was funny, technically, Robyn was on a leave of absence. Lord knew she needed the break and wasn’t ready to give that up just yet. Still, if someone were to compare the two of them, they would have thought it was Eva who had recently returned from New York and not her.
Eva rattled off instructions. “You can do whatever you want with the place. They didn’t give me any specific instructions. Honestly, I don’t really care what you do as long as it’s finished in time for the party.”
Robyn channeled her energy back to scoping out the room. She was giddy with all the possibilities. They were endless, and she had been given free rein of the house. She inadvertently cut Eva off. “I’ll need a few more hands considering I’ve only been back in town a couple of months and hadn’t planned on setting up shop for a little while. Fortunately for you, I’ve already hired a couple of part-time assistants to help me with my day-to-day activities.”
Eva stopped her manic pacing. “Do you think you can do it?” The wrinkles on her forehead multiplied as the seconds ticked by waiting for an answer.
Robyn didn’t realize Eva was holding her breath in anticipation of her response. She was too busy making mental notes. The area next to the walk-in closet was the size of the living room in her condo. Robyn turned to tell her that and realized Eva was waiting. She responded quickly to alleviate her fears. “Oh . . . yes! Of course, I’ll do it. Everything in this mini-palace will be completely furnished and decorated by this weekend’s festivities. Some items might have to be borrowed, though.”
“Ohmygaaaaawd! I don’t know what to say!” Eva’s face visibly relaxed as she blew out a long breath.
Robyn crossed her arms and teased her, hoping Eva would calm the hell down. “You don’t have to say anything. That’s what friends are for. But, just so you know, you’ll owe me big. In the time that I have, a job this size won’t allow for even a twenty-minute nap, but I’m a professional, so I’ll get it done.” Sleep? Who needed sleep! If she were honest, there was nothing that would have kept her away from doing this project.
Eva screamed and almost jumped up and down like a twelve-year-old. “Thank you, so much!” She extended her arms and placed both hands on Robyn’s shoulders staring at her in disbelief until finally pulling her into a tight embrace. “Thank you . . . thank you . . . thank you! I knew you would come through for me; you always have. You’ve just saved my ass!” Eva was squeezing Robyn to death as she rocked her from side to side.
Robyn returned the embrace and laughed. “I can’t breathe, Eva. You’re holding me too tight.”
Immediately, Eva dropped her arms and let go. “Oh. Sorry.” She didn’t want to do
