Mama's Mess

Chapter Four

I reach over and grab my phone, seeing it's the plumber. I clear my throat and answer, “Hello?” “Hello, Miss Holton, I just want to confirm your address and time for your appointment this morning.”

I sit up quickly and look at the clock on the wall. s**t, it’s already 10:25 a.m. They’re supposed to be here at 11:00 a.m. “Yes, ma’am, my address is correct, and that is the time of my appointment. Thank you so much.”

We exchange good days, and I jump up, rushing to the closet and pulling out a simple pair of boot cut mom jeans. I throw those and a white t-shirt crop top over my favorite bra. I unbraid my hair and throw it up in a claw clip before throwing on a little mascara and Chapstick. I throw on some socks and rush downstairs.

I spray some room spray around before lighting a candle on the kitchen counter. I'd hate for them to smell something I’m nose blind to. I open the dishwasher, removing a couple of small things I’d forgotten about, and tossing them in the sink. I breathe a sigh of relief and pull my cold brew out of the fridge, creating my sugary coffee to get me through my day.

Shortly after sitting at the bar with my coffee and scrolling social media, I hear a knock at the door. I set my mug down and walk over, opening it, and I can't help but notice how cute this plumber is.

He’s about six feet tall, and he has the darkest green eyes paired with shaggy brown hair. I can’t help but notice the peak of tattoos poking out of the collar of his work shirt. “Good morning, Miss Holton. My name is Dustin, and I’ll be the one servicing you today.”

I swallow my drool and give him a small smile. “Good morning, come on in. The issue is in the kitchen.” He steps in, and I shut the door behind him. "The problem is the dishwasher; it was working fine the day before, but now it won't turn on without smoking. " I lead him into the kitchen and turn the dishwasher on for him. he watches for a min and nods, shutting it off before it gets bad.

"It sounds like something is clogging it up; that's the best-case scenario. Worst case is the computer board is burnt up, and that's the whole front door that'll need to be replaced." he rubs his chin and opens the door. "Let me see if I can get this fixed the easy and much cheaper way first, and we'll go from there. " I sigh and nod. "I appreciate that so much. Thank you.” I feel a small shiver as deja vu hits me.

I lean against a different counter and cross my arms, praying it’s nothing too expensive. I can't help watching him climb halfway into the dishwasher to try to fix it. His shirt was riding just enough to show his muscular and extremely tattoos lower stomach. I swallow thickly, get yourself together, Laney, you are paying the man. "Well, it looks like it's some kind of plastic toy caught up in the water sprayer," he pulls out of the machine, and I blush, clearing my throat. He tries to hide his smile, and I blush deeper, knowing he caught me staring.

"I assume you have children?" He holds up what looks to me like a melted rubber duck. I choke on a laugh and nod, embarrassment gone. "That looks like the work of my youngest. He's obsessed with rubber ducks right now. " I toss the toy in the trash and shake my head. He laughs and sets his tool bag on the counter.

"That doesn't surprise me. My nephew loves to shove things in the toilet. I pulled a race car out of my brother's yesterday. " I laugh, “Maybe I should be grateful my two don’t like to flush. Thank you for fixing it, I could never stay on top of dishes without that thing. "Not a problem." I smile and grab my purse off the counter, "Now, how much do I owe you?"

He waves me off and grabs his bag. "Not a thing, it took me maybe ten minutes. Plus, I didn't even need any of my tools." I shake my head "no, you need to be paid even if it's just ten minutes. I really appreciate it."

He shakes his head and pulls a clipboard out, scribbling across it before handing me a piece of paper. “You're able to pay in cash, check, or card. It doesn't have to be paid right away, either, as long as there's some form of payment this month.” He smiles and nods his head at me, “I'd say I hope to see you again, but I'm sure you'd rather not see me in these circumstances. So, rather, I hope you have a great rest of your day, Laney.” He flashes me a smile, and I give one back, setting the paper on the counter before walking him to the door. “Have a great rest of your day as well, Dustin. Thank you again.” He walks off the porch, “Not a problem!”

I shut the door behind him and walked over to see what damage was done. Instead of any form of how much I owe scribbled across the receipt is NO CHARGE. I huff and scrunch my face in frustration. He can’t just not charge me; it was still a job. I go to demand he give me a real price, and I hear his truck pull away.

I sigh and set the paper on the counter. I'm more than capable of paying my bills. I don’t need handouts. I tap my fingers on the counter and flip the receipt over to see a phone number also written across the page with a note. If you’d like to repay me with coffee instead? I let out a small laugh and debate putting his number in my phone.