Page 43 of Whiskey & Honey
“I do have electricity. It was the first thing I had inspected and updated. Unfortunately, there isn’t any heat so we shouldn’t plan on being here too long. I’ll bring this in case we want to sit for a bit,” I say, raising the blanket.
We begin walking toward the house. Again, Piper lets me lead her while still holding her hand. She’s holding her long skirt with her free hand when a slight breeze picks up and she releases my hand to pull her hair back. I’m taken a little aback when she finishes and resumes holding my hand. I offer her a little squeeze in recognition.
“Your mom was telling me that you haven’t had your parents or Ashton out here yet. Why?”
“I don’t really know. I guess I don’t want them to see what a mess it is and question why I made this decision. Honestly, Jameson has only been out here once and that was to help me with some demo. Otherwise, you’re the only person to be here besides the various contractors.”
“Really? I’m honored. You should bring your parents. Everyone should see this place.”
“Thanks. I’ll bring them out soon. I just want to keep it to myself for now.”
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked to come here. This is your home and I just barged into it.”
Stopping at the foot of the porch, I turn to Piper. “Do not apologize. I love that you wanted to come here. Come see what it looks like with missing walls.”
“Oh Lord. You are such a man! Tearing down walls and using power tools. Please tell me the stained glass in the kitchen has made it unscathed.”
Laughing, I lead her into the house and flip the lights on.
“What can I say? Men see a power tool and a wall must come down.”
Shaking her head in disbelief, Piper is laughing as she walks away from me. As I expected, her first stop is the kitchen. I hear her sigh in relief as she confirms that the stained glass is safe.
“Told you.”
“You did, but I needed to check.”
“Come on, you need to see the rest,” I say with a toss of my head toward the main part of the house.
After a tour of the downstairs and showing Piper the plans for the upstairs master suite and additional two bedrooms, I grab the blanket and lay it out in front of the non-functioning fire place.
Piper takes a seat on the blanket while I lay down on it. She’s still wearing my coat, but has twisted her skirt so that she’s sitting with her legs crossed in front of me. I watch as she fusses with her hair, closing her eyes and massaging her scalp. Thankfully I have enough sense to look away before she catches me.
“I wish that fireplace worked, you have to be freezing since I have your coat.”
“I’m fine. Sorry I’m not exactly prepared for entertaining. I actually called a chimney inspector last week. I figure if I’m going to be here working this winter I should get it functional. Obviously the one in the master will have to wait until the work begins up there.”
“I can’t believe your master is going to have a fireplace. That’s a dream bedroom.”
Piper tries to hide a yawn but fails.
“We should go, you’re tired and it’s late.”
“Just a few more minutes. This floor is hard on my butt though. I’m going to lay here.”
Laying down on her side, she’s positioned so that we’re facing each other. I lift myself up on my elbow so I’m looking at her. This is a really bad idea.
“Ben?”
“Yeah, Piper?”
“This friends thing is really hard.”
“You’re telling me. It’s even more difficult with you running around as Princess Leia.”
Smiling at my statement, Piper begins fiddling with the button on my shirt.
“You don’t like my costume?” The innocence in her voice is deliberate. I roll my eyes at her.