Chapter 35
Chapter Thirty-Five
After breakfast the next morning, I gave Rita a tour of the front and upstairs of the house.
Unlocking the door from my kitchen into Brad’s store, I explained, “Nina Carduso, the shop manager, will be here in a half hour to open, so we can’t linger too long.
She and her husband, Paolo, will take over the apartment once I move out.
He’s the landscape manager, and they have a darling baby. ”
She gave a gentle smile. “How sweet. Will they pay rent?”
“Yes, within their budget. More importantly, Nina won’t need a ride to and from work every day.”
We slowly made our way up the steps while I kept a close eye on Rita. She seemed steady on her feet, yet looked relieved to safely reach the landing. “You definitely need outdoor stairs if you want a rental income for the rooms up here.”
“That’s the plan.” I told her about the guy who helped Brad set up Aunt Bertha’s bed in the room I intended to use when my parents arrived. “He sounded pretty confident that the renovation and installation would be affordable and easy to complete.”
She nodded as she stuck her head into each of the rooms. “This can work, but everything needs a fresh coat of paint and nice furniture. I stifled a laugh because last summer she balked when her grandson suggested that she paint and update the décor of her own upstairs apartment.
Pausing at “my” room, she remarked, “I imagine this will be a desirable rental because of the two windows and afternoon sunlight. I’d charge a little more for this one.”
“Good point,” I said.
We ended up back at the bedroom that would connect to the outside staircase. “We’ll make this the kitchenette and laundry room,” I noted. “Any advice?”
“No, I just wonder why you don’t offer the second floor as an apartment. I mean, why would you want to rent out individual rooms? That will be such a hassle, what with advertising and credit checks.”
She had my attention. “I thought we could earn more with three rentals.” Had we really thought through that arrangement? “I guess Brad’s invitation to the three guys from Lancaster to use the bedrooms this summer factored into my rationale.”
“I’m not saying it can’t work, but will a female renter want to share a bathroom with two guys—or vice versa?”
“Good point,” I said again. “Brad and I will probably pick your brain before we make any final decisions. After all, you have the experience of renting your upstairs and we don’t.”
She chuckled. “I’m happy to share what I’ve learned and I think you’ll find it helpful. Whether you rent the upstairs as rooms or an apartment is your decision, but having the extra income is what’s important.”
As we made our way down the steps, I thought of Jerry Caldwell, the young man who already expressed interest in renting a room. He made the whole rental idea sound easy. Could Brad’s reticence be attributed to the things Rita suggested? I intended to ask him when we had a quiet moment together.
On the main level, I showed Rita the rooms on either side of the staircase that had once been the consignment shop. “Picture racks and racks of clothes on one side, then floor-to-ceiling home goods on the other side,” I said. “It was unbelievable.”
She nodded, looking around. “I can only imagine.”
We started toward my kitchen when I heard Nina fiddling with the lock on the front door. I suspected she also had to hold Marli so I called, “I’ll open it for you.”
She smiled gratefully, stepping inside with the baby in her arms. “It’s good to see you, Jodie.”
“You, too. This is my dear friend, Rita, who let me rent her apartment at the shore this summer.”
“That was very nice,” Nina said. “You come already for the wedding next week?”
Rita nodded. “Yes, and I get to help entertain her parents. We’re picking them up at the airport this afternoon.”
I explained to Nina that we’ll use one of the rooms upstairs so she may hear or see us from time to time. She reminded me to introduce my guests to her because she loved me like family.
I could have echoed her since she’d helped me clear Aunt Bertha’s consignment shop and, for that, I’d forever be grateful.
After the tour and introduction to Nina, Rita accompanied me to the local grocery store for food and snacks that she and my parents would enjoy.
We picked up a rotisserie chicken and side dishes for supper since we wouldn’t return from the airport in time to make a meal.
I added an apple pie and ice cream for dessert because my father loved those. Rita did, too.
“Now that you know the way to the store,” I told her, “you and my mother can handle the shopping this week.”
“You expect me to do the driving?” she queried.
“You can delegate,” I quipped. “My parents are willing and able.”
We stopped for fast-food burgers which we ate in the car, then returned to the apartment to put away the groceries. I felt my nerves kick in when Angela called. I didn’t know why, although I supposed she’d tell me she couldn’t handle Alicia. She didn’t say that at all.
“We’re having a wonderful time,” she said, “and wanted you to know that we hope you have a nice trip to the airport and enjoy the visit with your parents through the week.”
“Thank you.” I realized my nerves emanated from thinking about our trip to the airport. “Rita and I will be leaving shortly.”
“What time does their flight arrive?”
“Three-thirty, and we’ll wait in the short-term parking area. I’m just glad we’ll get out of the city before rush hour.”
“Jodie, it’s always rush hour in the city,” she teased. “Well, Alicia and I have planned a trail ride, so we’ll talk tomorrow.”
Surprised, I asked, “She’s riding already?”
Angela gushed, “She’s a natural! I can hardly believe Alicia has never been on a horse.”
I felt a stab of envy, but let it go. “Have a delightful ride and come meet my parents tomorrow.”
“All right. We’ll figure out a good time and I’ll call you.”
In the car on our way to the airport, I told Rita about my riding lessons with Brad’s sister. “It took days before I was ready to get on a horse, but Heather’s daughter is already going on a trail ride with Angela.”
“I think that might be good for Alicia,” Rita remarked. “She needs an outlet for whatever’s bothering her.”
“She’s angry about her parents’ divorce.”
“Maybe, but she should have overcome that by now.”
“Right,” I agreed, “unless the medical problem also affects her emotions. I guess we won’t know the answer until she has the test she needs.” I tossed that to Rita, fishing for her response.
She didn’t have one. She merely nodded and watched the countryside whiz by.
I followed my map app, while noticing familiar landmarks. I felt no fear, perhaps because I had traveled the route before. Rita kept my mind off potential problems by interjecting ideas she had for activities with my parents, and those often made me laugh.
Before I knew it, we arrived at the airport. I found the area to wait and turned off the engine. “We made it!” I exclaimed.
She smiled. “Well done, though I didn’t doubt your ability. How will we know when your parents arrive?”
“Dad will text when they land, then when they’re at baggage claim.”
“You’re a natural for this,” she said. “I think you’re ready to be a travel writer.”
I laughed. “Oh yeah? I guess we’ll see after Brad and I have our honeymoon in Cancun.”
She turned to me with a steady gaze. “I haven’t a doubt.”