Chapter 11 #2
As they drove into Corpus, he told Layne his plan to redo each of the bathrooms, as well as sprucing up the kitchen, and she followed along, looking at the sketches he had made of each.
“The kitchen appliances are dated. No, outdated. As long as we’re putting in new countertops, backsplash, and flooring, we might as well buy new appliances to match instead of having something go out a month from now. Just start brand-new with everything.”
“You know more about this than I do. I’ll bow to your judgment.”
They parked and went inside the store, heading straight for the paint section. She was amazed at the myriad of choices.
“I always thought white paint was white paint. There must be two dozen variations on white alone. Alabaster. Pearl. Super White. Snow White. Milk White. I’m glad you prepped me before and we arrived at the hues we wanted to use.
This is mind-boggling. You can make the paint decisions, Keaton.
You know the colors and look I’m going for. ”
She placed a hand on his forearm, causing his heart to beat faster.
“And I’m paying you for this job, both your time and labor involved.
Don’t even think about protesting,” Layne warned.
“This is going to take away from your painting, which is your livelihood. I want you to be well compensated for the work you’re doing for me. ”
Rather than arguing with her, he simply nodded. “I’m good at what I do. After all my years in construction, I know how to be efficient with my time and not cut corners.”
“How long do you think this renovation is going to take?”
“As I mentioned, we’ll contract out the exterior and interior painting,” he said.
“If done right, with a large crew, that’ll take a solid week, if both inside and outside are being painted at the same time.
If they’re painted separately, with a smaller crew, then ten to twelve days is my best estimate.
I run a tight ship, Layne, and I’ll be supervising whatever crew we hire.
It’ll get done in less than two weeks. I guarantee that.
“As far as all the other work goes, I think that can all happen within two months.”
“So, we’re looking at the end of February,” she mused. “That would be good, with spring break and then the high season around the corner.”
“You’ll need to find someone to take professional photographs once the work is complete.
I’m a decent photographer, but a pro will know more about how to light each room and maximize the size of the space.
They’ll make it look good for online. If I were you, I’d take down all the pictures on the current website immediately.
Just have a disclaimer that the inn is undergoing renovations and will be open for reservations soon.
Say, March first. That’ll give me incentive to get my rear in gear and get this job done. ”
“That means I’ll also have to act quickly and find someone to manage the Bay Breeze.” She smiled, her face lighting up. “I can’t wait to restore the B&B to its former glory. I have you to thank for that, Keaton.”
She squeezed his forearm and then dropped her hand.
They spent the next two hours making their final choices, first with the help of a clerk, who then summoned the paint department’s manager to assist them when he saw how big a job this would be.
Joe Jordan fetched a clipboard and made notes of every color and the number of gallons which would be needed.
“If you’ll start pulling the order now, Joe, Layne and I are going to peruse other things in the store.”
As they moved away from the customer desk, she said, “That is a heckuva lot of paint. I’m glad you knew how to estimate the amount we needed. I wouldn’t have had a clue where to start.”
“We’re just going to look at some things today. I wanted to expose you to what’s available. We can spend more time online, looking at inventory and then narrowing down what you want for each bathroom and the rooms downstairs.”
They spent half an hour inspecting bathroom faucets. Toilets. Showerheads. Lighting fixtures. He could tell she was becoming more than overwhelmed and said, “We’ll stop the fact-finding mission now since your head is swimming.”
“That’s one way of putting it,” she joked. “I do need a breather. There are so many decisions to be made.”
They stopped by the paint desk again, and the clerk walked them to the front, where Joe stood next to three large, flatbed handcarts stacked high with gallon paint cans.
The paint manager gave Keaton his card. “If you need anything else, give me a call.”
“As a matter of fact, I’m going to need a crew to put this paint to good use if you know of any reliable ones,” he replied. “The job is in Driftwood Bay.”
Joe broke out in a smile. “My son lives the next town over from the Bay. He has a painting and remodeling business. Even though I’m his dad, I would hire him. Joey’s got a great work ethic. A small, dedicated crew.”
Keaton handed the card back. “Put Joey’s number on the back for me. I’ll give him a call today.”
“Thanks, Keaton. I appreciate your business here and for considering Joey, as well.”
The clerk finished ringing up their purchases, and store staff helped roll the handcarts out to his truck, loading dozens of cans into the bed.
On the way home, he asked, “Would you mind going with this Joey fellow, or do you have someone in the Bay in mind?”
“I’ve been gone too long. Besides, I like having a personal recommendation. Let’s call Joey now.”
Keaton did so, putting it on speakerphone. Joey already knew the call was coming because his dad had given him a heads up. Keaton explained that the interior and exterior of the Bay Breeze Inn would need to be painted, and the owner wanted it done as soon as possible.
“I’ve given my crew the week off between Christmas and New Year’s,” Joey said. “Business is slow this time of year, but we could start next Monday, the second of January, if that’s good for you, Keaton.”
“That’ll be fine. I’m going to be doing the inside remodeling myself. If I need some help, I may call upon you and your crew for some assistance. We’ll be working for Layne Larson. She’s the owner of the B&B.”
“I suppose she’s related to the Larsons who owned the inn ten years ago. My wife and I stayed there for our honeymoon, and the couple who ran it were really kind to us.”
“That would be Layne’s parents. They’ve recently passed on, and she’s inherited the inn. She’s giving it a makeover before she’ll start taking reservations again.”
Spontaneously, Layne said, “Once all the work is done, Joey, maybe you and your wife would like to have a room for the weekend, free of charge.”
“Wow! That would be terrific, Miss Larson,” Joey said enthusiastically.
“Layne,” she told him. “And thank you for putting us on your schedule.”
“Thank you for giving us the work. I think you’ll like what we’ll do for you, Layne. Looking forward to meeting you and Keaton.”
They decided that work would begin at seven on the day after New Year’s and ended the conversation.
“I’m glad we’re using Joey,” she said. “I think it’s one of those circular things, him having stayed at the Bay Breeze in the past and now getting to be a part of restoring it for future guests.”
He glanced at his watch. “We have time for a quick lunch before we need to be at the Smiths’ place. That is, if you’d like to go see the house while the inspections are being conducted.”
“Oh, absolutely. I can’t wait to see the interior.”
“What sounds good to eat?”
“How about Coastal Catch Café?” she suggested. “I love their fried catfish sandwich, and they have wonderful steak fries.”
“I’ve never been to it.”
“You haven’t? Well, you’re in for a treat.”
Keaton headed to the café, thinking the best treat was being in Layne Larson’s company.