Page 42 of Error Handling

“He wants me to do the repair work for the water damage,” Chris says.

I suppress a sigh. Bad news, he doesn’t want a date. Good news, all hope is not lost.

“He went over there today to see how much work is needed,” Chris adds.

“He snooped around my apartment? While I was gone?”

“Well...I guess. Landlords have extra keys to all their properties.”

I suppose that makes sense. However, the thought of a relative stranger potentially riffling through my underwear drawer is a bit unsettling.

“Shouldn’t he have a warrant or something?” I ask.

“I think he’s supposed to give reasonable notice. But that’s between you and him. Maybe since this is an emergency, he’s allowed to go in.”

I ponder it for a moment. “I suppose if it means I don’t have to smell wet dog anymore, it’s okay.”

“Yeah. He noticed the smell. He wants me to replace the carpet and the lower cabinets in the kitchen. Some subfloor in the kitchen also needs replacing, but not because of the water. There’s some rot, probably just due to age.”

“Oh,” I say, trying to sound concerned even though my heart is singing with glee.

“I can do the work when you’re not there. Just let me know when the best times are, and I’ll stay out of your way.”

Oh, no he doesn’t.This is not how this is going to go. I need to think quickly despite my headache, which still lingers. My exhaustion, on the other hand, seems to be lifting.

“It’s no longer an emergency,” I say.

Chris pauses on the other end. “I guess that depends on what you’re willing to live with.”

“I mean, since it’s not an emergency, I don’t want strangers roaming around my house when I’m not there. I don’t want anyone to find those bodies I hid in the closet.”

Chris doesn’t laugh. Fair enough. My joke wasn’t that funny.

“Okay, that’s fine,” Chris says without a hint of humor in his voice. “I have to work at my real job during the day, so I need to come in the evening anyway.”

Real job.Wow. I really struck a nerve with that comment.

“I didn’t mean anything when I said that. I just meant you have a job with paid days off and benefits. It didn’t come out right. I’m sorry.”

I wait for him to respond with something like, “It’s okay. I understand,” but all I get is silence. “Um,” I continue, “I’m usually home in the evenings so that should be fine.”

“He wants me to rip out the carpet as soon as possible to avoid mold.”

“Tonight is fine. I’ll be home by five.”

“I’m available. I guess I’ll see you then.”

We hang up.

I collapse onto the table.

He has my number. I have his. It’s a start.

Chapter 9

Chris

I park my truck along the street in front of Sarah’s house and sit there for a few minutes.