“Sure can,” Dave said, “I’ll be along in a few minutes.”
“Ok. Once again, it’s apartment 836. Have a nice evening,” Mrs. Oakley replied, nodding at Todd and me. She turned and started padding down the hall, then paused and looked back at us. “Oh, and don’t worry about being late with the rent. It can wait a few days.”
As she walked into one of the apartments my eyes widened in disbelief. Did she just say ‘don’t worry about being late with the rent?’ And since when was Dave on a first name basis with our landlady? Why were they talking about different apartments and plumbing problems? “Dave? What is she talking about?”
Dave looked a little sheepish. “I’ve been helping Regina, um Mrs. Oakley that is, with some of the handyman work around here. Apartments 111 and 206 seem to have a lot of trouble—plumbing, heating and what not.”
“That’s cool,” Todd said. “The way she cooed at you when we came in the door … well for a minute there I thought you and Mrs. Oakley might be ….” Todd laughed and jumped out of the way as Dave swatted him playfully.
“Ha, ha. Don’t go there Toddster.” Dave grinned, shaking his head. “I’m just helping her with the apartment complex. This is a huge place and it’s a lot of work. Plus, I really need the money.”
“That’s neat that you can use your handyman skills, Dave. I barely know the difference between a wrench and a hammer,” I scratched my head. Truthfully, my handywoman skills were pretty much nonexistent.
“It’s no big deal,” Dave said. But despite his words, I could see in his face that it really was a big deal. It looked like being able to use his problem solving and “fix it” abilities made him feel good, and earning money was always a good thing. He seemed ready—eager even, to tackle whatever the plumbing issue was in apartment 836.
“I’m just wondering, why didn’t you say you were helping Mrs. Oakley?” I looked at Dave curiously.
“Remember when I said I wanted to talk to you earlier tonight?”
I nodded. After we had made love, Dave said he needed to talk to me. Before I had a chance to hear what was on his mind, Todd had called and we’d rushed over to the pizzeria. “You wanted to talk to me about doing handyman work for Mrs. Oakley?” I raised my brows. “I guess I thought you wanted to talk about our relationship.”
“Well, in a way it was about our relationship.”
“How so?” I asked.
“I’ve only been working for Mrs. Oakley for a week or so, but I’ve come to realize I really enjoy it.”
“…Okay...” I said slowly, pursing my lips.
“I decided that I want to look for a job where I can work with my hands instead of slaving in a government building or being stuck in a fancy office. I think that’s why I’ve been having trouble finding a job. I really don’t want that type of work.”
“Hmm, I can see that, Dave.”
Dave was a nature boy. He didn’t like a regimented routine or being tied to a desk. He liked to be outside in the fresh air, or inside working with his hands. I don’t know why it hadn’t clicked earlier for any of us that he should go for more of a “hands on” type of job over an office one.
“But, what does that have to do with our relationship?”
“Well… I know the money won’t be as good and there probably won’t be a lot of benefits with that type of work. So, I wanted to see how you felt about it. I love you Bev, and I want to make you happy, and money is important.”
“Dave Barnes, just being with you makes me happy. Look at how things are now. We have a bare fridge and can hardly make rent. But I would rather have you than be with a billionaire I didn’t love.”
Dave pulled me towards him and wrapped his strong arms around me. “You make me feel so loved Beverly. And hey, Todd, you’re cool with this?”
Todd came towards us. “Totally. I love you Dave and I want what’s best for you, because that’s what’s best for all of us.”
“Group hug everyone!” I laughed, pulling the two hunks close to me.
We embraced for a few minutes until Mrs. Oakley popped her head out of the apartment she had gone into. “Dave, 836 just called again.”
“Well, don’t let us keep you,” I smiled. As much as I wanted Dave upstairs with Todd and me, it was good to see him getting his confidence back from feeling useful.
“Come on Todd, let’s let Dave get on with his plumbing work,” I said, grabbing Todd by the hand as I pulled him towards the elevator.
“I’ve got some plumbing I’d like to work on,” Todd grinned as he pressed the ‘Up’ button. Despite his playful tone, I could see a burning intensity in his eyes as he looked at me. My knees felt weak as I melted in his baby blue gaze.
I tried to lighten the mood, giving him a playful tap on his muscular chest. “We’ll see about that!”
“You guys go have some fun,” Dave grinned, “but save some of the handyman work in our apartment for me, Todd,” Dave grinned and winked.