Nila's Hope (11 page)

Hayley tilted her head and faced Nila. “Not exactly.” She flashed a bright smile. “But he said he'd do it, and Daniel's OK is just a formality, right?”

A horn sounded beside them, and Hayley's head swiveled back to the road.

Nila chewed on her lower lip for a moment. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “No, Hayley, Daniel's agreement is not a formality. He's our boss. The construction company and its business are his. Not mine and not Will's.”

Hayley pouted.

“But if you want to show me what you want done, I'll tell Daniel about it when he gets home.” Nila relented.

“Fantastic.” The young woman beamed a triumphant smile. She chattered about her university classes, cleverly mimicking some of the professors.

Even though Nila didn't know the people, she had to appreciate Hayley's clever characterizations.

Before long, they pulled into the garage of one unit in a long row of townhouses.

Hayley led the way into a bright foyer and opened a closet door. “You can put your coat and boots in here. Want to see the main floor before I show you what I want done upstairs? Oh, don't mind the mess. I haven't had time to clean up after last night's party.”

Nila kept her mouth closed by sheer willpower.

The area was strewn with dishes and empty drink containers. The plush off-white carpet looked trampled by dirty boots. Pillows were scattered here and there, some on top of dirty dishes.

She looked at her hostess, unsure. “Do you want me to help you?”

Hayley waved a hand, dismissing Nila's question. “Of course not. If that bothers you, we'll just go upstairs. Follow me.” She turned and headed up the stairs without a backward glance.

Nila stood as though rooted in place, staring at the desecration.

“Come on up. I can't wait to show you my ideas.” Hayley waited at the top of the stairway.

Nila admired the modern black lacquered railing as she climbed the steps. It complemented the pearl-grey walls and white trim.

“Did you do the decorating?” She caressed the railing as she reached the top step where Hayley waited.

Hayley snorted. “Not likely. That's not my thing, but I've heard you're pretty good. That's why I asked you to come here today.” She led the way into her bedroom. “I have ideas, but I need help with details. And construction, of course.” She turned and smirked at Nila. “You're so lucky to work with Will Jamison.”

She'd said that before
.

Nila nodded but said nothing.

Hayley linked her arm through Nila's. “So,” she said, “what's he really like? I can just imagine working side by side, bumping into him every now and then. Mm-mm.” She licked her full lips suggestively.

Nila stepped back, dislodging Hayley's grasp. She struggled to keep her voice even. “Will is my co-worker and friend. Now, what were you hoping to change in here?”

Hayley raised her eyebrows, but she crossed to her closet doors and opened them with a flourish. More clothes than Nila had owned in her entire life crammed the six-foot space.

“Look at this. There's not nearly enough room.” Hayley left the doors open and crossed to another door. “Go on in,” she urged.

Nila obediently opened the door to the en-suite bathroom, which was finished with blue tile countertop, white cabinetry, a large, white-framed mirror, and a tub/shower combination surrounded by blue and white tiles.

“Hideous, isn't it?” Hayley's voice startled her. “I want it all torn out.”

Nila clamped down on her lip. She took a deep, slow breath before responding. “You don't like it?”

“Of course not. Those tiles are horrid, and the whole space is way too small. Follow me.”

She led Nila into the bedroom next to the master. “I don't need this one, even if I end up with a roommate. There's another bedroom at the end of the hall.”

She grabbed Nila's arm and drew her close as though they were best friends. “Can't you just see it? We can knock down that wall and turn this room into a combination walk-in closet and master bath. A
real
master bath with separate shower and tub. I love those freestanding tubs. And double sinks over there, and a heated floor, and…”

“Hayley, do you have any idea what that would cost?” Nila tried to pull away discreetly, but Hayley drew her even closer.

“No, and I don't care. I'll get the money.” She smiled again, but it seemed more brittle than bright. “Daddy likes to keep his little girl happy and out of his hair.”

“Oh.” Nila pulled away, ignoring Hayley's frown. She tilted her head, puzzled. “Are you sure Will said we'd do this job?”

Hayley inspected her reflection in the mirror and fluffed her hair. “Don't you believe me?”

Nila bit her lower lip. “I'm just surprised. Maybe he did phone Daniel about it. Although I can't imagine why…”

“We'll talk about it later, OK? All of a sudden, I'm really hungry. How about you?”

Nila hesitated. “If you want me to draw up some plans, I'll need to take measurements. Would you mind holding the end of the tape?”

Hayley grabbed the tape without a word.

But something in her expression made Nila hesitate. And wonder.

 

 

 

 

12

 

Nila gripped the arm rest as Hayley drove to her favorite pizza place. The younger woman chatted nonstop, sometimes taking both hands off the steering wheel in an enthusiastic gesture.

“Watch out!” Nila cringed as the car swerved toward a parked truck.

“Oops. Sorry. So what do you think?”

She'd been too distracted by Hayley's carelessness to follow her chatter. “Um, about what?”

Hayley zipped into the last open parking spot ahead of a waiting minivan and frowned at Nila. “You weren't listening, were you?”

Nila looked away. “Your driving made me nervous.”

Hayley rolled her eyes. “I didn't realize you were such a wimp. We got here, didn't we?” She opened the door and slid out. “I'll bet you drive like an old lady.” She headed toward the restaurant without another glance at her guest.

Nila followed a few steps behind, nibbling her lower lip. Her shoulders wanted to hunch, but she forced herself to hold her head high.

Hayley headed straight for a booth near the back of the pizzeria and signalled for a waitress as she sat down. She leaned forward as Nila sat. “Do you know what you want, or do you need a menu?”

“I've never been here before. What do you recommend?”

“I'm having a loaded pizza. If you want, we could order a large and share.”

“That sounds fine.”

They gave their order to the waitress and settled back to wait.

Hayley fidgeted, tucked her hair behind her ear, and cleared her throat. “I guess I shouldn't have said that about your driving. I know I should be more careful, but really,” she opened her hands, “I've never had a serious accident. Just a few fender benders.”

Nila smiled wanly. “You were right about one thing. I'm not a good driver. In fact, I don't drive.”

“You're kidding.” Disbelief narrowed Hayley's eyes. “Everyone drives.”

Nila shook her head. “I never had the chance. But I'm saving up for a car, and I plan to take driving lessons in the spring.”

“I've never known a grown person who couldn't drive.” Hayley stared at her as though she'd sprouted an extra nose. “Didn't you take Driver's Ed in school?”

Nila traced the wood grain under a thick polyurethane finish on the wood slab table. “Just the classroom part. Not the driving.”

“Why not?”

She met the younger woman's gaze without wavering. “How soon would you like to see the plans for your remodel job?”

Hayley stared at her for a moment, lips compressed. She leaned back and lifted her chin. “Fine, I can take a hint. Let's see…I'm going back to Toronto a week from tomorrow. Gotta spend some of the holidays with Mommy and Daddy, you know.” Her expression brightened. “I'm planning a party for the night before. Want to come? Then we'd have time to go over your designs and make changes.”

Nila shook her head. “No, thanks. I'm busy next Friday.”

“Doing what?”

Swallowing her annoyance, Nila said, “I'm babysitting for Jason and Faith Delainey.”

“Oh, that's Will's sister and her husband, isn't it? Their kids are
so
adorable.” Hayley's smile grew. “Hey, maybe Will could bring the plans over and stay for the party.”

Her appetite fled, and Nila shrugged one shoulder. “That's up to him.”

Their pizza's arrival rescued Nila.

Hayley helped herself to two large wedges. “Dig in. This is the best pizza in town. I know. I've tried them all.”

Nila placed a slice on her plate and reached for her fork.

Her companion's stage whisper stalled her hand mid-air. “Just pick it up, silly. Don't be such a fussy old lady.” Hayley's gaze slid away from Nila. “Ooh, don't look now, but there's a hot guy at the entrance, and it looks like he's staring at you.”

Nila froze, and then turned slowly.

Hayley shook her head and talked around her mouthful. “Too late. He's gone now. Tough luck.” She swallowed and wiped her mouth. “He was really rocking that bad-boy vibe.” She licked her lips. “Yum.”

 

****

 

At eight on Saturday morning, Saskatoon Security's crew rang the doorbell.

When Will opened the door, a stout, gray-haired man stepped forward.

“Will Jamison? Guy Renard.” He gestured to each of his men in turn. “This is Len, Raj, and Chuck.”

“Come on in.” Will shook each man's hand. “I'm glad you could make it so quickly. What can I do to make this easier?”

“Other than giving us keys to the shop and the other house, you're free to do whatever you want. I think we've got everything we need. Any particular order you want these wired?”

Will shook his head. “No, I'm just glad it's getting done today. I don't want any more trouble with Daniel's properties.”

“He's an old friend of mine,” Guy said. “I'd work any day of the week for him.”

As the men readied their equipment, Will handed Guy the keys. “If you're set here, I'll get out of your way. I'll be back before too long in case you need anything.”

“Sounds good,” Guy said. “If we're not here, we'll be in the shop or over at the other house. If all goes well, we'll be able to get this done today.”

Will pulled his boots on. “Sure hope so. I'd appreciate it.”

 

****

 

At the lumber yard Will took his time choosing the straightest, knot-free two-by-fours for framing out the basement. He picked up the end of one board and stared down its length.

Not bad. He placed it on the flat-deck cart and checked another one. It would have been more fun with Nila, competing to get the best boards
.

He wondered what was wrong with her. Didn't sound quite right this morning. Of course, the way she'd been running hot and cold, maybe he was better off without her.

That thought settled like a twenty-pound weight into his chest.

 

****

 

Nila sat back on her haunches to catch her breath. She'd dusted every inch of her room, washed and replaced her bedding, and now the hardwood floor shone from being hand-buffed. But she could not scrub imaginary party scenes from her mind: Will and Hayley as they laughed together, made plans, and realized how much they had in common.

“Nila.” Lydia's voice floated down the stairs. “Are you busy?”

Nila pushed herself upward with a groan. “No. I'm finished here.”

“I need to go to the grocery store. Would you like to come? We could stop for coffee on the way,” Lydia said as she descended to the basement. She peeked into Nila's room. “You've been busy. Everything shines. Ready for a break?”

Nila tossed her cleaning cloth into the hamper. “Sure. That sounds good.” She finally met Lydia's eyes. “Thank you.”

“I wonder if you'd like to help me with some baking this afternoon.”

Nila sighed. “I'd like that.”

“And maybe we can talk about what's bothering you.”

 

****

 

Nila and Lydia stood at the entrance to the coffee shop next to the grocery story. Every table was full.

Lydia wrinkled her nose. “Well, maybe we should buy the groceries first. Hopefully we'll be able to nab a table afterwards.”

Half an hour later, the two women lugged their bags over to the only open table. “This is awkward, but I don't want the cream cheese and butter to freeze,” Lydia said. “I'll order for both of us, and you can sit with our groceries. OK? What would you like? My treat.”

Nila unzipped her long coat and sank onto a chair. “I'd love a caramel latte. Thanks.”

A few minutes later, Lydia joined her at the table. “They're pretty backed up, so someone will bring our drinks when they're ready.” She leaned forward, smiling, and rested her elbows on the table. “Thanks for coming with me today. I treasure these moments we get to spend together. I know you'll move on soon, but that just makes these times extra precious.”

Nila lowered her head. “I haven't been very sociable lately.”

“And are you ready to talk about it?”

Looking at the floor, she shook her head. “I can't.” She looked up again, and the warmth in Lydia's eyes tugged at her heart. “I wish I could.”

Lydia reached across the table and covered Nila's hands with her own. “Remember, dear one, that the truth will set you free. I don't want to pry, but I have to ask. Did we offend or hurt you somehow?”