Thursday April 4 2019

Bobbie went to the bank and deposited the check and then texted Lorne. She told him about the money and how they could move forward with the hotel renovations and then she texted Rocco to tell him she needed some more plumbers and painters as she was going forward with the small hotel rooms. Then she called Trixie to let her know it went smoothly at the bank. “The check was made out to Alex but since we had a joint account it was OK.”

“I’ll move it into the business account for you to make sure you can pay the workers.”

“You are really hands on with this Trixie. I appreciate it all but shouldn’t you be chasing some big clients.”

“I’m helping the clients I have, any way I can and that’s what I want to do. Don’t worry about it Bobbie. How was your night in the apartment?”

“I slept fine but I’m surprised how uncomfortable I feel here. It worries me a bit.”

“You are finally slowing down Bobbie and I think things are catching up to you. You moved right after Alex died and stayed with your Mom. Like you were visiting. Now you’ve moved into your new home and finally have to say goodbye to Alex. And when was the last time you lived alone?”

“You may be right Trixie. I have never actually lived alone. No wonder I’m taking extra time to adjust.”

“Self awareness is everything. I’ll let you get to your meeting with Lorne, He’ll cheer you up.”

Bobbie got dressed and met Lorne at the community college restaurant. He sat at a large table and was wearing a big smile. He was pulling out his sample books as she approached.

“I hope you don’t feel rushed buy my decision to move ahead with the small rooms.” Started Bobbie…

“Oh hell no!” Gushed Lorne. “I have all my ideas ready and just have to run you through the details. Here are the wallpaper samples.”

“I’m not sure I even like wall paper. Let’s order lunch before we look at all this stuff.” She had not eaten much the day before.

Joan came into the cafeteria and waved as she moved over to the table. “Hi guys, it’s nice to see you! Are you having a working lunch? The mussels and chowder are fresh today.”

“Mussels and spinach salad and garlic toast, I love the home made garlic toast.” Said Lorne.

The three of them walked up to the counter and Bobbie said. “How about I treat you all to lunch; I can add it to expenses.”

“I’m happy to eat on your tab and it’s a bonus if you can write it off.”

“As the Dean, I don’t pay.”

“As long as we eat here, you’re a cheap date, Joan.”

As they returned to the table Joan said “I hope you don’t mine me joining you. I love to hear about the progress at the Motel.” When she learned they were talking about the rooms she said. “I thought those were on the back burner awaiting financing. I hope you aren’t pulling back on the restaurant.”

Bobbie explained she’d found an un-cashed life insurance check, Joan said “Wow that’s lucky!” Then she looked chagrined and apologized by saying. “Oh Bobbie I’m sorry, there’s nothing lucky about a life insurance claim. There’s really not much lucky about your situation at all, I’m being insensitive.”

Before Bobbie could answer Lorne burst In with. “Well I think it’s lucky we can finish the motel now; let’s look on the bright side.”

This put Joan more at ease. “Yes, I’d actually like to see the design ideas for the rooms too. I’m invested in this project. Bobbie I think you are inspiration for taking on such a big new project in your retirement. I’m thinking of retiring after this school year to have the summer to think about what I want to do next.”

Lorne said. “Bobbie is quite an inspiration and she has let me flex my creative muscles. If you leave the college, what do you think you’d like to do Joan? Maybe open a restaurant? I’d help you design a restaurant.”

“I don’t think I want to open a restaurant, I’m thinking of a catering company.”

Bobbie smiled and said. “That is an interesting idea Joan. The College will be sad to see you go. A catering company would let you continue to cook and create. Maybe we could work together when the motel has special events. In the mean time, can I get your advice on our second floor rooms at the motel; I want to give them kitchenettes. We are planning to put one Queen sized bed in each and they will have extra space. Maybe you can weigh in on how we set it up.”

The food was good and they ate while Lorne explained things. When they were done and the table was wiped, Lorne pulled out his samples and showed them the toile wallpaper. Joan said she had always loved toile and this was a faded modern take on it.

There was a soft Wedgwood blue, a warm red, a misty forest green, a cozy plum and a tasteful grey and white.

“I’ve never really liked wallpaper but this is really nice and the rooms will have different colour themes, I love that idea.”

Lorne explained “The headboards will be quilted with a velvet material that complements the wall paper and the other furniture will have the same material. The bathroom mirror wall will have the wall paper too. These are all warm colours so the rest of the walls are painted creamy white and the trim will be all crisp white to match the bathroom fixtures and complement the marble floors. I’m looking for tiles that have the same colours for the showers but haven’t found them yet. I want the showers to have vertically stacked subway tile with a single vertical strip of coordinating colour.”

Joan said. “It all looks great.” And got up to leave. “I’ll email you details about a simple one wall kitchenette. It should be no problem to find small refrigerators. You will have to worry about plumbing for a sink. I may have a line on 2 burner induction hobs for you. A small set of drawers below the burners would contain kitchen supplies.”

Lorne nodded and said. “It will be on the other side of the bathroom wall. We should be able to tie in plumbing and venting. I’ll text Rocco and arrange to meet with him later.”

Bobbie stood up and hugged Joan goodbye. “I’m so glad we reconnected Joan.” She and Joan and Barb had been the three musketeers all through grade school.

Truthfully Bobbie was feeling better. Trixie helped her put things in perspective about moving into the apartment alone and she decided to drive to the cemetery where Alex and his parents were interred. She stopped to buy some pansy seeds. She’d throw a few around and maybe cheer up the place. After she sprinkled the seeds she sat back on her heels and told Alex that their project was almost done so she had to go move into their motel by herself and that she was OK.