Her movements were slow, deliberate, and skilled. She had almost finished the job. As she bent forward, the top of her coveralls gaped to reveal more of the sports bra. The tight red material emphasized the curve of her breasts. Eric watched her intently. She did not notice his voyeuristic presence over the noise of the vacuum and her sanding.
The ad had read: "RENO ANNIE: Help with small jobs around the house. Painting. Plastering. Carpentry. Seniors discount. Call Annie 555-2669"
Eric had purchased the mobile home shortly after his divorce. Most of the outside repair work he had done himself. He had rebuilt the deck, replaced the skirting, and painted the outside. The leaking roof he had professionally replaced. However, he needed help with the interior. The previous owner had redone the kitchen and the bathroom and these only needed repainting but the damage from the leaking roof, to the hall and living room ceilings and walls was beyond his abilities. He called Annie.
When she arrived at his door he was immediately impressed. She was a perky, tanned, brunette in her mid forties. She had a confident, professional air about her. After telling him exactly what she could do, the materials needed, and the time required, she produced two estimates. The first price was for $550. The second was for $100 less. Eric inquired about the second price.
"Well sir, that price is if you help me remove and replace the drywall pieces," Annie said.
"That seems like a fair bargain," he responded. "I could help with that. When could you start?"
Annie began the work the following Monday. Since the job was small, it was agreed that she would arrive late in the afternoon after she had finished her other jobs and work only for a couple of hours each day. After the first two visits, a friendship was developing. The two had found some common bonds. Both were single and lived alone. Both had been divorced and had a deep mistrust of relationships. Both were uncomfortable in the presence of strangers. Yet, they were able to talk freely and openly to one another. They even bantered about sex. Often they talked more than they worked.
Eric had found other drywall repairs for Annie to do around the house and extended her visits to almost a week. However, it was obvious that this Friday afternoon would be the last day that he would see Annie. There was nothing left for her to do. He watched her kneeling figure as she finished sanding the last plaster repair and felt a pang of sadness. Without thinking, he reached over and flicked off the vacuum cleaner.
"Hey! What the..." she turned in his direction. "Was there a power failure or something?"
For a brief second, Eric did not know what to say. Then he nervously blurted out, "No. No Annie, not anything like that. I just wanted to ask if you would stay for a bite to eat after you finished."
