Web of Deceit

Clean Up on Aisle 10

We head to Lowes to look at flooring for the basement. I went to the bathroom section to speak with someone about updating the original space. "Excuse me. Are you able to help me with design questions," I ask. A middle-aged man with a bit of a paunch stands up and walks over to me. "Good afternoon. I'm Leo. Tell me what you have in mind.
"I'm thinking I want to take out the original bathroom and replace it with a large shower, maybe add multiple showerheads as well. I want heated floors a single sink, large-" " Whoa now," interrupts Leo. "Sounds as though I need to bring over my associate. You want more than a simple install." He reaches for the phone. "Can I have assistance in Bathrooms, assistance in bathrooms please?"
I wait a few minutes and see a white woman who looks to be in her 30s moving quickly toward Leo and me. "Afternoon, I'm Sarah. How can I help you?" " Hey, I'm looking to overhaul my basement bathroom. I don't know where to start, but I know what I want it to look like. Can you help me," I ask.
"Well, let's sit down and talk about what you are thinking of and what your budget is," replies Sarah. We step over to a tabletop with bar stools and a computer and sit down. "Let me get some information from you to get us started. What is your name?" "My name is Imelda Sandoval, and I am new to the area. I have an 18k budget for this project maybe more if I have to rush," I explain. "If it's a rush, you'll definitely go over that budget," says Sarah with a smile.
"I am looking to replace the bathtub with a large shower with multiple shower heads. I also want to get heated flooring and new light fixtures. I have already purchased a new vanity and door knobs. The order now that I think about it, will have to be a rush. I was willing to put this off until spring, but my plans are shifting and adjusting right now. If I needed this done before the new year, could that be a possibility?"
"Well, that was certainly a mouthful. I suppose we could rush the order, but keep in mind that everything may not be in stock. So why don't we start with the flooring as that may well be what will be on backorder? I can pull up the site to see what is in stock for the heating systems, then we can pick flooring. I do want to ask if you want Lowe's to do the installation," asks Sarah.
"Yeah, that would save time and effort if Lowes can do it. That way I can get a service warranty as well as parts," I tell her. I look over the floor systems and move on to the flooring itself. I want the bathroom to look like a spa retreat down there. I pick a wood-like tile in vintage gray. I move on to a white tile with gray veins for the walls. As I am looking at showerheads I feel a presence behind me. I look at AJ staring over my shoulder at the showerheads. " I like this one," he says pointing. " Of course, you would want to pick a rainfall shower head," I sass him. " I like the ones that are mounted in the ceiling. If you get three of those and one that is mounted to the wall that should have the effect you are going for," AJ states.
I let Sarah know I want all the fixtures and hardware in black matte. "AJ, since you are staying I want to make sure that at least the bathroom is handled down there. We can see about the rest as we go." I look to Sarah and ask, " When can we get started and how soon can it be done?"
" Well, it's so close to holiday time and that might pose a bit of an issue. Let me pull up the schedule. It looks like there is an opening for four days starting Thursday into the weekend," says Sarah. "Are weekends going to be a problem? If not I can put this in and we can get started right away."
I look at AJ to confirm he was okay with all of this. After his nod, I go give Sarah the okay. She walks off to gather the paperwork I will need to sign. I look over at  AJ and ask, "Where is Stacia?" AJ shrugs and looks down, a sure sign that he did something or said something. "Hermano, what did you do? Stacia has been trying to get along, but keep saying sh*t. Qué te pasa?"
AJ shakes his head again and starts to speak " I asked her what was up earlier. I knew she had been upset. I told her that I wanted to help if I could. Then she gave me that dead-eye stare she does. Told me to worry about myself. So I told her good luck and stepped off." "Why, AJ?" "Huh? F*ckyoumean? I didn't even say nothin to ol big head. Nah she was outta pocket. You should be glad I didn't cuss her as* out."
"So you left my best friend alone in a Lowe's?" " She a grown a*s person Em," AJ interrupted.  "I know that, Mango!!" " Aye, you really startin sh*t right now? What I tell you about calling me dat? You trying to rumble in a random as* Lowes kitchen section Em?" I take a step away from my angry lookin brother. "Why are you so worked up, hermano?"
"You!! Why are you spazing on me about Stacia? She trippin' on me and then you trying to act as though I did something wrong." AJ takes a step back. He starts to look off at nothing in particular. "Imelda, is Anastacia in trouble? You overprotective right now for no real reason. What's the issue for real tho," he asks.
"She's not in trouble. She just has some stuff going on. I think I may have her go home. You plan to stay, so you both don't actually need to be here. That way she can handle her stuff." " You keep saying 'her stuff', what stuff you talkin bout Em? Hmm? Stacia makes her own hours the same as you. What are you hiding?"
"Look, I'm sorry AJ. I'm creating a problem where there really isn't one. I just want you both to get to know one another as adults. You argue so much. I thought you both could start over or something.. just wishful thoughts," I whisper.
AJ grabs hold of my hands. "Hermana, don't worry yourself over those things. If Stacia and I grew into friends that will be our choice, our decision. I will try to stop provoking her tho. Te prometo que."
Sarah walks back with the paperwork for me to sign. "I have spoken with our head of installation. He has assigned this work order to Team 2. Your contact will be Stanley. He will have a copy of the design and schematics you have chosen. There will be no further contact with us unless you are dissatisfied with the installation. Once you pay now we are set for this Thursday."
I hand over my credit card to pay for everything. After I sign all the required papers, I say goodbye to Sarah and go to look for Stacia. I look over at my brother. "Have I said thank you for holding me down with all this drama that is my life right now, hermano?" "Imelda there is nothing I wouldn't do for you, mi hermana. There is nothing to thank."
I look around trying to find Stacia. There is a lot more bustle here than expected for a weekday. Don't any of these people work? I pull my phone from my pocket to call Stacia just as I see her up ahead. There's a man talking to her. Nothing new there. She could be in holey sweats or a mu-mu and still have men panting after her. I tap AJ and nod toward the pair. We head their way.
".....if that is something you are looking for," says the man. He's a young, white guy with dark hair cropped low. "What are we talking about," I ask. The pair look over at AJ and me. "Oh, Charlie was trying to sell me a new bathroom installation," replied Stacia. "Did you tell him you don't live here?" asked AJ. AJ gives Charlie the up-down sizing up that men tend to do. He mean muggin' the hell out of ol' boy.
"I didn't get a chance to," is her answer. "Thanks, Charlie, is it? We just spoke with Sarah and have, a date scheduled. Have a nice rest of your day." Grabbing Stacia's hand I start to walk to the exit. "Oh well, that's great. Nice talkin with you Stacy," says Charlie behind us with a wave. I pull AJ with my other hand to walk beside us as he turns to speak to the Lowe's employee known as Charlie. "Please don't AJ," I beg him. "What?" he asks. " I was just about to ask him something."
Stacia is quiet as we leave the Lowes. We get in the truck and I turn to her. "Qué fue eso, chica?" "Que no entiendo," she says. "Oh, you don't understand, huh?" I ask. " You liar! What was that back there? How was he tryin' to sell you a bathroom installation in the light section of the store? That seems sketch as hell man." " Yeah," mumbles Stacia "He definitely was on some other time. Damn sure was cute though."
"Don't get that gringo beat up Anastacia," says AJ as he starts to back out of the parking lot. "Oh really AJ? You should probably quit while you're behind here. You are not my man, and beyond that, I didn't do anything wrong." "This is the last time I remind you this Anastacia. You know I don't play like that especially when you are with Imelda. That man is not our peoples, he is a stranger in a strange town trying to get too personal too quickly. Yall safety will always be my priority. Bout to have a clean-up on aisle 10...."