Strange Fates

Chapter Two: Hello There

You didn't get a chance to call anyone the next morning before you received a text from Cami telling you Marcel had already talked to Jackson. He and his wife would be stopping by around 10 to talk to you. If that wouldn't work, all you had to do was call. You blinked at the message for a moment before texting back a quick thank you. You weren't used to people doing things for you. Especially without wanting something in return. Cami was good people.

You glanced at the time and poured yourself a mug of coffee. You carried it into the bedroom with you so you could get dressed before your visitors arrived. You didn't put much thought into your clothing other than making sure it was something you wouldn't mind getting dirty. Once the contractors left, you had work of your own to do. After dressing in the first pair of jeans and t-shirt you found, you wandered back out to the kitchen. You'd just refreshed your coffee when there was a knock at the door.

You opened it to find a couple on your doorstep that had to be Jackson and Haley. They both had dark hair and eyes. He was slightly taller than her and had a light beard. They made a lovely couple, that was for sure. "Jackson and Haley Kenner. We own Crescent Moon Contracting."

You shook both of their hands before stepping back to let them in. "It's nice to meet you. Come on in."

They exchanged a look before stepping into the house. "Thank you. Just so you know, you should be careful who you invite into your house around here," Haley warned.

"Haley," Jackson chastised before looking at you. "Sorry."

You pursed your lips. "No, it's fine. Always good advice no matter where you live. You never know what you might be inviting in. I have my own way of keeping out unwanted guests though."

You could see the questions burning in their gazes and sipped at your coffee to hide your smirk. Suddenly, you remembered your manners. "I'm sorry. Would either of you like something to drink?"

"No, we're good. Marcel said you needed some help with some painting?" Jackson prompted.

"We normally don't do small jobs, but Marcel and Cami said you could really use the help." Irritation threaded through the woman's voice.

"Haley," Jackson all but growled. She huffed and crossed her arms over her chest as he turned his attention back to you. He shook his head slightly. "Sorry."

You didn't even try to hide your smile this time. Their interaction was amusing and it was evident to see they cared for each other. "It's fine and while I do have some painting to do, that's just a small part of what I need done both here and at my shop."

He tilted his head. "Shop?"

"I bought a building not far from here to turn into a bookstore. I'm planning something a little different. Even for New Orleans." Your grandfather had owned his store for nearly forty years. When he died, it all went to you but you had no desire to stay in that town. So, you closed it up. You packed each book yourself and were amazed at some of the things you'd found buried in his stacks. You'd also obtained a couple of estate collections you hadn't even had time to catalog yet. You couldn't wait to get everything the way you wanted it and start setting up the store.

"Great. Let's get started," Jackson said as he pulled out a notebook and pencil.

You nodded and began to lead them through the house. It didn't take you long to point out what needed to be painted and what light fixtures and shelves needed to be installed along with some more extensive work in the kitchen and bathrooms. They hadn't been updated in decades.

"If you don't mind me saying, you seem incredibly well-versed in what needs to be done to get the result you're after," he said as you finished in the kitchen.