“Are you sure you can handle the plumber?”
“Of course.” She waved him on his way.
She hadn’t even walked up the porch steps when an old, battered pickup pulled into the driveway.
A young guy stepped out of the truck. As he approached, Lauren had the distinct feeling she’d seen him somewhere before but found herself unable to place his face. He was tall and lean, wearing dark jeans and a solid gray T-shirt. He wasn’t half bad looking, although she was already spoken for. Lauren stopped short in her tracks, unsure of where that thought had come from.
“Is this the Perkins house?” the man asked as he strode up the walkway.
She nodded. “Can I help you?” She assumed he was the plumber but couldn’t be certain.
“I’m looking for Jason Corwin?”
“He was called away but he’ll be back soon. Can I help you?”
He nodded and extended his hand. “Brody Pittman. JR Plumbing sent me over.”
Lauren shook his hand, which was roughened from work, and he stared down at her, his eyes boring into hers. Once again she had the feeling she’d seen him somewhere before. “Do I know you?” she asked.
He looked her over, head to toe, before answering. “Nope. I think I’d remember if we’d met before.”
“You just look familiar,” she murmured.
He glanced over her shoulder. “I must have one of those familiar-looking faces. Ready to get started?” he asked.
“Sure.” She gestured for him to follow her inside. “I woke up and stepped into a flood. I think it’s the hot water heater,” she explained.
“It’s an old house, so it wouldn’t surprise me.”
“Actually I need you to give all the pipes a once-over. I’m planning to sell the house soon and the prospective buyers will be doing an inspection prior to closing. I need to know of any potential issues ahead of time.”
“That shouldn’t be a problem.”
“Good.” They’d reached the bedroom. “Flood’s in here and the water heater is around the corner.” She pointed down the hall to a closed door on the left.
“Okay. Let me take a look and see what we’re dealing with. I’ll get back to you before I start any work.”
“Thanks. I’ll be in the kitchen if you need me.” She left him and retreated to the kitchen for another cup of coffee.
Half an hour later, Jason returned, looking more tired than he had before. Clearly the episode with his uncle had taken a toll on him.
She barely had time to say hello, when the plumber joined them.
Introductions went quickly and Lauren got to the point. “How bad is it?” she asked the plumber.
“You’re going to need a new heater, for starters.” He wiped his dirty hands on a rag. “As for the rest of the house, things are hit and miss. The plumbing’s old, no question about that. There have been some recent replacements, but there are a lot of pipes that need replacing, as well.”
Jason nodded. “I figured as much. How long until you get the heater?”
The other man shrugged. “I’m new so I’m not sure. Let me call my boss and see what’s in stock, but it’s a standard unit, so with a little luck I can pick it up today.”
“Great. Do that and get me an estimate on the rest of the house. We’ll go from there.”
The other man shifted from foot to foot. “I need to write down everything, but I gotta tell you, some of it needs to be done ASAP or else you’re looking at bigger problems down the road.”
“I understand. Then get me an estimate quickly, Mr. Pittman.”
“It’s Brody, and sure thing.” He turned and headed back to work.