Page 32 of Better Together

Alexis blew out a breath. “Okay. I can do that.”

They sat. “What made you want to become a carpenter? Sorry, contractor,” he corrected himself.

“Can I walk over to the fireplace?”

“Sure, let me grab the camera.”

Great. She was already flubbing up the interview because she couldn’t sit still. She got up, walked to the fireplace, and picked up the picture of her and her dad posing with their tool belts around their waists. They stood in front of the tree fort they’d built together. Her young self smiled widely for the camera, the heavy tool belt sinking low over her skinny hips. “My dad.”

James focused the camera on the photograph.

She cleared her throat of emotion. “My dad, Sergeant Steven Welby, served in the Army. When he was on leave the summer I turned twelve, we built this tree fort. He died a year later.” She swallowed hard and stared at the picture in her hand. “I cherish the time we spent together. From that day forward I wanted to build things. With the work I do now on old homes, I’m giving them a second chance. A chance I never had with my dad. I remember him being patient and paying attention to details. He took great pride in everything he did.” She placed the picture back in its place on the mantel, running her fingers over the frame.

“Mom and I had to leave the house after my dad died, and on moving day, I went to the backyard and got something to take with me.” She walked over to the entry room wall and pointed to a framed board. “We carved this wood sign with our initials.” The sign read KEEP OUT in large, bold letters.

“Nice,” James said and nodded. He cleared his throat. “Life is about the memories you make. And that’s why I’m a documentary filmmaker. Sharing memories and experiences has always been my mission.”

“It sounds like our goals are similar,” she said.

He nodded and placed his camera on the tripod across from Alexis. They settled back into their seats, opposite each other. “Would you say remodeling is your passion? Or do you also build new?”

Alexis thought a moment. “I’ve built new homes and additions, but I love renovating. There’s plenty of people who build homes and cabins around the lakes up here and the area has expanded in the last decade, so there will always be a need for new construction, but I specialize in making the old, new again. There’s a vibe, an energy that old homes give off that new homes don’t. Don’t get me wrong, new homes will create memories, but the old ones . . . their stories can continue.”

“You do a lot for this town, don’t you?”

“I like to be involved.”

“One of the things I admire about this community is the revitalization committee,” James said.

“Yes. The townspeople take a lot of pride in their community. Our former mayor Elsie Andrews started the revitalization committee. Too many cities tear down the old and build new. Deer Creek Falls believes in saving the old. Many small rural towns have slowly died when the younger generations drift away, the community atmosphere dying along with them. The revitalization committee focuses on increasing tourism and providing a safe and welcoming place to live. I’m proud to be a member.”

“What would it mean to you to win the contest?”

Alexis paused. “Being part of the contest is important because of the amazing and thoughtful contribution to our veterans. But the icing on the cake would be to remodel the Whitmore Estate. I had the chance to tour the house when Old Man Whitmore passed. The moment I stepped into the majestic home, I knew I wanted to bring it back to its former glory. Just thinking about the history of the home gives me goosebumps.” Alexis rubbed her arms. “My friend Maggie had the same reaction, and we’ve dreamt of getting our hands on that estate ever since.” She hoped she didn’t sound too corny.

James asked a few more questions and then stood to put away his camera. “Thanks for taking the time to be interviewed and for granting permission to post it on the city’s web page. Chloe will upload both yours and Raven’s interviews soon.” James snapped the camera case closed as a knock sounded on the door.

“Excuse me, James.” Alexis opened the door to Susan and Elsie.

“I hope you’re done with the interview. We brought a late lunch.” Susan greeted her with a hug. “The American Legion had their annual Booyah Feed.”

“We just finished. That’s so sweet. I forgot all about it, come on in.” Elsie came through the door carrying a large pot. “Let me take that for you.” Her stomach growled at the aroma.

She led the way to the kitchen. Susan kissed her husband on the cheek on her way through the house.

“What a beautiful kitchen, Alexis.” Susan ran her hand along the black granite countertop.

“Alexis and Maggie could create a beautiful kitchen for you too. I’m so proud of my girl . . . both my girls.” Elsie side-hugged Alexis, bringing her in close. “Maggie and Alexis work well together.”

“Well, she has my vote,” Susan said, eyeing her husband.

“Thank you for bringing lunch, that was really nice of you both.” Alexis turned the heat on under the pot and pulled bowls from the cupboard.

They sat around the table enjoying the conversation and the rich broth packed full of short ribs, chicken, and vegetables. She appreciated that Susan and Elsie didn’t try to sell her talents any further in front of James. Her work spoke for itself. She was talented and could handle a large estate remodel.

She was wondering how Elsie had happened upon Susan bringing dinner over when Elsie spoke up. “Chloe has done such a wonderful job with the city website. The presentation at the meeting had all of us in tears.”

“Oh. I forgot the revitalization committee met today. What had you in tears?” Concern etched Alexis’s face.