Page 28 of Stealing Home

Dominic nodded immediately. “Okay.”

“The deck stairs should be rebuilt,” he said.

“I figured.”

“They’re not unsafe yet,” Gavin clarified. “But they’re headed that way. Better to do it now than after someone falls through or twists an ankle.”

“Done.”

“I’d also replace a few sections of baseboard upstairs while I’m painting. Nothing major, just some spots where the builder rushed the finish work.” He reviewed his scribbled notes. “There are a few things down here that you’ll want addressed, but I can include those in the job specs, and you can let me know if you want them done or not.”

Dominic didn’t even hesitate. “If you think it needs it, do it.”

Gavin looked up. “You haven’t even heard the estimate.”

“I wanted your opinion, and you gave it to me,” Dominic said. “Evan said if you suggested it, I should do it, and I’d rather do it all now than realize six months from now that I should have listened to both of you.”

Gavin chuckled. “Okay. Do you always do what he says?”

“He’s usually right,” Dominic admitted. “I’ll deny I said that though.”

Gavin laughed as he pulled up the calendar app on his phone. “I’m wrapping up a kitchen remodel tomorrow and one deck repair after that, but that’s it for big jobs. There are a couple of half-day things I’ve got scheduled, but they shouldn’t cause any delays here.”

“Think you can finish before we get back?” Dominic exchanged a glance with his parents.

“I can start in a couple of days,” Gavin said. Dominic’s parents started talking about load-bearing walls and opening up the kitchen, but Gavin ignored them and looked at Dominic. “Six weeks is more than enough time. It will probably take closer to five.”

Dominic visibly relaxed. “Perfect.”

“I’ll send you a detailed estimate tomorrow, with a room-by-room breakdown.”

Dominic pulled his wallet out of his back pocket. He slid a credit card free and held it out to Gavin. “Here.”

Gavin stared at it. “What’s that for?”

“Supplies?”

Dominic sounded confused, and Gavin realized this was probably his first time doing something like this.

“I don’t do that,” Gavin said.

“It will make things easier, won’t it?”

“It will make my bookkeeping a nightmare,” Gavin said seriously. “Materials are part of the estimate. You’ll know exactly what you’re paying for before I buy anything.”

“What if something unexpected comes up?” Dominic pressed.

“I’ll call.”

“What if you can’t get a hold of me?”

Gavin’s lips twitched at the challenge in his client’s voice. “I’ll leave a message.”

Dominic wiggled the card at him.

“Mr. Rizzo—” Dominic recoiled as if Gavin had punched him.

“Please don’t.”