“I’m not surprised.”
Independent and fun loving, Uzuri every now and then displayed behaviors—like this insecurity—that showed she had issues. Z should never have let her get away with putting her past traumas off-limits.
“A bunch of us are going over in the morning to get her moved,” Ben said. “Any chance you want to help?”
“Of course.” An edge of hurt eroded her pleasure at hearing Ben’s voice. Why had no one else called to tell her what was going on? “As early as you need me.”
“Perfect. Can you meet Uzuri at her new place and get the keys from her? We’ll have trucks coming and going most of the day.”
“Absolutely.”
As Ben gave her the information, she jotted it down. He finished with, “I’ll see you.”
And yes, her heart had undeniably slid into a syncopated jazz beat. Whatever had happened to her proverbial control?
Chapter Eight
Somewhere around noon in Uzuri’s new place, Anne walked through the rooms, surveying the work being done. The off-white living room walls and dark blue tile floors were scoured clean. The small dining area likewise. Linda and Beth were washing down the windows and the white trim.
In the kitchen, she smiled at Andrea. “How’s it going in here?”
Looking like an autumn day with her curly golden-brown hair, amber eyes, and darkly golden skin, Andrea was an inch or so taller than Anne’s five-eight. Cullen called her his Amazon.
Andrea waved her hand at the three high school students in ratty jeans and ripped T-shirts. “I mustered my fastest workers. Cleaning here is done and ready for the unpackers, right, guys?”
The boys all grinned. “You bet.” “Word.” “Sí.”
Anne looked around and marveled at the gleaming blue tile counters, oven, and open cupboards. One boy was finishing up the refrigerator, which positively sparkled. “Amazing.”
Earlier Anne had arrived to find Uzuri in tears. When management had handed over the duplex keys, they’d told her their cleaning service didn’t work weekends. Not having a choice and hoping for the best, Uzuri had accepted the keys.
The best didn’t happen. The place was a disaster. Even meth houses were cleaner. The rooms had garbage strewn everywhere, and the stench of rotting food from the kitchen, urine from the bathroom, and sheer filth was overwhelming. Uzuri’s dark skin had taken on a green tint as she gagged.
Anne had firmly sent her friend back to finish packing up her old apartment, then had called and redirected half the gang to the new location for emergency cleaning.
One more call had successfully summoned Andrea, who’d planned to arrive later to help with the unpacking. But, the woman owned a cleaning business. At Anne’s beseeching explanation, she’d come right away and brought along some part-timers.
“You are all wonder-workers,” Anne told the lads. “I’m so glad you were available.”
They gave her the wide-eyed looks of youths more accustomed to being cursed than complimented, then puffed up their skinny chests. So cute.
She exchanged smiles with Andrea before telling the boys, “Unfortunately, now I have to send you off to do the yucky bathroom.” After smothering a grin at their groans, she added, “However, I ordered pizza to make up for the trauma. By the time you get done, food will be here. You’ll definitely deserve a break.”
“Awesome.” Exchanging fist-bumps, the troop moved on to their next assignment.
“You’re as good at motivating the young ones as you are at keeping your slaves in line,” Andrea said. “By the way, Dan and Ben are outside with a load of kitchen stuff and living room furniture. Ben came in a minute ago with Starbuck’s. One of the cups has your name on it.”
“Does it now?” Her pulse pattered faster—only from the thought of getting some caffeine in her system. No other reason. No. In the long carton filled with cups, only one held a name. “ANNE’S.”
She picked it up and sipped. Mocha coffee. He’d remembered her choice of brew at Z’s house. That was…impressive.
Of course, her slaves had all learned her preferences, but tended to wait for directions from her. Ben’s combination of independence and thoughtfulness could easily grow addictive.
“Hey, Anne, where do you want us now?” Sally asked. Gabi appeared behind her, both women bedraggled. “The bedroom is clean and ready for furniture.”
“Excellent timing. Sam and Holt are in route with the bedroom stuff.” She pointed to the coffee carton. “Why don’t you grab coffee while I get boxes hauled in here? You two can work on setting up the kitchen.”