Ashley & Milo

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  I did sleep in, but I was putting water on the shrubs when Ashley came over to get the girls some breakfast. "I ought to make you get your own," she said as she went by me. I made sure she only had a few drops of water from the hose in retaliation. She shrieked anyway.

  I showed Ashley and Lindsey how to run the lights and the fan in the living room with the caution that it was not to be turned up too high. They took off and I sat down to make sure my ex-wife didn't have any idea I was seeing a woman tonight.

  In my notebook I scribbled a name and indicated that he could only meet me for an hour at the airport on his way to Florida. The airport was two hours from this city and I indicated again that I might stay in one of three motels instead of driving home. Thus was the reason for needing a baby-sitter all night.

  Lunch time I went down and got a sub sandwich at the deli. Henry, the owner, asked a question, "Old Peterson was in saying you and him are going into business together. What's that all about?"

  "Not much, really. Peterson has been complaining that the building that houses my apartment looks terrible. I put him on the spot by introducing him to Mrs. Winslip and together we are going to change the looks of the place. He is drawing up the structural plans and I'm going to see that the work gets done."

  "You wouldn't have time to rebuild my wheelchair ramp would you? The safety inspector was in and said I'd better get someone on it right away. I called a couple of carpenters and both said two, possibly three months. I'm in a bind on this."

  "Let me look at it." It was in bad shape. Two of the timbers were rotted and the deck was splintered in three places. One section of the railing had been removed. "Friday afternoon and Saturday until I get it done. $32.50 an hour and cost of materials. I'll dispose of the old ramp at cost also. If I have a helper, I charge half my rate for him. My two girls will be with me on Saturday. You keep them occupied in the store while I work. They mind and will be good."

  "This Friday?"

  "Yes, I can't do it before or after."

  "Christ, you've got a deal. You don't know what a relief this is for me."

  When I returned with my sandwich, Ashley and the girls were waiting for me, saying they had eaten already. "Milo, Lilly Trevor called and wants to take pictures of the apartment now that it is completed. She will be coming over about the time you get back with Jean. I said I was going to be out of town. I hope this is okay with you?"

  "I know what you are doing. You don't trust me with my ex-wife, do you?"

  "Oh Milo, don't think that. Think maybe I wanted to twist her tail a little and make her envious that you have a fun life without her."

  "I know. I was kidding. Oh, by the way, I took another small job. I am building a ramp down at the deli for Henry, Friday afternoon and Saturday."

  "What about the girls? Where will they be?"

  "I'm going to ask Mrs. Hamlin to watch them Friday and they are going to be in the store on Saturday."

  "I could watch them you know."

  "I know, but this way you can visit across the street one day and come in to the deli and maybe get them in the afternoon on Saturday when they get sick of the store. This keeps up the charade of you just being my landlady and nothing more."

  "Okay, but someday they are all mine."

  "That is what I'm working for. Now I have to prepare dinner for my ex. I'm putting a roast in the oven. You know it is going to be close to nine tonight before I see you."

  "And I'm all a-twitter about it. Look at my hands shake."

  "You're not alone. Me too."