ONCE UPON ANOTHER TIME by McQuestion Rosary

Author:McQuestion, Rosary [McQuestion, Rosary]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Rosary McQuestion
Published: 2012-11-26T22:00:00+00:00

Eighteen

Built in the late 1800’s like many houses in the Federal Hill area, the windows on the front of Gavin’s Colonial Revival had white accents and a decorative white pediment above the hunter green painted door. As I stood on the porch between white pilasters framing either side of the entrance, my lungs felt tighter than a Victorian corset clamped down on an anorexic.

I tapped the antique looking brass lion knocker three times, as I glanced down at my kitten-heel sandals, black Capri’s and white halter top that showed off a narrow strip of bare midriff. I was going for a sophisticated Audrey Hepburn sexy look and hoped it didn’t come off looking like “Jersey Shore.”

The door flung open, taking me by surprise. I looked up to see Gavin, and felt my world tilt. Looks, easy charm, flashing eyes, and then came that smile.

“Come on in,” he said as he welcomed me into the foyer. From his warning to me that he was renovating the house, I half expected to get a hardhat with dinner. However, it looked more like the house was inhabited by an angry poltergeist. Some of the walls had large holes with wires sticking out, balustrades were missing on the stairway leading to the second floor, large chunks of the ceiling plaster in the foyer was ripped down and a light bulb dangled from open wires overhead.

“I assume that used to be a light fixture,” I said pointing upward.

“Don’t worry,” he said, as he closed the door behind me. “I know it looks like a disaster in here, but the kitchen and great room are completely remodeled and the plumbing works.”

“Oh good,” I said as I looked at the small parlor to the right and dining room on the left, the furniture covered with yards of paint-splattered drop cloths. “So, how long did you say you’ve been renovating?”

“Oh, I’ve been chipping away at it for the past year and a half. Did the kitchen first.”

I noticed baseboards missing as we walked down a short hallway. However, straight ahead I caught a glimpse of a beautiful room.

“This way,” said Gavin, as he guided me to a small arched walkway to the left that opened up to a large kitchen with hardwood floors, sleek stainless steel appliances, and black granite countertops.

Displayed above traditional cherry wood cabinets was an antique milk bottle, butter churn and other items. The garden window above the sink showed off a collection of brightly colored miniature birdhouses. Everywhere I looked, I saw character and beauty.

“Did you pick out all the finishes and appliances yourself?”

“I did. What do you think?” he asked, as he placed his hands on his hips.

“I’m impressed. It’s beautiful.”

I wished I could have said the same for the ratty looking dishtowels. Plus the apron he wore with the words “Barbecue King” written across his chest, pictured a male hotdog and female hamburger doing a two-step with twirling spatulas. It was obvious that Gavin had failed to get on the Crate & Barrel mailing list.

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