Free Ring of Truth (A Silver Script Novel Book 1) by Jaclyn Weist Page B

was pretty lucky that he was nearby. She opened the door and gestured for Jake to walk in.
    Jake shook his head. “You took the one job I had.”
    “Sorry. I’ll let you do it from now on.” Erin headed straight for the country-style decor in the back and picked through to find a few things that would work with the painting. “What do you think?”
    “I think you think I’m more of a cowboy than I really am.” Jake kept a straight face while he picked up a horseshoe. When he looked over, he started laughing. “I’m kidding. This is great. I just want something more … neutral. More, I don’t know, something that you’d find in an actor’s house. Something New Yorkish.”
    “New Yorkish? Pretty sure that’s not a word. But I have some ideas.” Erin walked over to another section and pulled out some dark red and blue pillows and a few blankets. “Something like this?”
    Jake scratched his chin. “I do like those.”
    “Perfect. Go look at something over there and let me work.” Erin shooed him away and waited for him to leave before filling her basket with some brown and darker blue decor. She found an old set of silverware and a dish set that would help fill his empty cupboards.
    “How’s it coming?” Jake asked near Erin’s ear.
    Erin jumped. “Man, you scared me. I think I’m done. Did you find anything?”
    Jake held up a Yankees foam finger. “Yep.”
    “Well, at least you have good taste in teams. My dad might not disown me when he asks your favorite sport.” Erin laughed and took her basket to the front.
    Jake set the finger next to the rest of the stuff on the counter. “So your dad is a Yankees fan?”
    “You have no idea. He lets my mom think they’re coming for the theater or to visit me, but it’s really so he can catch a Yankees game.” Erin pulled out her credit card and handed it to the cashier, ignoring the protests from Jake. She handed him some of the bags and headed for the door. “I told you earlier that you could just pay me later.”
    “That was for the rug. Not everything else.” Jake shook his head and walked to the intersection.
    Erin rolled her eyes and crossed the road. “You’re impossible.”
    “At least let me buy us some lunch.” Jake stopped at a small deli.
    “Perfect. I’m starving. But let’s take it back to the apartment so we can get this done. Your parents will be in here in a few hours, right?”
    Jake opened the door for Erin and she walked in. Since he’d been there before, he ordered them his favorite sandwich and drink, and they sat down to wait for their food.
    “This is cute. I’ve been down these streets hundreds of times and I’ve never noticed it before.”
    “I like finding the little hole in the wall places. They’re my favorite.” He picked up their order and came back to grab the other bags. “You’re going to love this.”
    They walked back to the apartment and weaved their way up the stairs and around toys. Erin’s arms and legs were burning by the time they got inside. She set the bags on the couch and pulled the items out. “Okay, ready for this?”
    “Let’s eat first. Then we can work.” He handed her a sandwich and a soda, then sat down on his couch. “Sorry there’s no table.”
    “This works.” Erin unwrapped the sandwich and took a bite. The avocado, tomatoes, and turkey were seasoned perfectly. “Oh man, you weren’t kidding. I may have to go back more often.”
    “Did you notice I even requested mushrooms for yours?” He asked smugly.
    Erin laughed. “Yes, and they’re fantastic. Thank you.”
    Once their sandwiches were gone, Jake threw away their wrappers and stood in the center of the living room. “Okay, where do we start?”
    Erin handed Jake one of the small shelves. “This needs to be hung under your picture, right about here.”
    “Yes, ma’am.” Jake picked up the hammer and moved closer to Erin. He tapped two longer nails into the wall and carefully the shelf on them. “Like