Free Dating For Decades by Tracy Krimmer Page A

Sue me. This project needs to get moving. He loved it. We start next week.”
    Next week? How does this reflect on me? I’ve been working on coming up with a solution for months; Lucas is here a mere month and he not only has a solution already, but we start implementing it in seven days. “Okay. What can I do?” My involvement is necessary.  
    “I can handle all the technical stuff.”
    I close my mouth and inhale deeply, sure he can see the steam rising from my head. Of course he’ll handle the technical stuff because I am not technical at all. What a jackass. I want to be involved in that. I’m sure, though, that he already went over all of this with Terrence. All during his private meeting. It makes sense that Terrence’s nephew is lead on the project. “Great,” I respond through gritted teeth.
    “We need an electrician to run the wires. Can you handle that?”
    “You need me to call an electrician?”
    He stares at me. “Is that a problem?”
    Am I a 1950s housewife? I’m supposed to call the electrician like a good wife does. What else can I do for you, dear husband? This guy really corks me. Unfortunately, if I want to stay up-to-date and have a say at all in this project, I need to do this. “Fine.”  
    “Thanks! Let me know as soon as you have it lined up.” He taps his fingers on my desk and a weird sensation works through my body as I take note of their size. I lick my lips, my frustration turning to curiosity. He shuts the door behind him, pulling me out of my trance.
    Lucas leaves the room and once the goosebumps erase from my skin, the anger finds its way back in. An electrician. Like I have nothing better to do than spend my time searching for an electrician.  
    I sit back at my desk, open Google, and type “Electricians in Milwaukee, WI.” A map pops up with a few listings. The first one has a rating of four out of five stars, but only six reviews. The second has a few reviews, but no rating. The third is one we’ve used in the past, and I’d prefer not to do business with again. I click to see more and a larger map appears on the right with a bunch of listings on the left. I scroll past most until one catches my eye. KLM Electric. Isn’t that the name of Keith’s business?
    I have his business card in my purse. Sure enough, that’s him. He has a four and a half star rating. I read through the reviews.  
    Fast and resourceful.
    Trustworthy.
    Reasonably priced.
    Knowledgeable, on time, and a pleasure to work with.
    Should I call this guy? I’m sure he wouldn’t mind if I tossed some work his way. The reviews are great, and if I went with him, we could get moving on the project instead of sitting around another month while I gather quotes. Will he even remember who I am?  
    I crease the business card as I contemplate this. Ugh. Why is this a struggle? Fine. Fine. I’ll call.  
    He picks up on the second ring. “Keith here.”
    His voice is deeper than I remember. “Keith? Hi. I’m not sure if you remember me. This is Cassie.”
    “Oh! From the ladies only group.”
    I deserve that. “Yeah, about that —”
    “It’s fine. I understand, I guess. What can I do for you?”
    “Well, I’m in need of an electrician. Do you think you could help me out?”
    “What kind of project?”
    “At my work. We’re going to be building server space, and I need someone to come in and run the electrical. I don’t know how long it will take, but I need you to start in a few weeks.” The previous tenants should be out in a few days, giving us some time to clean up and tear down what we need to before he comes in.
    “Do you want me to come out and give you a quote?”
    I probably should, but I want to get the project moving and done with, and maybe then Lucas will be out of my hair. I think the reviews speak for themselves and he’s in good standing with the Better Business Bureau. “No, it’s fine. I’ll pay you what you bill.”
    “What if I bill five hundred thousand