How Green Becomes Wood

"If the pipes are this badly maintained, I'd start considering other options. From where I sit, if the pipes weren't maintained, who can guess how well the wiring has been, or the gas, or who knows what else. And if the pipes in your apartment are shot, who can say what state the pipes in the units next to or above yours might be? You might well wake up in the morning without a ceiling." He paused, "Or it might be fine. But that's my professional opinion, as your friend. Whatever that's worth."
 
"Thank you, Mr. Cooger, I appreciate your advice. I shall give your concerns due consideration," Ciara promised. "I have not yet decided what my next steps will be, but you have raised valid points that may influence my decision."
 
Ciara glanced around the small hotel room. She'd been in worse situations. It had been a while, but she could still remember them vividly. "Not to worry, Mr. Cooger. You are doing your job, and I appreciate honesty and forthrightness. Thank you for calling me."
 
"Did it appear as though any damage was done to my furniture, or was it spared?" Ciara asked. "Beyond that, I have no questions, and I understand if you did not pay attention to my furniture while looking at my pipes."
 
Cooger thought about this for awhile, "I think... I think, some of the wooden feet of some of your stuff may've gotten a bit of water damage, but I don't remember seeing anything too egregious. I'll check next time I'm there, though and get back to you."
 
Ciara said her farewells politely and hung up. Then she sat staring at the front of her car for a while. This was going to be an interesting season, but at least she had the funds to take care of herself and what needed done. Some might have called her "rich," and she supposed she was by certain standards, but she was not really "rich." "Well-off" was a better term. It helped to be single, have no children, and to be a workaholic in a high-stress but lucrative job. It made it easier for her than others to set aside a nest egg for "just in case" situations. Like the situation she was in now. She turned to the tiny nightstand next to the bed and found the standard notepad and pen set in nearly every hotel in America. After a few minutes of scribbling down notes to herself, options, and pros and cons, she called her landlord to sort out other details. Her boss was next on the list. It was going to be a long day of phone calls.
 
Dark and Daizi both checked in with Ciara, just to make sure she was holding up okay. Daizi also made a point to ask if there was anything she needed, but they didn't reach out more than the once. She was an adult, they knew she was safe, and they knew she could handle herself.

Then, Friday night, Dark and Daizi dressed themselves nicely (having to skip, to Daizi's begrudging acceptance, the flaired dramatic sleeves she loved) and drove to this new perfumery to meet Jack and Sally. Although, if he was being honest, Dark still didn't love the idea of a double date, he kept those feelings to himself because he wasn't going to complain about it and upset his wife, who was very much looking forward to it.
 
Jack and Sally were also dressed nicely, Jack in a dark blue suit and white shirt, and Sally had a long, woolen skirt with a neatly tailored jacket embroidered with wintery images.

"Daizi, darling!" Daizi called out as soon as she spotted them, coming over to hug her. "And Dark, dear. You both look marvelous!"

Jack smiled and offered a hand to Dark in greeting.
 
"Quite well, quite well," Sally told her happily. "It has been a long winter. So dreary! I have been looking forward to this all week." She moved away so Dark could take Daizi's arm again and be the one to lead her around the store.
 
"Good, I'm glad! And this winter feels decades long," She sighed, leaning slightly on her cane while Dark took her arm, "And Ivy is getting restless, I think."

When they stepped inside, Daizi's eyes widened behind her sunglasses, having not totally prepared herself for how strongly scented the entire shop would be.
 
"I can imagine this winter is even longer for her inexperienced mind," Sally said sympathetically. She smiled as they walked in. "My! This place is certainly aromatic. I think I like it, but it might be best not to linger too longer."

"Aromatic is a good word," Jack remarked quietly, not quite as in love with the heavy scent. "Where do we start?"

"Over there, I think," Sally said, gesturing with a hand.
 
Sally was about to answer when a middle-aged woman with a small handheld walked over and smiled. "Hello! Are you the Hollis party?"

"That is us!" Sally said happily.

"Excellent! My name is Susan, and I will be your guide. I will show you how all of this works, and then you will be free to make your own with or without my help. If you would follow me, please. Are there any questions I can answer?"
 
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