#brightwindsbarony

A shake of her head as he just puts away the last of the food that she won't want out "You're ignoring me. Fine fine. I set you up behind your back as is tradition in the family" Half joking

"Can I get you more to eat?" he offers.

"Oh you cook all day, no need to add to your work," She sits down, tiring out faster than she used to "How was business today?"

"It was good." he murmurs "There's leftovers, it's not more work. Have some." he puts more on her plate.

She fusses, but eats as directed "Does seem the county seems to be good for you. I am glad."

"Can I use your restroom?"

"Of course," A chuckle "If anything there bites, you have my permission to bite back" Jokes aside, her rest room is immaculate

And he leaves it in the same state, but not before running water and checking the state and levels of her medication.

Damn it! She's short changing her pills, taking half doses to make them last longer to save money

He makes note of which pills, and will call in an order to refill.

And he returns.

She is still enjoying her meal, "Gracious, this was good"

"Gracias."

"I'll head home, I guess. You need anything?"

She starts to say no, then ponders "Actually, if iti s not too much trouble, could you water my window plants before you go?"

"Sure." he finds the can and waters.

He hears tapping in the next room. Is she trying to text?

Cliff steps over to look.

Yes, yes she is! Trying to text something quickly and quietly before he gets back

He'll check that later. He finishes watering the plants and returns to empty the rest of the water into the sink.

"THank you for the help," She says when he comes out

"Of course, Abuela. Oh, you might want to take a look at the fern. I'm no expert but it looked a little yellow."

"Oh!" She rushes up as quickly as she can and goes to see

And he checks the phone.

TXT: Gillian, I hear piping in apartment #.. His apartment, Is bad. Please check on it to fix maybe?

Who the bleep is Gililan?

He notes Gillian's number, and returns the phone to the home screen, setting it down. He'll have to look more into it later. He follows Abuela out to her fern. "What do you think?" he asks quietly.

"Mmm I do not see it as too yellow, but my eyes are not as sharp as yours. I will keep an eye out for it. Gracious for telling me"

"De nada. Ok. I'll head home."

"Yes, you should, you deserve rest"

He gives a kiss to her weathered, soft cheek, and departs. His apartment is only a few doors away but before he goes in he will pause to watch. Who is watching him watch the apartment?

There's a woman there, one he does not recognize! She's about his age, cute more than pretty, and judging by her tool kit, with gloves ready, and overalls, she's there to work

Cliff sighs, shaking his head. Then he walks up to his apartment.

"Cliff, right?" She asks. Okay, vibrant eyes and a nice smile. No doubt Abuela hopes he'll notice that

He nods. "Gillian. Sorry to have bothered you. Send me your call-out fee or whatever. Pipe's are fine."

"Seriously?" a brow shoots up . She had been told otherwise, "Well darn. I was actually hoping to be useful" Wryly, then more seriously "You sure you don't want me to check anyway since I'm up? There's no call out fee. I'm assigned to the building up keep in general get paid regardless. I might be able to tighten up something that got too loose or loosen something that got too tight"

"I'm sure."

"Okay" she gathers her things and offers a hand, which of course is still quite clean "Nice meeting you, Cliff"

He takes just the fingertips, a quick (and clammy) squeeze before releasing. "You, too."

if the squeeze grosses her out, it doesn't show, "If you find out you need me, just tell the super or.. apparently, a sweet old lady who I am suspicious of now" Amusement. She's quick

"She likes to think she's looking out for me."

"And maybe me too. Single women are like cat nip to old grandmothers, they just want to bat us around a bit until we're in the proper spot as they see it but they do hope to 'help us' in it. Sorry for the weirdness of our introduction but it really is nice to meet you"

And she raises her tools and nods, heading off

Cliff waits to make sure she's gone (and he's alone) before slipping into his apartment.

She is, and he is, and he does. His apartment is quite suitable , with a few personal touches

Blessed solitude and silence......

He doesn't bother with lights; he does take off his sun glasses, though.

Some of the native American style blankets on the walls are more than display , they help muffle sounds from neighbors

Off with shoes, too. He stretches out on the couch to relax.

Toes wiggle free!