12
“CAN YOU BELIEVE how much they accomplished?” Ivy and Shelly had seen the last of their family off, and now they were walking through the mostly empty rooms. Clean windows framed the ocean view, and every surface and light fixture gleamed. The long weekend had been worth it, though every muscle in her body ached and her jeans and T-shirt were covered in paint splatters. “I can almost feel the house smiling again.”
“Funny, I know exactly what you mean,” Shelly said. “Time to tackle the landscaping.”
Ivy groaned. “Isn’t that your department?”
“Sure, but I have a landscaping plan I want you to see.”
They made their way into the kitchen, where even the turquoise appliances sparkled with retro brilliance. Pulling up two stools, they sat at the counter. Shelly went through her plan.
“We
