âYes,â he assured her.
Carlow then looked at Karina, a smile playing on his lips.
âIt seems this young woman is both vigilant and fierce.
â
Karina responded with an uneasy smile, âIâm sorry about the confusion.
â
Graciously accepting the tools from Haleigh, Carlow added, âLet me take care of the toilet first.
â
âThank you.
Iâll bring you some water,â Haleigh offered.
As Carlow disappeared into the bathroom, Haleigh made to fetch him a glass of water.
âHaleigh, I can help with that,â Karina chimed in.
With a nod from Haleigh, they stood together outside the bathroom, observing Carlow at work.
Karina filled a glass with water for him and, upon returning, found him signaling Haleigh to test the newly repaired toilet.
The sight of his smile caught Karina off guard.
It was reminiscent of Barlowâs smile, captivating her unexpectedly with its charm.
âThanks a bunch!â
Haleigh beamed at Carlow.
âNo sweat.
Weâre neighbors, we have to look out for each other.
â
Carlow grinned back.
Karina passed the glass to him.
âHere, take some water,â she offered.
âSure thing.
Just got to clean up a bit first.
â
Carlow glanced at Karina before heading to wash his hands.
Tall and dignified, even in slightly rumpled clothes, Carlow had a certain charm.
Haleigh noticed the torn hem of his clothes.
âHey, your outfitâs seen better days.
My nephewâs your size, Iâll grab you something to change into.
â
Karina was stunned.
This seemed a bit unnecessary, really.
Carlow lived in the same building.
He could pop home for a change.
But Haleigh was already off to fetch clothes from the spare room.
Karina sighed but held her tongue.