***. Standard disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to people or events is purely coincidental. Locations within Florida have been used by the author to create the setting.
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========================================================= Nailed It: Chapter 14 Designs
Sean walked into his apartment and stripped down to nothing. He dropped off his clothes in the hamper in his room. He pulled out the cleaning supplies from under the kitchen sink. Starting in Al's old bath, he added Lysol cleaner to the toilet. Then he used Scrubbing Bubbles to clean the tub, tiles and sink. As the bubbles did their thing, he scrubbed the toilet. He also sprayed the seat and porcelain surfaces with scrubbing bubbles. He cleaned the mirror with Windex. Then he filled his bucket with hot water added Spic & Span. Using a rag he wiped down all the surfaces which he had sprayed with the bubbles. Fetching the mop he used it to clean the floor.
With the bathroom done he continued mopping the bedroom floor. Backing out of the bedroom he continued to mop the tiled areas of the common room and kitchen. He dumped the dirty water down the sink. He repeated the process in his bathroom. When it came to mopping, he only had to do the edges as he had purchased an area rug which fit most of the room. The dirty water he used on the balcony. He returned the kitchen and sprayed the scrubbing bubbles on the glass top stove counters and sink. He took his bucket and the Windex and went back to the new room. First he filled the bucket and threw the water onto the balcony. Then he used the Windex to clean the sliding glass doors. Going back to his room he did his sliders. Finally he wiped down the kitchen. The place was clean.
Sean changed into a long sleeve blue button down and a pair of his low cut slim jeans. He headed first to pick up the clothes he had altered for Clay. Tina was disappointed Clay wasn't there to try them on. Then he headed to Rickey's storeroom in SODO.
Rickey greeted him warmly with a big smile and a hug. His Latino good looks were shown off by his well-tailored clothes. "Please come to the workroom. I'll show you how I envisioned the room. Pardon me rooms."
On a table near the far window Sean spotted the model Rickey had used to help style his bedroom. He had added additional walls to model the entire apartment.
"You never cease to amaze me!" Sean gushed.
"I took the measurements when you first moved in. Based on what you told me, I created the entertainment pit on this end of the room as you enter." Sean saw the configuration of the couch, entertainment unit, area rug, and lamps.
"Rickey you thought of things I hadn't considered! It's beautiful."
"It's my job to recommend and I have a bunch of recommendations. You note the dining area will move to in front of the picture window. I've increased the seating to 6. "
Sean stated, "That's perfect."
"As to the spare room, will you need a desk?"
"Actually no, I want to place our two desks in the room as well as a weight bench and mirror. "
"Let me adjust things. Will that work?"
"Yes, I think so."
"There's even room for a futon. "
"Ok. Another thing I didn't think about."
"Now please permit me to show you what I picked out. We'll start with the weight bench." Rickey guided Sean into the warehouse. "This has been sitting for far too long. I'm going to throw this in for free."
"It's a magnificent piece. All of those weights come with it?" Sean inquired.
"Yes and the rack to hold them. The ads producer didn't want to ship it back to California. So he gifted it to us and it's my gift to you. You have sent us a lot of business my way since we met."
"Rickey you are too kind. I don't know what to say except thank you."
"Now, for your dining area, I picked this pinewood set. 2 arm chairs and 4 side chairs. The seats and back are finished with leather padding. I'm suggesting the glass candle holders to add a glow to the flickering of the flames. Should be stunning with the China set you bought. $300 for all of it plus an area rug of your choice but I'm recommending the darker blue with white lattice edging."
"I agree. That's a great price!"
"Now, for your entertainment pit, I selected this low console. It has storage for some DVD as well as a few magazine or even books. It can hold up to a 55" flat screen easily. I chose the darker wood as most TVs are black. $50 and. I can get you a great flat screen for another $50."
Sean nodded in agreement.
"Now here we've set up the pit as I envision it. Shag area rug, in an Autumnal brown. Light brown Leather Sofa sectional to form an L. End tables and lamps to provide lighting. And I found these airport pillows that have airport codes on them - MCO - DAB anyway all 6 are Florida airports. The sectional also has two recliners built into it. All for $450."
"Price is still good," Sean commented. "What about the large mirror?"
"Adios Miro! I almost forgot. The twin to the one I sold you is $25."
"Now do you have any of Eduardo Castillo's works framed?"
Rickey let a slight smile creep upon his face, "I have only two. Come they are in the office." He led the way. His office was as fashionable as one would expect of someone in the business. He open a closet door and pulled out two 15 by 20 boxes. Placing them on the desk he open the first box. "These are both early works. This one is entitled, `Rawhide.'"
Sean could tell the style was Eduardo as soon as he saw the image - a black and white of a naked man with his flaccid penis resting on a heavy ball sack. He leaned against a bale of hay. His cowboy hat sat on one end of the bale. He rested on a straw strewn wood floor.
"This second one is done in a cool blue wash. It is entitled, `Sailor.'"
The male here still had his white sailor cap on hos head. He was leaning against a pier support on a wooden dock looking out to sea. His sculpted body glowed in the blue wash effect.
Sean looked at Rickey, "I'm afraid to ask but how much?"
"$500 each," Rickey replied.
"$875 for the furniture. $150 to deliver, set up and haul off the old stuff and $1000 for these frame Castillo's. $2025 in total. It's a bit more than I planned but still well worth it!" He reached out his hand and shook Rickey's hand. Sean pulled out his platinum American Express card.
"Here is your receipt Sean, we'll see you at 10 AM tomorrow." Rickey walked him to the door.
"Rickey, thank you again. Will you help me place these tomorrow?"
"Of course."
Sean hugged his friend and headed back to his apartment. There were news trucks parked in the lot. He had to park near Clay's building. He cut around the back through his shortcut and climbed the back stairs of his building. Entering his hallway he saw campus security at the top of landing between the 3rd and 4th floor. As he dashed across the opening he was spotted by an officer.
"Mr. Walls! Mr. Walls! A moment please, "an officer called.
Sean had his key in his door, but he stopped and turned to the officer. "What's the issue officer?"
"Sorry Mr. Walls. We're here to protect you from the media. Your name was accidentally released to them by a new secretary in the PR department. They want to ask questions about your reaction to today's news."
"Now I'm sorry. I don't know what news you're talking about."
"Coach Cross and the Athletic Director each received letters of reprimand in their personnel files and were given 90 days to complete a course in sensitivity training or they are out the door."
"Oh my! I've been busy all day and didn't know. Please tell the reporters I will speak with one reporter, one camera person, and permit one still image. No more than that. It's a take it or leave it proposition."
The young security officer made his way downstairs and announced Sean's terms. Fifteen minutes later the officer and 3 representatives of the media were in his apartment. Sean was thankful he had cleaned.
"I have a statement to read. There will be no questions. Understood?"
"I am glad to know that the university's administration took the resolution passed by the Student Senate today so seriously. It is only through exposing problems and working through them together that forms all is us into a stronger community and institution. Thank you."
"What about your role?" The pool reporter asked.
"I had no role. This was a matter for the Senate. I suggest you talk with Senators Morgen and Lillies. Thank you. Now please leave."
The officer ushered them out. Before closing the door he leaned back in and told Sean, "You nailed it kid."