plumb tender_square “did you get a text from the plumbers?” “no!” “i guess they only texted me, then.” “what did it say?” “only that they were coming out for an appointment today.” “ugh. i hope they’re not doing that thing where they are calling you because you’re the guy and not me.” “maybe they just got the numbers mixed up. i mean, you were the one who set up the appointment.” “hey, you’re not writing today, are you?” she already knew the answer, but asked out of politeness, asked because she didn’t want to make assumptions. he never wrote away from home. he wasn’t as consistent about his writing as she was. he shook his head no. “so, i was thinking, since you’re not writing and i would really like to get work done, would you be able to handle the plumber this morning and i can deal with the pest guy and locksmith later this afternoon?” she had planned to write downstairs at their dining table to be nearer to the basement in case the plumber had questions. she realized later that she shouldn’t have to change her routines when her husband was doing nothing in their bedroom all morning. months ago, he’d said that he wanted her to take on most, if not all, of the work for the windsor house to take things “off his plate”; she arranged the logistics for their trips and set up all these service appointments to coincide with their visit. she paid all the monthly bills. she drove them to and from canada. it was not unfair for her to ask that he take on some of the work, in this case, being on standby when he had no plans. “i don’t know anything about the sump pump.” “i don’t know anything either; i was told it was twenty years old and it may not be. i was just hoping you could be available if the guy had questions or needed to relay information.” “what time are they coming?” “i don’t know.” “well, how am i supposed to help when i don’t know anything? i thought you said they would be here at 9.” “no, i never said that. i said they were open after 9 and that they would be calling before they arrived. i may have assumed they would be here this morning because i don’t know how much time it takes to replace a sump pump and install a backup. it’s entirely possible they may not even be here until after i’m done working.” “i just don’t know what i’m supposed to do.” “okay, i’m asking you if you can handle this for me or not. if you can’t do it or you don’t want to do it, just me clear with me right now.” she was tired of his excuse making. it was a simple question. he sighed. “yes. i’ll do it.” “thank you.” 220131 what's it to you? who go blather from