Every approval was kept.
Frank has always been meticulous about paperwork. He keeps receipts, contracts, change orders and payment records in carefully labeled folders.
By the final week, the downstairs looked incredible.
The custom cabinets stretched across one wall.
The floor-to-ceiling bookcases framed the fireplace perfectly.
The window bench ran along the back wall, fitted precisely beneath the windows.
It looked like something from a luxury home magazine.
Melissa and Grant seemed thrilled.
They walked through the room taking photographs.
They complimented the craftsmanship.
They told Frank how beautiful everything looked.
For a moment, he thought the difficult part was finally over.
Then Grant pulled him aside.
He didn’t look embarrassed.
He didn’t look apologetic.
He simply told Frank that they had gone over their renovation budget.
And they weren’t going to pay the remaining $6,200.
Grandpa actually thought he was joking.
He wasn’t.
Frank reminded him that the price had been agreed upon in writing.
