Travel Reference
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Okay, folks. When a contractor informs you that your half-completed project is likely to
cost “a little more” than he originally quoted, you'd be wise to start refinancing your mort-
gage; but when he goes so far as to admit that the added costs may be “a lot” more you
might as well skip the refinance and head straight for bankruptcy court.
After brooding over this ugly truth for an hour or two I called Freddy back.
“Maybe we should just start over and buy new tiles.”
“
¿Qué?
” he said, in an unconvincing attempt to pretend he didn't understand, despite
the fact that he'd been jabbering away in reasonably proficient English barely a week earli-
er.
“New tiles. Let's just junk the old ones and start over.”
“I already start cutting these.”
“Oh,” I replied, regretting for the first time in my life that I'd hired someone who was
borderline efficient. “Well, thanks.”
“
De nada
.”
Was it possible that Freddy had a sense of humor? I couldn't tell. But it was clear that I
needed to rediscover my own.
“So will this latest development send us to the poor house?”
There was a slight pause.
“What is this poor house?”
Again I had to wonder if he was pulling my leg.
“It's a very sad place where people end up when their contractors overcharge them.”
This time he actually laughed.
“Don't worry, is all good.”
I wanted to believe him with all my heart. But in the meantime, I decided to check our
credit rating. When Michael got home that night I told him the whole story. He listened
patiently.
“Oh c'mon, how bad can it be?” he said.
“Is that a serious question?” I countered, treating him to my own version of his patented
Look (clenched jaw, dilated pupils—you get the idea).
“Okay,” he said. “You're serious, I get it.”
“We need to get a revised written estimate from this guy,” I went on, practically foam-
ing at the mouth.
It was his turn to gaze at me with pity.
“And while we're at it, we should ask the Tooth Fairy to slip a winning lottery ticket
under our pillow tonight.”
Point taken. I called Freddy the next morning to ask how it was going.
“Fabulous,” he replied. “We found out yesterday our little boy needs braces for his
tooth. This job will really help pay for them.”
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