ABRAHAM PULLED up TO a wrought-iron gate set in a high brick wall inscribed with a sign that read CHAPEL HILL LODGE.
“I ran out of money,” he said to Dawson as they got out. “That’s why the building is temporarily stalled, but I’m hoping to finish everything by the middle of next year.”
“Why did you call it Chapel Hill?” Dawson asked.
“That’s the name of this part of town. The street we came on used to be called Chapel Hill Road, but it was renamed Shippers Road.”
He opened up the padlocked gate, revealing a neat, square bungalow on a generous plot of land with a smattering of banana trees and two blooming jasmine bushes that lightly perfumed the night air. Abraham had not yet installed exterior lighting, but the street lamp on the corner provided a little illumination.
“It only has the primer coat of paint,” Abraham said, unlocking the front door. “In the end it will be a sun-yellow color.”
Dawson followed him in as he switched on the overhead light of the kitchenette to their left. It had a new house smell.
“I don’t have the cupboards up yet,” Abraham said. “But everything is connected and ready for use-stove, refrigerator, water…”
He lifted the tap handle and after a cough and splutter, water began flowing.
“This is nice,” Dawson said, looking around. “It will be beautiful when it’s finished.”
“Thanks,” Abraham said, smiling.
They went on into the small dining area, which was bare except for three boxes of unpacked materials in one corner. The recessed ceiling lights were in working order and missing only their trim.
“I will bring a table and two chairs for you to sit down and eat on,” Abraham said.
“Don’t worry about that, cousin Abe,” Dawson said. “I can do without.”
“It’s no problem. I’ll get them tomorrow.”
The bedroom contained a wardrobe and a narrow bed.
Abraham snapped his fingers. “Oh, I forgot curtains for the window. I’ll bring some tomorrow as well.”
“The house is in better shape than I thought it was going to be,” Dawson commented in appreciation. “I was imagining just the wood frame.”
Abraham laughed. “No, not as bad as that. Are you okay with it? Sorry I don’t have the AC connected yet.”
