74. The Handyman Comes

The sinks were leaking. David looked in the local paper and saw an ad for Toby the handyman. David left a message on the answering machine. Two days later, he called again. He told Toby that he had left a message two days ago. Toby apologized. He said he hadn't checked his messages in a couple of days.

David felt like hanging up. Why was it so hard to find a worker who was responsible? Responsible and clean—many workers were slobs who left messes for the homeowner to clean up. Toby doesn't check his machine, David mused. David told Toby that the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room faucets were leaking. Toby said he could come over on Friday; each faucet would cost $20. If he had to buy any parts, that would be extra.

David was pleased. Sixty dollars was a great price. Of course, if Toby fixed faucets like he checked his messages, maybe the deal wouldn't be so good. Then again, it was only a $60 risk. David asked Toby if a check was okay. Toby said no; he only accepted cash. David said that was okay, as long as he got an invoice. Toby said he would be over Friday at 1:00 p.m.

At 3:00 p.m., David left a message on Toby's machine, asking where he was. At 3:30, Toby showed up. David asked if he had brought an invoice. "Oh, jeez, I forgot. I'm sorry," Toby said. David shook his head in disbelief. But, since Toby was there, he decided to let him in. Before Toby walked into David's house, he wiped his feet very carefully on the mat. David noticed that. Maybe Toby will work out just fine, he thought.