The Handyman Comes

　　《365个英语小故事》:实用简洁的小故事，都是日常生活小故事，在学习英语的同时了解美国文化，循序渐进，轻松掌握。

　　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 hadnt 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 cleanmany workers were slobs who left messes for the homeowner to clean up. Toby doesnt 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 wouldnt 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 Tobys machine, asking where he was. At 3:30, Toby showed up. David asked if he had brought an invoice. Oh, jeez, I forgot. Im sorry, Toby said. David shook his head in disbelief. But, since Toby was there, he decided to let him in. Before Toby walked into Davids house, he wiped his feet very carefully on the mat. David noticed that. Maybe Toby will work out just fine, he thought.