Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 79597 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79597 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
“I like the house. The neighborhood and the yard. I can expand it if I wanted.”
“I always thought so. A second story was planned when it was built, but I ran out of money. The foundation was built for it to carry the load. But after we had our daughter, we never had the need since she was our only child.”
“Good to know.”
“You don’t want an inspection? Nothing?”
I laughed. “I’ve lived there long enough, and Brett and Stefano before me, to know if there was anything wrong with it. I want to buy it.”
He held out his hand. “Then it’s yours, Chase. I wish you much happiness in it.”
I shook his hand. “Thank you, sir.”
He reached over and pulled a cardboard tube from a shelf. “Here are the original plans. In case you ever decide to expand.”
“Thank you.”
I walked into the house later, wondering if it would feel different once Hannah was there. Right now, it was just me. Silence greeted me, and I was surrounded by it all the time.
Would she change that?
I sat on the sofa, looking around the room with fresh eyes, seeing what Hannah had seen.
Brett had taken his stuff, not that it had been much. We lived like regular bachelors. A couple of mismatched sofas, end tables, and a big TV was all we had when he lived here. We each had a bed and dresser, and we used the old kitchen table Mr. Hyde had left behind. We’d never painted after Stefano moved out or replaced the furniture he’d had, which had been much nicer. Now the place held my sofa, a table, and the TV. The same blinds in the windows. It was rather dull and dreary.
I’d let Hannah do whatever she wanted. As long as it wasn’t pink and frilly—I’d lay down the ground rules when I told her.
I rubbed my lip, feeling the stirrings of excitement. Hannah had given me her cell number, so I sent her a fast text.
Me
Hey, it’s Chase—we never really set a date. When are you planning on moving in?
She replied quickly.
Hannah
I have some paint samples and was hoping I could drop by tomorrow. I’ll find some hands to help me with my stuff on the weekend if that’s okay?
I grinned.
Me
Great. Happy to help. I can provide a truck and some muscle. You don’t have to wait until the weekend.
I knew Stefano and Maxx would help. Brett, too, if he was around. He was leaving for another trip with Kelly soon, so I wasn’t sure. Dom was around now too, and we got along well. I was sure he’d pitch in if I asked.
Hannah
You’re amazing! Thank you. Dinner’s on me on Sunday. I’ll cook. And pizza and beer for your friends if they can help.
They’ll love it. And it’s a date
I replied, adding a winky face so she didn’t think I was serious.
Even though I was.
CHAPTER THREE
Chase
First thing on Monday morning, I called my lawyer and gave him the details. He was pleased I was finally using some of the money and assured me he would contact Mr. Hyde and would get everything together. I headed to work, stopping to grab some donuts on the way to celebrate. It was still before eight when I arrived at the garage, and I had already accomplished a lot. I was grateful my lawyer kept such early hours. I really didn’t want to be making personal calls at the garage, even though I could shut the office door.
I put the donuts in the kitchen and grabbed a coffee, heading for the desk. I opened the schedule and checked to make sure everything was good. It still felt odd to be in the office and not on the road. I started here as a gofer. Picking up parts, running errands. Everything asked of me. Anything to earn Charly’s and Maxx’s forgiveness. I worked and ran errands. Picked up lunch. Lived in the small back room without complaint, eating my meals alone. I read a lot, rarely ventured into town.
Forgiveness came first from Charly. Stefano and Brett were friendly but distant initially, then eventually they started joking around with me. Insisting I join them for a beer or pizza night at their place. I knew Maxx had forgiven me the first time he stopped by the stockroom, eyeing up the parts I was organizing so Charly didn’t have to do it.
“You’re doing a good job,” he huffed as if it hurt him to admit it.
“Thanks.”
“Charly made pot roast for dinner. And pie. We eat at six.” He paused. “Come join us.” He walked away before I could respond.
Sitting around their kitchen table that night, I saw what a family was really like. Stefano and Brett were there. So was Mary. They laughed and teased. Talked and really listened. At first, I was uncomfortable, unsure if I should be there, wondering if I should finish my dinner and leave. But Maxx leaned his elbows on the table. “So Chase, we’re expanding the garage, and I’m planning a bigger apartment upstairs. You interested in staying on?”