“First, we saw the Adventurer’s Abode, the perfect forest hideaway for someone who wants to live off the grid,” Allie said.
And far away from police surveillance, Lucy mentally added.
“You loved the setting, but were concerned about the lack of separate toilet facilities and the compact size of the loft.”
More real estate code: Bycompact, you meanabsurdly small.
“Then we looked at the Old-School Sanctuary, where you appreciated the kitchen and bathroom facilities, as well as the abundance of outsider art?—”
Dicks. Dicks dicks dicks dicks dicks.
“—and the convenience of a first-floor bedroom.”
No. Don’t think about cuddling with Sebastián in that bedroom.
“But you were troubled by the prospect of updating the bus to create a clean, modern home.”
The operative word beingclean.
“Finally, we toured the Pioneer’s Pad. Although you admired…” Allie paused, clearly trying to come up with something plausible. “Although you admired thehistorical authenticityof the design, you weren’t sure you’d be satisfied without running water or electricity.”
Or with the knowledge that the previous owner might have eaten other pioneers.
“So what have you concluded?” Allie looked at Lucy, her gaze pleading. “Which of those properties will be your new home?”
She wanted Lucy to lie. To choose one of the houses, even if she never intended to go through with the sale. And maybe she would have done that a month ago. But articulating her needs had strengthened her. Time and distance from her breakup with Jarrod had strengthened her. Sebastián’s support had strengthened her. Most of all, renewed belief in herself and her own judgment had strengthened her.
“I need to thank you, Allie.” She deposited her worry stone in her pocket and squared her shoulders. “You worked hard to find me tiny house options in my price range, and you more than demonstrated your excellent real estate agent skills by selling my condo in a tough market in less than a week.”
The other woman pursed her lips. She knew what was coming.
“I wish I’d seen something I loved without reservations,” Lucy said. “But I can’t buy any of the three houses. I’m sorry.”
Allie’s face drooped. “Are you certain?”
Only a few more minutes, and this ordeal would be done. “I’m afraid so. I know you devoted a lot of time and effort to this house hunt, and I appreciate both.”
A couple more inconsequential exchanges, and then filming finished. Allie didn’t say another word to her, just went to talk to the boom mic guy.
A friendship of over thirty years, over. But nothing that had happened during filming could erase those campfires and sleepovers and walks home from the school bus. And even close friendships sometimes faltered, either slowly or in a sudden rupture.
The past few days had taught her that too. Especially the last twenty-four hours.
“I’m sorry this didn’t work out for you.” Jill’s gray brows had drawn together. “We were all hoping you could make a go of it.”
“Me too.” She shook the producer’s hand. “But onward and upward.”
Behind her, she could hear the cameraman and camerawoman chatting by the craft services table, soon joined by the hair and makeup artist.
“This is why our other shows feature people who’ve already bought one of the properties. Stupid demand for authenticity.” The camerawoman sounded like she was chewing something. “At least we got good footage the other days.”
The cameraman grunted in agreement. “Although you know we’re going to get a shitload of letters. We’re leaving people with virtual blue balls.”
What in the world?
“Lucy, one final heads-up for you and Sebastián.” Jill tapped Lucy’s arm, drawing her attention away from the crew’s conversation. “We may have captured more on camera than you realize. As your release states, we’re allowed to use any of that footage in the final show.”
Whatever. She wasn’t ashamed of a single thing she’d done, on or off camera, international audience or no international audience. Sebastián might feel differently, but he’d signed the release too, and he was a grown man. They could both deal with the consequences of their decisions.
