There’s a hint of a smile, and Lila says, “She’s the one on the billboards when we drive back from the airport. She’s in real estate or something.”
I make a face. “The lady with the big hair and the boring beige suit?”
Lila grins even wider this time. “That’s the one. Apparently,she has the biggest real estate business in town, or so Joey tends to brag in the halls.”
Shaking my head, I say, “I was expecting her to be some celebrity I’ve never heard of, and she’s bragging about real estate?”
The smile lessens slightly as Lila says, “They have a big house down the road just outside of town. It’s supposedly right on the beach.”
I shrug. “Sometimes people try to make themselves feel better by bragging about what others don’t have, but I’ve found that it usually means they feel insecure in another area of their life. Again, Joey shouldn’t be bullying you or anyone, but with a mom like that, I wonder what he’s dealing with at home, you know?”
Lila gives me a thoughtful look. “I haven’t thought of it like that.”
“And just because we live in a little apartment now, doesn’t mean it’ll be that way forever. Your mom and I are working to make sure you have everything you need.”
“Thank you, Avery,” she says, giving me a tearful smile.
Emotion surges in my throat. “You’re the best niece a girl could have, do you know that?” I open my arms, and she walks into the hug.
“You’re an okay aunt,” Lila says, making me laugh.
“You need to stop growing. You’re going to be taller than me in a month.”
She pulls back, and for the first time this afternoon, I see the confident Lila I know is in there. “That’s not saying much since you’re so short.”
“Five foot five is not that short.”
“Yes, it is. But I guess that’s good so your future boyfriend can be taller.”
I scrunch my nose and frown. “Most guys are at least a fewinches taller than me, but I’m not rushing into a relationship right now.”
“It wouldn’t be all bad, Avery. Just because Curt was a bad egg, doesn’t mean all boys are. You’ll find someone worth your time and willing to do anything for you.”
I have to hold back tears once again. “I’ll consider that good advice, in two to three years.”
We both laugh, and I’m grateful for this time with her. But also sad that her mom can’t be the one consoling her. This situation isn’t forever, which is my biggest hope for the future.
And to have a sink that drains properly.
10
MAX
There’s a reason I work with grocery stores and not as a contractor.
I have a select amount of patience, but that has gone quickly with the number of hoops I’ve been through to get the permit process started and make sure we know all the special materials that need to be used with the properties in this area being so close to the coast.
If only I could channel my maternal grandfather’s patience. Opa Vogel worked with a care that most don’t have these days and was always spoken well of by others. I don’t think I’d be the man I am today without his example.
Since the city offices close at lunchtime on Fridays, the permits won’t be ready until next week. While those are in process, I can figure out what’s going on with the keys and then hire a contractor.
If I didn’t have the background pressure to return to New York, I might even think about working on some of it as a way to use my hands and get out of the office from time to time. I can feel that building slowly, but it’s not at a fever pitch yet.
Where can I find the keys to the buildings? Does Roman have someone here I can get them from?
Roman is a guy from our college fraternity who is a master of all things real estate. My company, Alder Haus, usually uses his team to put together information when we’re looking to open a new store.
Aiden doesn’t respond right off, and I’m trying to figure out what’s the next step I can do while waiting in limbo.
