Page 54 of Living at 40

“We were drunk,” Zack reminds us.

“We were young,” I clarify.

“We did have a dream,” Ben says, slowly smiling.

“We have all the parts. You have your dad’s company which you want to restore,” Mason says, directing his attention to Ben. “No heavy lifting for you, just consult. And I have the construction crew,” Mason adds for himself.

“Logan, you can share designs via the internet, and Zack could do the same with contracts and such. It wouldn’t be the same as working together, but we’d still be in it collectively.”

“And what about when we disagree?” I ask, knowing that as much as I care for Mason, we can butt heads like the best of bulls.

“It’s bound to happen, but we’ll have everything legal and legit. That’s Zack’s side of things. We’re a team, but it’s business.”

I shake my head. It’s too much. I just can’t envision it. And between Autumn and now Ben’s announcement, I can’t wrap my thoughts around another venture. “I’m still out. I can’t swing the cash, let alone find the time.” I work overtime only because I throw myself into it. It fills the void when I don’t have Lorna.

Mason sighs. “Just think about it. We don’t have to do anything immediately.”

“What about these properties? How long will they sit on the market?” Zack asks.

“A few have been on the market a while, and they’re eager to dump them, but we don’t have to rush. Others will pop up.”

“And if they don’t?” I ask. The other side of this idea is what if we fail? What if we purchase but can’t flip the house? What if we invest but don’t find other prospects?

“This is waterfront property,” Mason snorts. “There’s miles of it in this state.”

“Are you thinking we’d work all over Michigan?” Ben asks, obviously overwhelmed at the thought.

“I’m thinking we’d only work the properties along the immediate coast. We can turn these over. I know we can.” Mason’s faith in the process is a bit inspiring, and I’ve never seen him so excited by the prospect of doing something like this.

Ben rests his hands on his hips, glancing at the lopsided house. “I’d have to speak to Anna. We have a lot going on.”

Mason’s shoulders fall. “I understand. I thought maybe she’d like to be in on it, too. Give her something to look forward to. The boys as well. In a few years, who knows, Calvin might want to be a part of the company.”

Ben slowly nods, and I want to punch Mason again. He’s being considerate while inconsiderate at the same time.

“I could do it,” Zack says. “I don’t need Jeanine’s permission,” he teases of Ben.

“Logan?” Mason questions.

“I’d have to think about it.” It’s not a firm no, but I already know there’s a strong possibility I won’t say yes. Still, I glance over at the house and slowly envision something more modern with energy-efficient windows and solar panels to help aid electricity. This venture could be that something different I’ve been wanting for a while, but I can’t leave Lorna behind. Autumn crosses my mind, but I’m not certain what to think regarding her.

“I guess that’s all I can ask,” Mason states, breaking into my thoughts and slipping his hands into his pockets. His shoulders hunch, and his eyes lower for the ground. “I just want you guys to consider it.”

What am I missing? I don’t know why Mason would want to take on such projects as he already runs a very successful construction company with his father. Located a few hours up the coast, they build multi-million-dollar homes and make bank in the process. However, I’m on overload and trying to figure out Mason’s motive is beyond my scope of brainpower today.

“Who needs a drink?” Mason finally asks.

“I do,” Oliver says, reminding us that two little boys have been running around someone else’s property.

“Daddy, I’m thirsty,” Trevor adds, and Zack reaches down for his son, hoisting him up to his hip.

“Okay, little man. Let’s find us something to drink.”

We step forward, returning up the gravel drive, but I take a final glance back at the house, finding Mason doing the same. His head slowly shakes side to side, disappointment on his face, and I realize there was a lot at stake showing us this property. A lot more than I understand. I wish I could give in. I wish I could make a gut decision, but I just can’t.

21

[Autumn]