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If I make this sale I could make a thirty thousand dollar commission. It’ll be my most expensive property to date, and I fucking need this right now. I shove my wallet into my back pocket and put my silver aviators on.
On my way to the property, I stop by Starbucks and pick up an iced coffee and a muffin. By the time I reach the property I’ve devoured it and guzzled my coffee. I hold out my hand and see that the trembling has stopped—for now, thank fuck.
I pull into the driveway and see that I’ve beat them here. I let myself in and do a quick walk through to make sure nobody else is in here and that nothing is out of place. Back downstairs, I grab the contract and make sure everything is in there. I pop an Altoid in my mouth just as the sound of a car pulling up draws my attention toward the front.
I stop at the mirror in the hall and straighten my jacket before stepping outside and give the Danielson family a wave.
By the time we’re done with the walkthrough, their realtor is telling me their offer, which my client accepts—they’d already given me a price range that they approved. They have the earnest money with them, and after I take it I have them sign the contract. My clients wanted to get this over with as soon as possible, which is why they agreed to a short closing period.
Once they leave, I head into the house and give a fist pump and a shout. I pull out my phone and call my mom. She sounds so tired when she answers. “Hi, my baby boy. How did it go?”
My eyes burn and I pinch the bridge of my nose. I clear my throat. “I sold it.”
“You did? That’s so great. Are you going to go out and celebrate?” Normally that’s exactly what I’d do—buy a bottle of Macallan single malt, maybe do some coke, and have a lady or two keep me company for the night.
“I thought I’d bring over some Chinese and have dinner with you guys.”
“Are you sure?” Just the happiness in her voice makes me glad I’m doing this—an ache fills my gut because I know I won’t have her much longer.
“Absolutely, there’s no one I’d rather celebrate with. I’ll get you some of your egg drop soup and some rice and vegetables, how about that?” She’s lost her appetite and somedays it’s a struggle for her to eat at least once a day. My mom’s oncologist said to supplement with protein shakes, so I bought her one of those Ninja blenders and a recipe book of smoothie recipes.
“That sounds really good.” I hear her yawn.
“I’ll be over around six. Get some sleep. I love you.”
“I love you too.”
I hang up, then lock up the house before heading to the office and getting the paperwork filed. A couple of the other realtors stop by to congratulate me on the sale. My secretary, Jane, ran to the bakery down the street and picked me up a congratulatory cupcake and had it waiting on my desk when I got back. She’s old enough to be my grandma, but she keeps me in line.
Ducking out of the office a little early, I head home and change into shorts and a t-shirt. I stop at China Dragon to pick up dinner. I order at the counter and then sit down at a table by the door. My eyes scan the restaurant and I see Joe sitting at a booth in the back with his wife.
I should leave them alone since she hates me, but against my better judgment I get up and walk toward their table.
Joe smiles when he sees me. “What’s up, brother?” We give each other a back slapping hug. I pull back and smile down at Chloe as I sit down. “Hey Chloe.”
“How are you? How’s your mom?” Our parents have been like second parents to each other since we met in grade school.
“She’s okay. Just walking through the house wears her out. Luckily now that she’s in hospice, the nurses come to her. Your sister is her aide. She helps her get cleaned up, but mainly just sits and talks to her.” I don’t miss the way Joe’s chest puffs with pride.
I’m surprised when Chloe talks to me. “Haddie’s going to make a wonderful nurse. If you ever need someone to sit with your mom or anything, I’d love to help.” What’s more shocking is she reaches out and grabs my hand.
“Thanks, I appreciate that.” Her smile is genuine, at least the first genuine smile I’ve ever received from her. The hostess brings me my food. I stand up. “Have a good rest of your night.”
“Call me and we’ll meet for lunch or a game of one on one so I can kick your ass.” We always go to his parents’ place since they have a basketball hoop. He stands and pulls me into a bear hug. “Anything you need, brother. I mean it.”
“Thanks.” I pound his back and then clasp him on his shoulder, giving it a squeeze. I smile down at Chloe. “Take care and keep this one in line.”
I make my way toward my childhood home and pull into the driveway behind my dad’s car. For a moment I just sit and stare at the front of the house. What are we going to do without her? She’s always been there, always the room mother who was at every school function. She came and cheered me on at every sporting event, and made me my favorite meal and cake for my birthday. She did the same for my dad—always taking care of her men.
I take a deep breath and shake out my hands, the damn things are starting to tremble again—only this time it’s from holding in the sadness and anger that I feel.
Inside I hear the TV and then Mom’s soft laughter. “Who’s hungry?” I step into the family room and both of my parents turn to smile at me.
“Thanks for bringing dinner, son.” It’s still surprising that my parents even still speak to me after all the grief I’ve caused them over the years, but they love me unconditionally. I’m pretty sure my mom qualifies for sainthood at this point.
He grabs the plates and silverware while I pull the containers from the bag. “Look at my boys working side by side,” Mom says, walking toward the counter.
I smile at her and can’t help but notice how pale she is. I pour her soup into a bowl and set it on the island in front of her. We both join her and the three of us eat together for the first time in a long time.
