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Juliana’s expression was apologetic. “I’m sorry I couldn’t find something that works for you. But if you’re willing to expand the area, I can get you some things to look at.”
It didn’t hurt to look. “Sure.”
She printed off several smaller homes that were older and needed a lot of work. Since Evie was at school, and I’d taken a few hours off work to look at properties, it made sense to see some of the options.
I told myself to be optimistic. Maybe the schools were still good. Maybe one of these houses would be exactly what we needed to start over.
Unfortunately, the photographs posted online were nicer than the reality. These places needed more work than I could afford on my salary, and I had no renovation skills.
“My husband owns a construction company, Morrison Brothers Construction, but I can recommend a few others, as well.”
I grimaced. “I was hoping for more of a turnkey property.”
“I’m sorry. There won’t be anything like that in your price range. But if you’re willing to increase the budget—”
I shook my head. I wasn’t one of those people who was stingy. I literally only had this much to allocate. I didn’t have a wealthy husband or family to fall back on. If I got in over my head, it was on me. I wouldn’t overextend myself.
After the last showing, we stopped in front of her van. “You didn’t like anything.”
“I’m sorry to waste your time. I just don’t have the skills or money to deal with a fixer-upper.”
“No worries. These visits are as much for you as they are for me. Now that I know what you’re looking for, I can send it to you when it comes on the market.”
I didn’t say anything, but I was fairly sure there wouldn’t be a magical unicorn of a perfect house in my price range. “Thank you for your time.”
The disappointment had turned into crushing despair. I’d give it a few minutes, and then I’d need to pick myself up and resign myself to staying where I was.
If I couldn’t afford a home in this area, even with the generous raise Gia gave me, then home ownership simply wasn’t an option.
On the drive home, I let myself consider the possibility of a fixer-upper. Could I live in one of those places without doing the repairs for a few years and live in a different school district? I didn’t want to. I knew my limitations and what I wanted, and I didn’t want to lower my expectations. Unfortunately, that meant staying where I was.
Maybe if I got a second job or waitressed more at Giovanni’s… I hated to give up my time with Evie, but she wanted a house, and I was so sure I could give that to her.
At work, I buried myself in the presentations we were planning for the out-of-state couples, and when I picked up Evie, I felt marginally better. All that mattered was that we were healthy and happy.
When we arrived home, I took a look at the bare pantry, remembering I never made it to the grocery store over the weekend. My phone buzzed with a text.
Leo: Want to grab dinner? I want to take my girls out.
“Who is it?” Evie asked, trying to look at my screen.
“It’s Leo. He wants to go out to dinner.”
“Can we go?” Evie asked excitedly.
“I don’t see why not.” I typed a response, and he said he’d be here soon, so I sent Evie to wash her hands.
When he knocked on the door a few minutes later, I’d pushed the house issue out of my head, or at least I hoped I had.
I opened the door, and Leo’s expression faltered. “Did you not like any of the houses you saw?”
“No.” I wished I hadn’t mentioned it to him at all. I wasn’t ready to dissect all the ways I fell short as a mother. Not being able to provide Evie with a home was starting to grate on me.
“Ah,” he said as he pulled me close for a hug. “You’ll find what you’re looking for. Sometimes it takes time.”
When he released me, Evie ran into the room to greet him. He immediately threw her into the air and caught her in his arms as she giggled. She wrapped her little arms around his neck while he whispered something to her that made her laugh.
They were so sweet together. This was what mattered.
