Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 73010 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 365(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73010 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 365(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
There are two cars I recognize in the driveway as I pull up to Grandpa Malone’s house. Micah, Aaron, and Uncle Chuck are in the living room, holding a bottle of what looks like sparkling wine when I enter.
Micah’s eyes are full of mirth as he swings his gaze toward me. His smile falters briefly, and it takes my breath away. Something is up. “Are we celebrating?”
It’s hard not to notice the staging that has already begun, given the new pillows, fresh flowers in vases, and modern artwork on the walls. Aaron’s renovation is so remarkable that it hardly looks like the same place, so maybe that’s what all the excitement is about.
“I got an offer on the house,” Micah announces.
My shoulders stiffen. “Is it even on the market yet?”
“Nope,” Uncle Chuck replies with a delighted expression.
“Rocco met me here yesterday,” Aaron explains, “and after I gave him a mini tour, he threw out the idea of buying the place. It was a pretty impulsive reaction, so we have stuff to sort out. But he’s as good as his word.”
My emotions are warring with my thoughts. “I’m confused. Doesn’t your business primarily buy commercial properties?”
Aaron nods. “That’s why another conversation is needed. This purchase is personal.”
“He wants to own a home in Aqua Vista?” I try to temper my tone. “Doesn’t he live in San Jose and is about to be married? Or maybe he plans to rent this place?”
Uncle Chuck throws me a puzzled glance, and I can understand why. I’m acting a bit irrationally. “I made it clear that the locals prefer residents over tourists.”
Aaron winces. “He knows that was a point of contention between me and Jack when I bought my home.”
I do remember Jack’s suspicions about Aaron when he returned to Aqua Vista, intent on making himself comfortable around here.
“So again, it begs the question why.”
Uncle Chuck frowns as he sets the bottle of wine near the glasses on the table. I feel out of sorts and, no doubt, sound absurd. Why the hell would I care so much about Rocco’s intentions? The sale of the house before it’s on the market is good news for Micah and saves Uncle Chuck a lot of work.
“I haven’t met Rocco yet.” Micah’s voice wavers. “But why does it seem like you have doubts about the man?”
“I don’t. Fuck, sorry. I guess the news just surprised me.” I blow out a breath. “The guy came across as brash when he first rolled into town, but now I can see he’s a solid guy with good business sense.”
Uncle Chuck nods and glances at Micah. “Suppose he knows a good deal when he sees it.”
“Besides, he’s in town enough due to the investment in the service station,” Aaron points out. “And he and Frank have become pals, so maybe he plans on longer visits.”
“Or a second home for him and Corrine,” I add, trying to sound more reasonable. It makes total sense now that my nervous system has calmed a bit.
Uncle Chuck heads to the kitchen and comes back with another glass. “Plus, he put in a good offer.”
I glance at Micah warily. “Are you absolutely sure you want to sell to him? Or…at all?”
He hesitates. “That was my plan from the beginning. It’s only icing on the cake that it’s someone everyone knows. Besides, I could use the money to get a more permanent place in LA.”
“True,” I choke out, then screw my eyes shut at how perfectly everything is taking shape.
“Speaking of LA, I was called back for a second audition,” he announces.
“That’s amazing,” Aaron exclaims, but his gaze is guarded, perhaps recalling the conversation from our hike.
My heart pounds at the news, pride and discomfort constricting my chest. “Congrats! I knew you could do it.”
“Good for you, son.” Uncle Chuck claps him on the shoulder.
“Sounds like you’ll be heading back earlier than expected,” I force out.
“Actually, no.” He offers a small smile. “This audition is by video call.”
“Lucky that,” I remark, trying to steady my breathing.
He nods. “Besides, I made a commitment to see the spring festival through, and I don’t want to let anyone down.”
“I’m sure Ms. Hart, of all people, would understand that you have a great opportunity—”
“No,” he interrupts sharply. “Don’t want to disappoint anyone else.”
The room grows quiet as our gazes clash. I’m not sure if he’s referring to me, my family, his grandfather, or all of the above. I want to counter the sentiment, but I can’t seem to make my lips form words. My head is spinning with too many thoughts while my heart is taking a direct hit.
Thankfully, Uncle Chuck breaks the ice. “Then I guess we have stuff to celebrate.”
Aaron reaches for the prosecco, carefully removing the wrapper and popping the cork. “Everyone grab a glass.”
“When luck meets opportunity,” Uncle Chuck calls out as we clink glasses.