Sam’s wave was big and energetic, and her smile was just as radiant.“See you tomorrow, Tom.Thanks for dinner.”
I waved back.“You are very welcome,piccola.See you tomorrow.”
She climbed into the passenger seat, but Danica remained next to the driver’s door, watching me.I think I shocked us both when I invited her here tomorrow for dinner—alone.
I certainly hadn’t been planning it.It just came out of my mouth.However, I didn’t hate the idea of dining with her alone.We’d spent time alone before, and I enjoyed it very much.I’m sure I would enjoy tomorrow evening as well.
However, she didn’t answer me when I asked her either.
Still standing there, with Portia on the step next to me, my anxiety began to ramp up.Did she not answer me because she was being polite and didn’t want to turn me down and make tonight’s dinner awkward?
“What time?”she called to me from where she stood.
Huh?
“What time do you want me here for dinner tomorrow night?”
Oh!
“Seven?”
She nodded.“Okay.Seven.”Then she opened the door of her RAV and slid in behind the steering wheel.I waved at them both as they drove off, then glanced down at Portia.“I have a date.”
She looked up at me and grunted.
“Yeah, I know.”I raked my hand over my unruly scruff.“I need to shave.”
Friday morning started out much better than Thursday.No animal escaped, nobody’s tulips were assassinated, and the messages in my inbox were hopeful.I’d had very few dealings with lawyers in my life.My sports agent in Italy handled most things for me, and Erin’s estate, along with her parents’, were very straightforward.
Luckily, the lawyers that emailed me either knew that English was not my first language, or took pity on me being a “jock” and not a barrister, and “dumbed” things down for me.Or, at least that’s how it seemed.I was not going to complain.
Good evening Mr.Barone,
My name is Michelle Price, and I’m an attorney at Price, Pritchett and Procter, and we specialize in real estate law.A friend of mine, Gabrielle Campbell, sent me the documentation you’ve received regarding the petition for land acquisition, and I would be more than happy to have a call with you over the phone to discuss your next course of action.I can certainly see how receiving a notice like this would be alarming and worrisome, especially given the muddy rules concerning land on San Camanez.Please let me know whether you’re interested in chatting further.
Then she left her personal cell number.
Of course, she didn’t say in her email whether I actually had cause for concern or not, because she was in the business of making money, and hearing that from her would probably cost me.
Whatever.I just needed Vincent and his mother off my back and out of my life.I’d pay Michelle whatever she wanted just to hear that I could shred the letters and use them to warm my home in the woodstove.
I emailed her back right away asking for a phone call.
The next email came from an estate attorney.
Good morning Mr.Barone,
I’m up at three every day, and my workday starts at five, so please forgive the early email.My name is Jake Jimenez, and I’m a senior partner at Aquarius Law.My department specializes in wills and estates.I went to law school with Gabrielle Campbell and Michelle Price, and they have brought me up to speed on your situation.While I don’t have a copy of your wife or in-law’s wills, I’d be more than happy to chat with you about the situation and your options.We could even do a conference call with Michelle, if you’ve chosen to work with her as well.We’ve worked together before on similar cases.
Looking forward to connecting with you and getting this sorted.
He also left his personal cell phone number.Did they expect me to just call them out of the blue?I didn’t think that was kosher anymore.
I emailed Jake back as well, looping Michelle into the message with a carbon copy.All of this happened before seven-thirty while Portia and I sat at the kitchen table, eating our oatmeal and blueberries, and watching the sky get lighter over the water.
“What are we going to make for dinner tonight?”I asked her, scratching her ears with one hand while taking a sip of my coffee with the other.
Her eyes were closed since I was currently scratching that sweet spot right behind her left ear.Sometimes, if I hit it just right, she’d fall asleep and almost topple over if she wasn’t lying down.
