“After the war, and after his trial, he traveled from Ohio to California where he made a mint making shoes.”
“He opened a business?”
“Ever heard of Finesse Shoes?”
“Finesse Shoes?”Bella’s voice is filled with shock.“Only the biggest tennis shoe company in the world?That company was owned by the old guy?”
“His son runs it now.”
“If he didn’t steal the treasure, how did he get enough money to start a company?”
I shrug.“The journalist wrote that she was unable to find out anything about the source of the initial investment.”The United States was thriving after the war.Tons of new businesses started up at that time.Maybe nobody cared where the money came from.
“Well, I bet he did steal that treasure.”She taps her short fingernails onto the table.“What happened to the German guy?”
“Funny.None of what I read even mentions his name.”
“Okay.That’s odd.Why not?”Bella’s got that look on her face, the one that tells me she’s getting emotionally involved.“I’d love to know if he stayed in the US.Maybe he’s still alive and we could ask him more.”
“There’s not many of those guys left.”
“So, for some reason, this son of Joseph Junior wants to buy the Little house?”Bella has moved around her worktable.Standing in front of me, she reaches out and touches my shoulder.Her eyes are on something else, though.“If this guy is as rich as we think, you should ask for more money.”
“Oh.”I laugh but it’s forced.“Right.”
Bella’s head lowers until our eyes meet.“Donottell me you don’t want to sell.”
The thing is, I love the Little house.More than love it.It’s been that goal, you know, the symbol of success.That house has sat empty most of my life.I used to sneak into it after school sometimes.Sitting on the beautiful staircase, I’d fantasize about living in the house, making lunch for my family, and fixing it up all by myself.Okay, with the help of my handsome husband.
Gah.Dreams suck.
It’s more than that, though.This house is it for me.There’s nothing that compares to it.And if I sold it before I finished it, well, that would be giving up.Throwing in the towel.Admitting defeat.I’m not ready to do that.Not for money.This is aboutwaymore than money.
“Lou Lou?”
I blink and focus on my bestie.“You know I love that house.Always have.”
“Yes.”
“I can’t give up on it.”The house wouldn’t like it.She and I, well, we’re buds.We get each other.
“You’re going to sell it anyway.Right?After you’re done?”
For once in my life, I don’t like what Bella’s saying.So, I snap.“Well, why don’t you sell the bakery?”
“Why would I?”
“If someone stopped in here and offered you a million dollars for your recipes, equipment, everything.Would you sell?”
“For a cool mil?Yes.My recipes are up here.”She taps her head.“I can open up another one down the street.”
“You’re missing my point.”
“Am I?”
“Bella,” I whine.“I love that house.”
She reaches her hands out, and I place mine in hers.This is the point in our conversation when Bella gets real.
