“That’s great,” Bill gave me his signature smile. “Good to have mementos.”
After he turned and walked away, I realized: he didn’t use one shoe-ism in our entire conversation. I pondered that for a moment and came to the conclusion that maybe he was over all of that. And then I laughed, because of course he wasn’t.
As for Chase, the man who sent back my coin, registered mail, in an envelope with no return address, well, the whole thing made me mad. At least he returned it, I guess. Hell, I didn’t even know he took it, and I’d forgotten all about it.
Instead of responding to my father’s comment about nothing good coming registered mail, I tear one end of the thing, opening it enough to peer inside. “It’s a letter.”
“Mm-hmm.” Dad sips his black coffee. I wish we had something from Bella’s to eat this morning.
Yeah, my moratorium on food ended that night we all sat around and watched Gregor and Martinka, a Pisces and a Capricorn, fall madly in love over coffee. Anyhoo, I’m eating for two now.
Snicker.
No. I’m not pregnant—I’m just eating enough to feed two people. The popcorn and malt were like a key that opened the lock to my appetite. I made my own bowl of popcorn, since my stingy dad wouldn’t share, and ate the whole thing. Then, I ate a sandwich, chips, leftover pasta, and a frozen pizza. In an hour.
Bella didn’t say a word. I think she was just glad I was eating.
Sadly, though, I haven’t stopped. In the ten days since then, my pants have gotten tighter than they’ve ever been.
Oh, and the Little house hasn’t gotten further along.
That’s the other thing. I’ve sort of bailed on it. But not for long. I’m heading there today to stain the cabinets in the butler’s pantry. I had them ready to go that day when Chase—No. I’m not going to think about him. That Saturday. They were ready to go.
“What’s it say?”
Oh. Crap. I forgot what I was doing. Reaching in, I pull out the paper, set the envelope down, and read:
Dear Ms. Velma Lou Hamlin,
We are writing on behalf of our client, Joseph C. Feinster III.
It is our understanding that you recently purchased the homestead at 29 N. Main St, Zodiac Hills, Nebraska 69432. We would like to extend a cash offer with a purchase price of $545,900.00. Please note this amount exceeds the current market value of this property. In addition, our client would purchase this homestead as is, with no inspections or other contingencies.
Please respond to this letter via telephone, in writing, or in person, within five business days.
Sincerely,
M. J. Calhoun
Partner, Calhoun, Long, and Ramirez
Attorneys at Law
196485 San Pueblo Circle
San Francisco, CA. 99348
333-684-0011
I hear him gasp before I’ve even had a chance to reread the stupid letter. “What the hell?” Dad’s voice sounds as shocked as the one in my head. “You’re gonna sell, right?”
“Uh…”
“I mean, it’s over three hundred grand more than you paid for the place.”
“Uh…”
