His casual generosity confused me. Every time Lena did anything for me, she made a production about how much it cost or how much I was inconveniencing her.
I braced myself for the inevitable strings attached to his kindness.
His gray eyes assessed me. “If you don’t like it, we can return it.”
I turned fully to him, certain there would be a condition. “No, I like it.”
To my surprise, he changed the subject. “I spent most of the day with a real estate agent.”
“Where are you thinking of renting?”
“Not rent, buy. We’re on our way to see three houses.”
I got distracted when I realized he was about to drive past the street that I used to live on with my parents. I choked up as awave of grief washed over me. For a moment, I wasn’t a married woman driving with her new husband. I was ten years old and waiting at the bus stop with my mom. My vision blurred and I swallowed hard, trying not to betray how I was feeling.
It took two more blocks before I managed to speak past the lump in my throat. “Okay.”
Thankfully, he didn’t say anything after that, and I kept my face turned away while I willed my emotions back into my body and worked to mask how I felt.
The first twohouses were both large and beautiful in nice neighborhoods. I didn’t know anything about the housing market, but I understood these places weren’t cheap. Both of my parents had worked tirelessly in this city, and we’d never gotten out of the renting cycle, even though my mom had talked endlessly about saving up for a down payment on a condo in Richmond. That dream had never happened for her. What would she think of me, driving around with Axel and looking at houses?
“What did you think of the first two places?” Axel’s voice interrupted my thoughts.
I stared out the window. I wouldn’t have the words to explain this marriage to my mom. Would she think that I’d fought hard enough for my freedom? Or would she look at me and think that I’d sold out?
“They were nice.”
I could feel Axel look over at me, but I kept my eyes firmly on the road ahead as memories of my childhood continued to wash over me. We passed a gas station where my dad had left his wallet once, but he got it back with his money still inside. Thenwe passed the community swimming pool we used to go to on Sundays when both my parents had a day off.
Driving around Vancouver hurt in a way I hadn’t expected. It didn’t feel like the home I remembered, and that made me feel so alone.
I missed my parents so much.
My new husband spoke beside me. “One more stop.”
Objectively speaking,the third house was by far the best choice. It had a sprawling backyard, six bedrooms, a covered BBQ area and a long, rectangular pool. The yard was entirely fenced and lined with lush trees and gorgeous gardens. There was even a small guesthouse tucked in the corner.
I could tell the real estate agent was trying her hardest to engage me in her sales pitch. “This is a beautiful family home. The furniture you see here, including the sectional couch, is included in the sale of the house.”
I watched as Axel wandered around the kitchen, opening the odd drawer or running his hand along a counter. “Is the outdoor furniture included?”
“Yes, and that includes the BBQ grill.”
Axel looked at me. “Do you have any questions?”
His inclusion disoriented me. I didn’t know my opinion mattered. “It’s nice.”
The agent looked at me with concern. “Is there something I’m missing here? Maybe you can tell me if there’s something specific you’re looking for.”
I immediately felt like I was taking a test that I hadn’t studied for.
Axel intervened smoothly. “You’ll have to excuse us. Thirty hours ago, we were at our own wedding in Moscow, so we’re both understandably tired.”
“I just want to help.” The agent gave me an insincere smile.
“I need to talk to my wife privately for a moment.”
“Of course. Why don’t you take a peek at the backyard? You can just head on through those patio doors.”
