“You most certainly have not. I know there are secrets in this house. There are always secrets.”
“The only secrets in this house are the ones you're imagining.”
“We'll see about that.”
CHAPTER 28
The real estate office of Phillips & Associates sat on a tree-lined street in Andover, a modest storefront with large windows and a green awning that had seen better days. Lauren stared at it from the passenger seat of Michael's SUV, feeling a strange mix of nostalgia and pride.
“Here we are. It must feel funny seeing it now after being away for so many months.” Michael asked, pulling up to the curb.
“It is a little, but it hasn’t really been that long.” Lauren didn't move to get out.
Michael was quiet for a moment. “I remember the fire. I’m just so glad you got out of there in time. It must have been terrifying.”
Lauren nodded. “It certainly was scary.”
“I know you thought everything you'd worked for was gone.”
Lauren nodded. “It felt that way. For a while, anyway. But we rebuilt. Nell, Brian and me. We made it better than it was before.” She took a breath. “I should go in. You sure you don't mind waiting?”
“There's a coffee shop on the corner. I'll be fine. Take your time.”
Lauren climbed out of the SUV and stood on the sidewalk, smoothing her sweater and wondering why she felt nervous. This had been her business, her team, her life for twelve years. She had hired both of the agents who now ran it. She had trained them, mentored them, watched them grow from nervous newcomers into confident professionals.
But that was before she had handed over the keys and walked away from everything she’d built and rebuilt after the fire nearly destroyed it all. She had planned to open a new office in Sarasota, to start fresh in the Florida market. But between settling into the new house, getting the kids adjusted to their schools, and driving Olivia to tennis tournaments every other weekend, she hadn't found the time. Or maybe she just hadn't been ready.
She pushed open the door, and a familiar chime announced her arrival.
The interior was exactly as she remembered it. Two desks facing each other, a small waiting area with comfortable chairs, a wall of listings that had been updated with new properties but maintained the same organized layout she had established. The smell of coffee and printer ink hung in the air, a scent that immediately transported her back to long days of showing houses and negotiating deals.
“Lauren?”
A woman rose from one of the desks, her face breaking into a wide smile. Nell Baxter was in her early forties, with sharp eyes and a warm manner that made clients trust her immediately. She had been Lauren's first hire, a former teacher looking for a career change, and had turned out to be a natural at real estate.
“Nell.” Lauren crossed the room and hugged her. “It's so good to see you.”
“What are you doing here? Why aren't you in Florida!”
“I am. I was. It's a long story.” Lauren pulled back and looked around. “Where's Brian?”
“Showing a property in Newton. He should be back in anhour.” Nell gestured to the chairs. “Sit, sit. Tell me everything. How are you? How are the kids? How's Jeff?”
They settled into the waiting area, and Lauren filled Nell in on the past few months. The trip to Massachusetts, Beth's twins, the clearing out of the Andover house. Nell listened with the focused attention of someone who genuinely cared, asking questions, exclaiming at the right moments.
“Twins,” Nell said, shaking her head. “I can't imagine two babies at once.”
“Beth is handling it beautifully. She has help now. Our half-sister Emily moved in to help with the babies and the orchard.”
“That's wonderful. Family support makes all the difference.” Nell paused. “And what about your mother's house? The Andover property?”
“That's actually part of why I'm here.” Lauren leaned forward. “We’re going to list it for sale by owner.”
Nell's eyebrows rose. “You're not using an agent?”
“I am the agent, Nell.” Lauren smiled. “I’m pretty sure I can sell my mother's house.”
“Fair point.” Nell laughed. “If you need any help, you know where to find us. Brian and I are always happy to assist.”
