As if he’d read my mind, he continued, “You’ve been an excellent tenant, and I know you’ve helped my dad a lot over the years when you didn’t have to.” He rubbed the back of his neck and smiled ruefully. “My wife had a lot to say about that letter when she found out.”
I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from smiling. I’d met his wife quite a few times. She was a very nice woman, but she had opinions and wasn’t afraid to share them. Not knowing what else to say, I asked, “How’s your dad?”
He shrugged. “Better. He’s still in the hospital. They’re looking to discharge him to rehab in a couple of days. But the doctor is adamant he can’t live alone anymore. That’s why we’re selling the house.”
And we were back to that again. “I get it,” I began. “But I can’t just move on such short notice.”
He put up his hands in a gesture of peace. “I know. I know. I understand most people can’t just up and move in two weeks.” He blew out a breath. “I was offered a million in cash if I could make the property available by the end of the month. The guy who made the offer knew you were supposed to have sixty days, but he said most people don’t know their rights. He was surprised and annoyed that you got a lawyer.”
“I’m lucky to have friends willing to help out when I need it,” I retorted, getting mad all over again.
He made a sound of frustration. “I’m doing this all wrong.” He pulled an envelope out of his inner jacket pocket. “This is a letter offering you ten thousand dollars if you can vacate the premises by the fifteenth. You can show it to your lawyer so he knows it’s a legitimate offer.”
I stared at him, speechless. When I finally found my voice, I asked, “Are you serious? Why would you do that?”
“Because my dad needs this. If we wait too long, he’ll get it in his head that he can do it on his own, and then we’ll just get a repeat of what we have now, maybe worse. If I can get him into the assisted living place near here, he’ll have everything he needs and still be able to be independent for as long as possible.”
I took the envelope from him. “Okay. I’ll show this to the lawyer and get back to you as soon as possible.”
“Thank you,” he said.
After he left, I opened the envelope and, sure enough, it was a letter drawn up by a lawyer offering to pay me ten thousand dollars to leave my place by the fifteenth. I took a picture of the letter and texted it to Tino. He texted me back right away.
Tino
Well damn. That’s a really nice offer.
Me
Is it legit?
Tino
Yep. The money will be held in an escrow account until the fifteenth. Do you have a place to go? You could rent a hotel room for a couple of weeks until you find something.
Me
I might have a place to go. I was all set to move at the end of the month. I’ll have to see if they’re willing to move it up two weeks.
Tino
Ok. Let me know as soon as possible.
Me
Will do.
I looked at the time on my phone. “Shit. I’m late.” I texted Miguel.
Me
I’m running late. Sorry. Big news. I’ll tell you when I get there.
Miguel
Not fair, making me wait. I’ll see you when you get here.
I grabbed my leather jacket and headed out. I couldn’t believe my luck. This could really help me financially. Maybe I could even take that Harley certification course.
