Spencer
The Annual Ann Arbor Hash Bash took place on the first Saturday in April. Vendors from all over descended on University of Michigan’s campus for the free festival. Throughout the day, attendees listened to speeches from cannabis activists, local politicians, and special-interest groups. My brother, Ryan, in his role as a U.S. Rep, was on the program as well.
This year, Des had convinced me to sign on as a vendor at a related event known as the Monroe Street Fair. I’d been on site since noon, passing out flyers and telling people about The Leaf Lodge. Des had joined me, taking reservations for weekend stays and selling tickets to our first 420 Puff-n-Paint event.
“This is amazing,” she said, waving at a few passersby as they browsed the various tables. “So many people.”
The smell of bud and food permeated the air, while live music filtered to our ears from the sound stage. It was afestive occasion, one that I had attended several times since I was a teenager. “It’s definitely an experience.”
“Maybe one day soon I can have a food truck out here,” she mused. “That would be a dream come true.”
I glanced at her. “You already have your business plan. You can make it work.”
“There’s so much I want to do. I want to go out on my own, but I also love the work I’m doing for you.”
“You have choices. Even if you decide to do your own thing, you can always come back and do events for me. Or whatever you want to do.”
She smiled sweetly at me. “You’ve been good to me, Spence.”
Since I’d started seeing Alaiya, Des had finally stopped calling me Mr. Spence. While I appreciated that she’d always considered it a show of respect, it made me feel like her grandfather. I was glad when the change happened. “The feeling is mutual. I would hate to lose you.”
She smiled. “You won’t. Especially since you’re dating my mom.” She chewed on her thumbnail. It was a quirk she got from her mother. “I love that you make her so happy. I’ve never seen her smile this much. When she wasn’t with me,” she added.
I barked out a laugh. “Good to know.”
“If you want to move in, I’m perfectly willing to rent one of your houses so that you two can be alone.”
Smiling, I asked, “Is that a hint?”
“Maybe. I overheard you and Mom talking about one of your tenants moving out.”
Construction on the homes I’d purchased in December would be complete by June. Last week, the purchase agreement was signed, and one of my long-term tenants would soon become a homeowner. “And you’re ready to move out?”
“I’m not gonna lie … I’m nervous. But my best friend is looking for a place, too. I figured we could share the expenses.” She ticked off the things she’d done to prepare for a move—six months of rent saved, credit cards paid off, an additional savings account for furniture and other things she would need when she got her own place. “And I have a working budget.”
The more she talked, the more she sounded like Alaiya. And me.She should’ve been my daughter. It wasn’t the first time I’d thought that, and probably wouldn’t be the last.
“I searched up the house,” she continued. “It’s close to Mom, which is ideal because I’ll still need her.And… I think I would be the perfect tenant. You know me, you trust me.”
I pretended to mull it over for a moment. Then I said, “Call my office on Monday. We can talk about it.”
Des jumped up and gave me a hug. “Thanks, Spence.” She whipped out her phone, typing furiously on the screen. “I have to tell Cee.”
When she walked away, I started organizing the table and replenishing the flyers and information sheets before the second shift got here. My phone buzzed.
Laiya
How long are you going to be there?
Half an hour. You miss me?
Laiya
I need your assistance with something.
What’s up? You good?
Laiya
