Page 16 of Key West Homecoming

“Take your time.”

The hospital sound faded. A door closed. Priya’s voice came back closer.

“Okay, I’m in a supply closet. Where are you?”

“Key West, Florida.”

“Talk to me.”

So Emma told her the whole of the last two days. She explained about the broker's call, about Twenty-Three Hibiscus Lane, its garden and Jake Kelleher and the will her grandmother had written. She laughed while talking about Margarita Max’s and the fun sisters who worked there. And finally, she shared what Connie had told her about her grandmother Gloria's gentleman friend and her uncle's hand in all of it.

Priya listened without interrupting.

When Emma was done, Priya finally responded.

“Your grandmother had a gentleman friend?”

Emma laughed. “That’s what you got from everything I said?”

“I think that’s adorable.”

“Adorable?”

“Of course. A later-in-life romance, at her age. What else would you call it?”

Emma smiled at the thought.

“Anyway, let’s get back to the main point here. She wrote a will leaving you the cottage?”

“She did. It’s on record in Monroe County but nobody ever filed it with the Probate Court.”

“Two years before she died?”

“Yup.”

“Emma.” Priya’s voice was warm and quiet the way it got when she was talking to a parent whose child had just come back from surgery. “Your grandmother spent the last part of her life happy, and she made sure the house was yours. Do you hear what I’m telling you?”

“I hear you.”

“Good, because you’ve got to get serious about this. You need a lawyer today. Not tomorrow. Today.”

“I know, Priya. What do you think I’m doing down here?”

“Well, do you have one yet?”

“Not yet. I have the name of a few Miami firms, but I want someone in Key West.”

“Then ask the women at the bar. They’ll know someone who can help.”

“That’s my plan.”

“That’s good.” Priya’s tone shifted. “Also, I need to tell you something.”

“What?”

“I saw Joseph at a medical conference last month.”

Emma closed her eyes. “Priya.”