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“And if he calls you honey, sweetheart, baby doll, gorgeous, or anything involving small animals, that doesn’t mean he’s forgotten your name. Just means he likes you.”

Lenny cups a hand around his mouth. “You two talkin’ about me?”

“Of course we are,” I call back.

Lenny smiles. “Good. I was feeling left out!”

For a second, the place feels alive in a way that has nothing to do with me owning it. People on porches. A new handyman with careful eyes. The smell of the river and cigarette smoke in the afternoon heat.

I used to think Riverview was something I had to maintain because Renny left it to me. Now it looks like something that might continue just fine without me.

I hand Bryce the folder with the work list and vendor numbers.

“Call if anything urgent comes up,” I say. “Text if it isn’t urgent. Ignore Lenny if he says everything is urgent.”

“Everything is urgent!” Lenny shouts. Then, not as quietly as he thinks. “Damn place is falling apart.”

Bryce loses the fight with his smile.

I do too.

“Welcome to Riverview,” I tell him.

He takes the folder and looks at the buildings again. This time like he’s already planning his start.

I leave Bryce with Lenny, which feels irresponsible. My phone is already in my hand by the time I reach the sidewalk.

Jessica answers. “Please tell me you’re calling with good news.”

“Riverview is underway.”

“Thank God. I was starting to think that place was going to outlive all of us.”

“It still might. But Bryce seems capable.”

“Bryce?”

“The new handyman.”

“Is he licensed, insured, and emotionally prepared for your tenants?”

“Very doubtful. On all fronts.”

She hums. “Well, as long as he’s over age and can swing a hammer.”

I cross toward the shade.

“How does it feel to be almost done?” she asks.

I look back at Riverview.

Last year, I couldn’t imagine letting go of any of it. The apartments. The bar. The properties Renny collected and nurtured and grew over a lifetime. Now most of it is sold, pending, or transferred.

I held onto Riverview the longest—and once needed repairs are made, I’ll let it go too.

“Feels like I’m just getting started,” I say.

“Good.”