Page 35 of The Gift Of Life

“He made it sound better than me. My version is a summary.”

“What are you saying, honey? Help me out here.”

“That house is on the market. I spoke with Tom this afternoon, and he said the owners are looking for a quick sale.”

We both turn now to look at the house. But all our equity is tied up in our house, especially since Harper just bought the shop, but I don’t want to let her down.

“How much?” I blurt out.

“£190,000. It’s a steal for this area. Someone already visited it this morning, but it’s too small for their family.”

“We don’t have that kind of money lying around, babe. Not without selling our house first, and I’m guessing this won’t wait around.”

Harper’s disappointment is evident. She bites her lips, wrings her hands together in front of her, and looks lovingly at the house.

“You know I'd give you the world if I could.”

“I know.”

“We will talk about the house situation, though, because I want to be close to you too. Forever and always.”

She smiles at me and leans into my arm, wrapping her arms around mine.

“Forever and always.”

She leans her head on my shoulder and I want to figure out a way to buy that house. Maybe if I sell a lung or kidney...

If only it were that simple.

Chapter 25

Harper

Two months later

I look around the gallery carefully, taking in every inch. It’s beautiful. My brother and Drew have done all the hard work. Jack followed my vision. Drew and I were just an extra pair of hands when he needed them. Honestly, it is stunning.

Opening night is three days away. I’ve managed to stock the work of some talented local artists, and tomorrow, we’re showcasing their work. Drew talked me into stocking my own work, and I reluctantly did so, because I am nowhere near as good as some of the artists that have agreed to share their work with my customers.

“Right, time for me to get off. I need some beauty sleep. Bright and early tomorrow, sissy,” says Jack.

“Yeah, thanks, bro. Everything looks amazing. I’m going to quickly go through my emails and do some promo for opening day before I go home.”

“Cool. See you later.”

I lock up after Jack and return to my office area, which is a work in progress. I plan on making it my little safe haven, a space I can call mine and escape to whenever I just need a hideaway from life.

The last couple of weeks have flown by in a blur. I’ve worked tirelessly to set up the gallery to open as quickly as possible to start bringing in some cash so Drew and I can finally put a deposit down on our own place and sell the house Drew still lives in now. I’m tired of living at my parents’ house. I’m twenty-eight years old, and I need my own space. Don’t get me wrong, I needed the company over the last few months. My childhood bedroom has been a godsend.

I’ve come so far in such a short time. I hardly recognise myself now compared to a few months ago. It’s amazing what a good doctor, a supportive family, and something to look forward to can do to help one’s outlook on life.

I brew a coffee and take it over to my desk where I plan to spend a couple of hours working. Drew is on a night shift tonight, so I’m as well making use of this time wisely.

Chapter 26

Harper

Opening day is finally here. I say opening day, but it’s open evening for the first night. It’s aimed at friends and families, locals, and local artists. My nerves are shot. I’ve snapped at Pete and Jack a few times and now they’ve given me a wide berth. It’s wise. Drew had the right idea. He couldn’t get today off, but he is coming straight here once he’s finished work. Maybe when I see him, I’ll settle down.

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