Page 87 of When Love Is Lost and Found

"Hi, Sharon. Listen, I wanted to let you know the reading of Mom's will is scheduled for next Monday."

"Okay," I say, wondering what that has to do with me.

"When Mom moved to California, she put her house in Garrison in a living trust and named you the beneficiary."

"She left me her house?!" I ask in disbelief.

"Yes. She talked to me about it before she moved. I have no issues with it, Sharon. You were like a grandkid to Mom, and you did so much for her. Especially after she moved. I don't know what I would've done without you. You deserve to have it."

When the weight of his words sinks in, I feel a rush of gratitude reaching every fiber of my body.

"Gary, I don't know what to say."

"There is one catch."

"What's that?"

"You will have to live in the house for two years before you can sell it or rent it out."

"What?!"

"That was the only stipulation to your taking possession of the property."

"You're kidding," I say, dumbfounded. "My life is here."

"You just graduated from college. Mom told me you planned to travel for a year or two before looking for a teaching job."

"Gary, I can't just pick up and go."

"Of course you can. Your roommates can take care of your house here, and you can move to Garrison. Live in the house for a couple of years and then sell it if you want."

"You make it sound so easy. You know I never planned to return to New York."

"Plans change. Once you sell the house, you can do whatever you want with the money, but you must live in it for two years, and that's not up for debate."

"And if I refuse?"

"Would you really do that to Mom?"

"No. No, I wouldn't. When do I have to be there?"

"Next week."

***

As soon as I arrive in New York, I take a cab to the nearest car dealership and buy a small sedan. The one-hour drive to Garrison fills me with bittersweet memories and regret. I'm not the same girl I was four years ago. Time has healed my wounds, but time hasn't changed how I feel about Jon Linder. He's with Susan now. He's moved on. I wish I could say the same.

Loren made sure I never forgot Jon. She took every opportunity to let me know how he was doing and what he was up to.

"Jon got a permanent teaching position at the high school," she said, sounding like a proud grandmother.

"Jon is investing in his father's business."

"That's great," I said. “Mr. Linder must be so happy.”

"Jon bought a house in Cold Spring."

"Oh," I said. "He's putting down roots in New York." I'll never see him again, I thought.

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