Page 90 of The Last Time

“Thisisthemasterbedroom,” I say as I lead her in. “It has these beautiful, vaulted ceilings. And over here is the master bath.”

Debra, my realtor, follows me into the bathroom as she scans it all from floor to ceiling. She nods her head for what feels like the hundredth time since she’s been here.

“And that’s it,” I tell her. “That’s the full tour.”

“Very nice. It’s a beautiful home. Would you like to sit down so we can go over the numbers?”

I lead her out of the bedroom, down the stairs, to my large kitchen table.

“Would you like anything to drink?” I offer as she sits. “I know this is the South, and sweet tea is a thing, but I generally try to limit my sugar. So, I can offer unsweetened tea. I don’t think I have any sugar here. This has just been a temporary stay for me. If you couldn’t tell by the lack of anything in the house.”

She smiles warmly at me. “Unsweetened tea is perfect. Thank you.”

I join her after I pour us our drinks. She pulls out some paperwork and then puts down her pen.

“So, being that the house is paid off, that does make this a lot less stressful of a process for you. We are in a sellers’ market, which bodes well for you. While I do think we can come close to some of the comps in the area, we are definitely not going to be able to match or exceed them.”

I take a sip as I listen.

“This is a very beautiful house, and the location right on the water will be a huge selling point. There’s just not many homes with this kind of view that will pop up on the market. That being said, while the outside is freshened up, the landscaping needs work. And while the fresh paint and newly stained floors are beautiful, the bathrooms and kitchen need updating. Because of that, we will not be able to be super competitive with other houses on the market.”

It’s something I knew would be an issue but when she tells me how far down that could drive my price, I’m a little surprised.

“It’s the kitchen,” she tells me. “Bathrooms that need some updating can be a bit of a burden, but nothing like remodeling a kitchen.”

“I see. I know the kitchen needs some work. I just didn’t really know it was going to be that big of a price reducer.”

“Well, you could always remodel it first, then sell it. That way, you know you’re getting top dollar for the sale. Just something to think about.”

She begins to go into more detail about what the numbers could be if I were to first remodel the kitchen and bathrooms, but I start to get lost in thought. The more she talks about selling it, the more my uneasiness grows.

I don’t know what it is. Maybe it’s that I’ve faced my past and healed a part of me that was wounded, but the thought of selling doesn’t feel like it used to.

Do I want to stay here? Live in Isle of Hope?

It’s not at all what I had planned, but I can’t deny that being here has felt different. I feel lighter and happier. Well, I did until Asher put a little wrench in my happiness. But still, even with the heartache, it feels easier to deal with here. I have my favorite spots to center myself when everything feels like it’s too much.

I always felt that when I came here for the summer. It was one of the reasons losing this place was so hard.

“So,” Debra interrupts my thoughts, “what are you thinking? Would you like me to schedule my photographer to come out here and take the photos?”

I should say yes. That’s what I planned all along. That’s what this summer was about.

“Umm, can I get back to you on that? I want to give some thought to updating the kitchen before I commit.”

“Absolutely. You take all the time you need.”

After she packs up her things and leaves me with her information, I begin to pace around the house. My stomach begins to ache with my indecision. I hate not knowing what to do. How do I even make this decision?

I need to talk to someone. I pick up my phone and immediately dial my mom.

“Hi, sweetie,” her cheerful voice greets me.

“I need help,” I blurt out.

“Talk to me,” she replies.

I sigh. “The realtor just left.”

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