Page 18 of Fanatic

“Yeah. Anything important?”

“The kitchen is fitted,” Fanatic replied.

“Dude, we’ve got no furniture at all!” I spluttered as I started laughing.

“Guess we’re gonna have to hit a hotel,” Fanatic stated, looking embarrassed.

“Let’s empty the cars out first,” I said as I wandered to the French doors that led out onto a rear decking. It was beautiful out here. Danny would love this.

There was a load of furniture in my possession, but could I face having it here? The second bedroom suite would be fine, it was rarely used, but having mine and Grey’s bed moved here? No.

I walked upstairs and checked out the four bedrooms. Two were the same size, while the third was decent and the fourth slightly smaller. That would be ideal for a nursery. The twolarger bedrooms had a shared bathroom with a family one further down. There was an empty room, which I assumed was the man cave.

Wandering downstairs, I found the cosy snug. That led to a spacious kitchen. A half bath was tucked away, with a shower next to a utility area. The kitchen opened to the dining room, which seamlessly connected to the lounge. Leaving that, I discovered another small room, probably used as an office. There was a second half bath and a cloakroom for hanging coats.

As we wandered, Fanatic ran up and down, emptying his car. On his fourth run, I put a hand out and stopped him.

“Do you have access to a van or truck?”

“Yeah?”

“Can you get the candidates to my house to collect some furniture?”

“Chance will have to approve,” Fanatic replied.

“That’s fine.”

Fanatic pulled his phone and dialled. “Uncle Chance.”

“What ya done, boy? Because I’m only your damn uncle when you need something,” Chance boomed, and Fanatic winced, knowing I could hear.

“Need to borrow the candidates. Willow and I are at the house, but it ain’t furnished.”

“You didn’t check?” Chance sounded incredulous.

“No.”

“Give me the phone,” I ordered and snatched it from Fanatic.

“Hi, Chance,” I said softly.

“Hey, darlin’ girl. That idiot nephew of mine has fucked up.”

I snorted with laughter, and Chance chuckled. “Not quite. This is a beautiful house.”

“Good. What do you need the candidates for?”

“I own furniture. I wondered if they’d go to my place and pick up the second-bedroom suite and the spare bed in the thirdroom just for tonight. Fanatic can organise movers tomorrow for the rest. Oh, if they could bring the sofa too?”

“Sure. Don’t worry about a removal company. Tomorrow’s the weekend. The old ladies will head to your house and box everything up and the candidates can haul it Sunday. That okay?”

“Grey’s…” my throat closed, and I choked. “Grey’s…”

“Willow, Clio and Thalia will pack Grey’s stuff personally and take great care with it. They’ll use plastic containers for you so you can sort through when ready,” Chance offered.

I nodded, even though Chance couldn’t see me. Fanatic took the phone back.

“That is perfect, Uncle Chance. Willow can’t talk right now.”

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