“Oh, I want it all right, even though I still feel out of place. It may take me a while to get used to things, but I promise to work at it. I love you, Jo.”
####
SATURDAY, JULY 4
Dominic took a break from the action to get a cold drink, surveying his aunt’s backyard on the way. Uncle Larry stood at the grill, dispensing tired old jokes amid clouds of fragrant smoke while the children ran and played. A cooler stuffed with beer beckoned for attention, but Dominic ignored it in favor of iced tea. Always a lightweight, he’d decided to give up booze altogether, knowing it was healthier to live without the stuff.
Something changed after that weekend, though thehowandwhyeluded him. Life suddenly seemed calmer, more pleasant, and easier to bear. Then came the unexpected promotion at work which did wonders for his self-esteem and bank balance. The store owners offered him the assistant manager position after firing Russell. Perhaps it was a sign of better things to come.
The patio door slid open, and Carol Jo exited the house with a platter full of food. In the holiday spirit, she sported a pair of red and white striped pants, topped with a dark blue, star-studded blouse. Faux-firecracker earrings and a crown of shiny “sparklers” completed an ensemble only she could wear. Dominic smiled, volunteering to help bring the rest of it outside to the picnic tables in the shade. Larry waved his spatula at them, indicating the hot food was ready to go.
Carol Jo insisted Dominic sit next to her for the meal. Once everyone started eating, she leaned over to tell him something.
“Dom, honey, I got a letter from your momma last week. She was thrilled to hear about your promotion and sent me a little something to give you as a congratulation gift. She’s proud of you, as am I, and she wanted you to know it. I’ll show you later.”
He’d put his mother through hell and back over the last decade, straining their relationship to the breaking point. Following his release from prison, her sister, Carol Jo, offered to give him a fresh start in Gladstone, away from the temptations of Detroit. Dominic believedhewas the one who owed his mother, not the other way around. Whatever the gift turned out to be, he’d be sure to thank her properly when he got home.
Two hours later, Carol Jo drove Dominic out to Rapid River. Exiting Highway Two, they reached a long gravel driveway and turned in. Before them stood a smallish house, marked by one of Carol Jo’s real estate signs with a “SOLD” topper. Dominic liked the look of the place, surrounded by trees and with a river view in the back. She parked next to a red, all-wheel sedan, and without a word of explanation, got out of the car. Dominic followed, wondering what they were doing here.
“Are we visiting someone?”
His aunt reached the front door first and unlocked it.
“Not exactly. You’ll see.”
Dominic followed her from room to room as she pointed out various features. The place was completely furnished and at least twice the size of his apartment. Better yet, the backyard featured a deck with patio furniture, a lovely view of the river, and plenty of birds to watch. The place offered comfort, privacy, and space to enjoy. Why did she want to show it to him?
“Do you like it, honey?”
The question surprised him, and he shrugged.
“Sure! I’d love to have a place like this someday. So, did you sell it to someone important or what? I don’t understand.”
Carol Jo faced him with a brilliant smile.
“The owners used this as a vacation home and decided to sell after suffering some health problems. The previous renter moved out unexpectedly, and I decided to buy it. I think it’s the perfect place for you, Dom.”
Eyes wide, he couldn’t believe what he heard.
“Me? I can’t afford a house, and how would I get back and forth to work? I don’t even own a car! You gotta be pulling my leg.”
She took his hand and walked him around to the front, stopping next to the red sedan.
“Actually, you DO own a car—this one. Your mother sent me the funds and asked me to buy you something practical. It’s not new, but it will get you back and forth in all seasons. As far as the house goes, I’ve written up a rent-to-own agreement. With your promotion, you can afford it now, and I’ll set aside most of the rent as the down payment. When you qualify for a mortgage of your own, I’ll sell it to you at cost and call it good. What do you say?”
Gobsmacked, Dominic’s mouth fell open.
“I can’t take it, Aunt Carol Jo. It’s too big of a risk, and I don’t deserve ...”
Her face took on an “I know what’s good for you”look, and she stomped her foot.
“Youdodeserve it! I’ve never seen anyone work so hard to turn their life around, and your mother and I agreed it was time to reward you for it. Besides, we both love you so much. We want you to have these things and be happy, Dom. You wouldn’t break our hearts and refuse, would you?”
It was too much, and Dominic teared up. He didn’t think he deserved such kindness, but arguing wouldn’t get him anywhere. He caved when she swooped in with one of her bear hugs, bracelets jingling while she patted his back. Stuff like this happened to other people, not the family screw-up. A vague memory surfaced of something Jack said about a better life being within his grasp. Dominic guessed he was right, confident he could finally shake the vestiges of his old life for good.