Page 6 of Safe in Shadow
“Daffodil’s got me on a holistic health program. I’m in the best shape of my life.”
“You’re also only nineteen!”
“Do you want me to help you carry a couch or not?”
Grace grinned and hugged her little brother. “You both look amazing. Pizza’s on me.”
GRACE UNLOCKED THEdoor with a feeling that something momentous was about to happen. This was going to be awe-inspiring and astounding.
Before buying the place and twice since purchasing it, Grace had visited Hilltop. Funny how it had always caught her eye, speaking to some part of her that liked to take impossible situations and make them better. The beautiful old place was calling out to be rescued.
I’m here, she thought silently, pushing open the creaking wooden door.
A sense of desperation and grief hit her so hard it almost sent her back onto the porch, but Casey and Daffodil, squealing liketoddlers, carried her in their wake as they pushed past, phones up to their faces as they filmed.
This isn’t right.Grace stood rooted to the floor in the echoing entryway, body stiff with shock.
The house was painted and smelled like chemicals and sawdust. She knew the county had worked fast because they didn’t want the liability and expense of Hilltop any longer. The basics were done. It was “livable” (barely), and now the rest was up to her.
Maybe that's why I'm not excited. Maybe that's why I just feel like something's wrong. Like I made a terrible mistake. It's just buyer's remorse. Happens to everyone. The bigger the buy, the worse the remorse.
No wonder I feel like I can’t breathe.
I need to snap out of it. It’s mine. Can’t go back, only forward.
“This is going to be a hotel? It’s so far from anything!” Daffodil waltzed back through, Casey plastered to her hips, fingers through her belt loops.
“That’s the point. Get away from it all. Nature. Scenery. Romance.” Grace answered while her eyes traveled around the high ceilings of the main room. “There’s a little town a few miles away.
“Let’s go up the fancy staircase!” Daffodil squealed, dragging Casey behind her. “Get pictures of me leading you up the stairs, okay, babe? Does my hair look gorgeous?”
“Furniture! Moving? Anyone...?” Grace closed her eyes.
So much for help.
Well, Nana did a lot on her own without G-Pop. I can do it, too.She turned slowly, eyes panning around the room.
The reception area can go right here.
Twelve bedrooms. Only three bathrooms, though. I guess that'll be the first project. How am I going to pay for this? Allthe furniture is going to have to be dirt cheap. I might as wellbuya moving truck. I'm going to spend the rest of my life going to flea markets and yard sales to look for bedroom furniture and couches. But they need to fit the decor.
Look at me. I have a hotel. I have “decor.” Well, I will.
I need to marry a contractor. Or a plumber. An electrician, maybe? At least the building is up to code—bare minimum. This is a historical building, so the code is “relaxed,” anyway. But it’s not ready to open. If it’s not ready to open, then it can’t turn a profit. It can’t even pay the minimum payments.
I'm going to have to get a part-time job if I can't get this place fixed up and habitable in a couple of months.
Grace already knew all of the hard truths she was pondering. She understood the harsh realities of home ownership and starting a business, especially a hospitality-based business. The scary facts and figures were written down on endless spreadsheets, grants, and proposals on her sticker-covered laptop.
“Well. I’m sticking it out,” Grace murmured aloud.
To her left, a door slammed and made her teeth rattle.
“Casey!” she bellowed, “Take it easy. This place is ancient!”
“I didn't do anything!” Casey protested.
Grace rolled her eyes. That was just like her brother. He never accepted responsibility for his actions.
