Page 32 of Out of Bounds
“Oh honey. It’s not Liev is it?”
“No, it’s not him. I wish it was though. It would be easier.”
“I wish you would tell me what’s up with you. You always do.”
“Can I do it Monday, or just… not today. I don’t want to talk about it today.”
She nods. “Okay. I won’t push. I’m sorry for whatever it is. And I’m sorry I have more bad news. It’s about the house.”
Oh God no. What about the house?
My body became as straight as an arrow and I push past the fog in my mind.
“What’s happened to the house Shelby? Please don’t tell me it’s been sold because that was really quick. We just saw it last night.”
“I know, and there’s a chance it probably will go by tomorrow.”
“No, no, no. That means my offer wouldn’t even have gone through to the owner.” The realtor said it would be given to him on Monday.
“No it wouldn’t and it’s not. I’m so sorry sweetie. She was trying to call you, but your phone is off. When she couldn’t reach you, she contacted me. One of the previous applicants have raised their offer to the million dollars the property is worth, and they want to close out the contract tomorrow.”
“Oh my gosh, why the hell is everything going to hell for me?” I got such a boost when I went to the house yesterday and talking about my plans.
Not being with Liev pushed me to think about that. Now this had to happen.
“I’m so disappointed.”
“Me too, for you and me. But I had a thought.” She gives me a mischievous smile and I can’t begin to think of what sort of thought she could have had to make her smile like that.
“What? There’s no way I can top one million dollars.”
“Maybe not, but I have a feeling there might be another way we can get the owner to consider your offer. Especially since you know him.”
I suck in a breath. I don’t know anyone who owns a property like that house. The closest is Quinn and Logan’s lake house.
“Who? Who do I know?”
“Ethan.”
My eyes turn to saucers, and I bring my hand to my heart.
“What? No way.”
“Yes, darlin. He sure does.” She’s nods and smiles like she just won one of her beauty pageants.
Suddenly I remember the conversation Ethan and I had in the stationary shop. He said he had a lot of houses.
Never in my wildest dreams did I believe he would own Pine Valley Lodge.
“I think he might be willing to hear you out,” she adds.
“Ethan’s not going to turn away a million dollars for my meagre offer of three hundred thousand.”
“Girl please, if you can stand there and say that to me it means I taught you nothing about men. Now that man was looking at you in the stationary shop like you were prized turkey served up to him on a platter.”
“Aunt Shelby,” I muse biting back a smile.
“Don’t youAuntShelby me. This is serious and I’m trying to stop you from doing what you always do when you want to go after something you really want.”
