Page 81 of Playing for Keeps
The upstairs is just as striking as the rest of the place. Even with all the work it’ll take, I can already picture what it could become. When we’ve made it through every corner of the house, we step into the overgrown expanse of the back garden.
“You think I could put a pool out here?” I ask, motioning to a clearing a little farther from the house.
She lights up. “Absolutely. And just so you know, if you buy this place and add a pool, I’m basically moving in for the summer,” she teases with a laugh.
Her words land deeper than she realizes.
“I could live with that,” I tell her.
She grins. “You say that now, but wait until I’m turning up every day with floats and snacks.”
Truth is, I wouldn’t mind if she never left at all. But I don’t say that. Not yet.
After checking out the outdoor space, we come up with a rough plan for where I could keep the cars. There’s already a detached double garage, but it’s not nearly enough. I need at least twice that, maybe more, especially if I end up adding to the collection down the line. Ivy says she’ll look into the extension possibilities for me and see what’s doable.
“So, what do you think?”she asks as I pull onto the main road, heading back toward Hope Creek.
“I love it, Ivy. I’m pretty sure that’s the one.”
She turns in her seat to face me, eyebrows lifting.“Seriously?”
I nod.“If we can work out the garage situation, it’s perfect.”
“I don’t think extending will be an issue,”she says.“But I’ll make a few calls and double-check.”
“Thanks. I can’t believe the second place you found me might actually be it. You’re killing it.”
She laughs lightly.“Not quite perfect yet, but close. Now we just need to sell the apartment. The listing’s live, so hopefully, we’ll start getting some viewings.
She pauses, then asks,“I probably should’ve checked earlier, but… do you need to sell the apartment before buying something else?”
“No,”I say, shaking my head.“I’d need to sell it before I start remodeling, but I don’t need the funds to purchase.”
“Okay, good. That gives us more flexibility.”
“As soon as we confirm the garage extension is doable, I think I’d like to put in an offer.”
Her eyes widen.“You’re sure you don’t want to see anything else?”
I hesitate. Part of me wants to say yes, if only to keep spending time with her, but I’d be lying. She’s nailed it. That house already feels like mine.
“I can’t imagine finding anything better. That place just felt right, you know?”
“I know,”she says.“I can totally picture you living there.”
So can I. But in my version, she’s right there beside me. I just wish she could see that too.
We took my car to the viewing, so I drive Ivy back to my parents' place, where her car is parked. As we pull into the driveway, I spot Mom climbing the porch steps, her arms full of grocery bags.
Ivy hops out of the car immediately to help, and I follow, grabbing a few bags too.
“Thanks, guys,” Mom says gratefully. “How was the viewing?”
“It was great,” I tell her. “Ivy found a place that’s pretty incredible.”
Mom’s smile widens as she glances at Ivy. “Well, then you’ll have to come to dinner tonight and tell us all about it. I’m making lasagna.”
Ivy blinks, clearly surprised. “Are you sure?” she asks, looking between the two of us.
