Page 78 of Relentless (The Titans of Founder's Ridge 2)

“Ah, looking to purchase for nostalgic reasons then?”

“Something like that.” I start walking toward the lake. I hear Griff asking for all the details. I just want to see everything and sit with the decision for a bit. I walk past the pool. The paint is chipping, and black water sits in the bottom of the diving well. There’s some nasty looking mold crawling up the walls too. One of the diving boards is missing, as are a few of the starting blocks.

I walk down the trail toward the lake, passing the tennis courts which are in a similar state of disrepair as the pool. The trail is overgrown, and some tree roots are sticking up, posing tripping hazards. A couple trees have fallen down and are blocking the trail.

When I get down to the lake, I see the dock partially submerged. I stand on the rocky shore, taking in the steep hills that surround the lake. It’s still completely undeveloped except for one farm on the far side of the lake.

I bend down and grab a flat rock. I throw it horizontally across the water, watching it skip several times before finally sinking into the dark blue green water of the lake. I could sit out here all day. The sun is warm on my neck and arms, but there’s a breeze off the water keeping the heat at bay.

I tear myself away to go check the cabins. Some have screens missing and a couple have broken windowpanes. The metal bedframes all look pretty solid. The floors and walls of the cabins are all sturdy, too. All in all, they look better than I thought they would.

I have one last place to stop. The clearing that I used to meet Ives in which holds the maple tree we carved our initials into. The same clearing we bumbled our way through losing our virginity to each other. The trail is almost completely overgrown now. If I hadn’t walked it countless nights, I probably wouldn’t even know it was here. I walk through a couple ferns and find the clearing. There are some saplings growing, as well as some forest floor covering plants. In a couple years, it won’t be a clearing anymore.

I spot our tree and walk toward it. Our initials are still there, still obvious to anyone who knows where to look. When we did that, it was to cement our friendship, not a romantic statement. I trace my fingers over the grooves and smile. It’s good to be back here.

When I get back up to the main buildings, Griff is looking over renderings with the agent.

“The property needs a lot of work,” I say as walk up to them. “It’s really fallen into disrepair.”

“That’s why it’s priced as aggressively as it is,” Shane replies.

“What’s the interest been like?” Griff asks. He knows I want this place regardless of price, but he has his indifferent mask firmly in place. “Any offers?”

“There’s a developer who’s looking to build a luxury resort. Kind of a glamping type of set up.”

Oh, fuck no. I’m not letting this place be overrun by middle age upper east side housewives.

I look at Griff, and he gives the slightest nod. I know he’s already checked everything the agent has said. I had my broker come out last week to check everything, too.

“I’ll have my broker call you with my decision later,” I extend my hand.

“Good deal, looking forward to it.” He shakes my hand, then Griff’s, and we climb in my SUV.

I grab my cell phone and shoot a text to my broker to have my offer drawn up and submitted today. I have so many plans for this place.

* * *

We get back to city mid-afternoon. I drop Griff off at NNC and decide to head to Con’s apartment. It’s not worth an hour of work to fight midtown traffic. I’ll just go bug him while he tries to work. It’s been awhile since I’ve been a true nuisance.

After parking at the end of Con’s row of cars, I go straight up to his office. One of the best parts of their building is the elevator that goes from the executive level of the parking garage straight to the executive level offices. I’ll only have to shmooze with Helen, the gatekeeper to Victor, Connor, and Lilith.

“Good afternoon, Helen,” I give her my warmest smile.

“Mr. Marsh,” she replies. “Lilith is in a meeting right now.”

“I’m actually here for Connor. Is he available?”

“He is,” she tilts her head toward his office, “you know where to find him.”

I call my thanks over my shoulder and walk down the hall to his corner office. I don’t bother knocking and push the door open. “Hey asshole,” I say as I let myself in.

“The fuck are you doing here?” Con doesn’t even look up what from what he’s doing on his computer.

“Just got back from checking out the camp.”

“How was it?”

“It was good. My broker just submitted my offer.”

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