Page 50 of New Day at the Beach House

Roxie smiled, an idea forming in her head. “What if I told you it could get you more than you think?”

Claire’s brows bent, her expression skeptical. “How?”

“Get in the car. We’re making a stop before the grocery store.”

“Where?”

“You’ll see. Just keep an open mind.” Roxie wasn’t sure what Claire would think of the amazing place Roxie liked to shop at here in Diamond Beach, but she’d soon find out.

“Okay.” Claire took a step toward the car. “Could we also stop at Southcoast Credit Union? I need to set up an account there and deposit my check.”

“Sure. I should probably do the same.”

They both got in the car. Claire glanced over. “Thanks again for driving.”

Roxie shrugged. “Well, Kat is taking Trina to meet the boys for surfing, so it just made sense.”

Claire nodded. “It would still be nice to have my car.”

“I hear you,” Roxie said. “I’d like to have mine, too. We’re only going to get busier. We need to figure out how to get our stuff from Port St. Rosa to here.”

Claire clipped her seatbelt in. “We’re working on that, too. Tell me more about this place you’re taking me to shop.”

But Roxie just smiled. “You’ll see soon enough.”

It was such a nice day that Margo and Conrad were working on his screened porch. The breeze was lovely, and it was a pleasant change to look at his backyard as opposed to his office walls. Beyond the pool, he had some fruit trees along the back fence and the blossoms smelled so good.

“Earth to Margo. Come in, Margo.”

She glanced over and realized she’d been staring out at his landscaping. That wasn’t the reason she was distracted, though. They were minutes away from leaving to look at his neighbors’ house. “I’m here. Just thinking.”

“About the house?”

She nodded. “What else?” She sipped her coffee, but it was only lukewarm now. “I’m sure it won’t be right for me but I’m afraid I’ve already got my hopes up.”

He got up from the table they were using as a work area. “So have I. I would love for you to be nearby. The Clarkes’ house is walking distance.”

“That would be nice. When’s the last time you were in their house?”

His eyes narrowed. “It’s been a good few years. Which means I don’t really know what kind of shape it’s in. But anything broken can be fixed. Anything you don’t like can be changed.” He put his hands up. “And I know that means money, but it doesn’t all have to be done overnight, either.”

She turned to face him fully. “I understand that, but if it’s the main living areas, they will have to be dealt with before I move in. And I don’t want to be house poor.”

He put his hands on her arms. “I’m sure it’ll be fine. I’m not without skills, you know. I can fix things and paint and—”

“You are a very sweet man to offer, but we aren’t exactly young anymore. You’re potentially talking about a lot of work.”

He shrugged. “Painting a room isn’t a lot of work. If it takes a little longer than hiring a professional, who cares? You’re not about to be homeless.”

He was right. She knew that. But it was her nature to focus on the worst-case scenarios. “I guess we’ll know soon enough how much work it’ll take. And what kind of money they expect to get for this place.”

“I promise you, it’ll be fair. They understand that not going through a realtor will mean saving on the commission they’d have to pay. That will be factored in.”

“Good.” She glanced at the time. “Should we go?”

“Let me just make sure I hit Save.” He went back to the computer and tapped the keyboard. “All done. Let’s go see your new house.”

She wasn’t so convinced, but she gave him a smile all the same.

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