Page 44 of Love Somebody Like You

“Part of that fancy experimental ranch, huh?” He shook his head. “I sure don’t understand nonsense like that.”

So it seemed Bob was one of those die hards who weren’t fans of environmental causes.

“Thought about selling off some to him?”

“Maybe.” For some reason he didn’t want to tell Bob everything he thought.

“You do have a pretty piece of land here. I reckon it’d sell better as one lot, but I can see that there would be potential to maybe subdivide. But I gotta be honest. I don’t think you’re gonna get a lot of people wanting a smallholding out here. Especially not with that new estate closer to town in Trinity Lakes.”

“Surely there would be some people who’d like more rural views.”

“Mebbe. But I can’t guarantee anything.” Bob’s frown had moved to his eyes. “You don’t have all the town services out here, do you? Electricity, town water, sewerage.”

“We have electricity.” This wasn’t exactlySurvivor.

“But not the other two. Hmm. That’s gonna cut down potential interest.” Bob glanced up and studied Jackson with that same look of foreboding. “Most folks like the idea of running a ranch. Doing real ranch things ain’t always their cup of tea.”

“I understand that.”

“Do you? Because if you do, then you might see that where you’re proposing to divide the land might not work as well as if you squared off a piece next to the Darcy land.” His eyebrows rose. “Have you thought about selling this place?”

“The house?”

“I’ll be honest. I don’t think this older style is necessarily what buyers are looking for. But if you gave it a quick spruce up, maybe painted, recarpeted, new kitchen fit outs, you might be able to get a prettier penny.”

Spend money they didn’t have on paint, a new kitchen, and carpets? “That’s something to keep in mind.” Jackson hoped his tone sounded more relaxed than he felt.

“Want to show me around the place?” Bob smiled. “I didn’t see much when you had your New Year’s Eve shindig. All I remember is it being plenty dark and cold.”

“Come this way, then.”

But when he reached the hall, it was to see Ellie. She eyed Bob with an unfriendly expression, something which became a true glare as she turned to Jackson.

“Well, now, Miss Ellie. It’s been a while,” Bob said.

“Sure has.” Her voice was tight. “Just so you know, not all of us are in agreement that this is what should happen.”

“What will happen?” Bob asked, sounding puzzled. “Let me tell you, I’m only here doing a favor for a friend. I sure don’t want to be making anybody feel bad. By the same token, if it means I can help you out, then that’s what good neighbors are for, right?”

His comment dug deep, shifting Jackson’s thoughts to the other person who had arrived today, willing to be a good neighbor. But she had made it clear she’d be taking no cut. “Excuse me for a moment, Bob. If you want to head into the yard, I’ll be there in a moment.”

“Sure thing.”

As he opened the glass door Jackson turned to his sister. “Where’s Lexi?”

“In with Mom.” She smiled. “Mom seems to like her, so I left them to get acquainted.”

“Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

“Jackson, she saved Jordan’s life. I think it’s safe for Mom to be with her.” Her eyes frowned. “You on the other hand …”

“What do you mean?”

“I don’t think you’re making wise decisions today. And I have to admit, I don’t like Bob being here, looking around at everything like he’s pricing it. I bet he’s going to go home and tell Rhonda about all our problems.”

“He wouldn’t do that.”

“You think? Half the gossip of Trinity Lakes is spread by that woman. I really don’t like him being here.”

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