Page 48 of Overdue

“It’s perfectly nice,” she laughs. “Several of my friends already live there. There are people to help me when I need it, and there’s always something going on. Mel and I took an official tour last week.”

“So it’s all decided?” I’m a little pissed. I assumed when she was ready to live on her own, we would, at least, look at the options together. This has been her home since she and Gramps moved in right after their wedding. Why would she want to leave? “I thought you’d want to stay here. With me.” So I’m more than a little butt hurt.

“Reed, listen to me.” She places her hand on my knee. “I love you so much. You living with me has always been a joy. But, I think you should get back to living your own life, whatever it is you choose. There are a couple of things I haven’t told you.” My gaze meets hers. It’s too early in the morning for me to stomach too many more confessions.

“Your grandfather left me plenty of money to live comfortably for the rest of my life. I was ready to move into Shady Acres from the hospital, but then you swooped in ready to save the day. I was selfish. It was wonderful having you at home again. But, I should have been honest.”

I sit quietly, thinking about it. I quit the military impulsively to rush back here. I never asked if she wanted me to move back to take care of her.

“There’s more,” she adds.

“Gran.” How much more could there possibly be? My world feels rocked to its core as it is.

“Gramps wanted you to have this house when you were ready. I’ve signed it over to you to do what you want with it. The taxes are already paid for this year. All you have to do is sign your side of the papers at Norman’s office and move the utilities into your name. Or sell it, whatever.” She maneuvers her chair toward her bedroom. I watch her roll across the room in a stupor.

“Jules is picking me up for church if you want to come.” She stops and turns to me. I run my hand through my hair.

“I think I’ll opt for a nap instead. I’ll join y’all for lunch.” Pushing myself off the couch, I drag myself to the stairs.

In the span of a week, I’ve been through a tornado, had sex with Austen, and been given a house. I’ll wake up from this dream soon. Things like this just don’t happen in the real world.

seventeen

REED

I’m still trying to wrap my head around everything that’s happening. Gran and I discussed her moving out all day on Sunday. Finally, she called a stop to my arguing with her. She’s moving forward with the move, regardless of what I say.

So, on Monday morning, we went to the attorney and made it official. Now I’m the proud owner of a 1928 craftsman with original hardwood floors.

Gran is moving in two weeks when her apartment is ready. She’s decided not to take much with her, trusting me to take care of everything.

I was informed that the front room that serves as her bedroom is to be converted back into a living area. I’ve already been talking to a buddy of mine about the ideas I have for it. Maybe a bright space to write in? Just in case a certain writer/librarian would like to use it.

For a brief second, part of me wanted to sell the house and run. But the thought of selling what my grandparents worked so hard for stopped me.

I could also rent it out. It would give me a nice income until I got settled somewhere. I don’t want to settle somewhere else, though. I don’t know if you call it fate or kismet or whatever, but some force brought me home. It wasn’t just Gran’s stroke.

I think there were other reasons I wanted to come back. The one at the top of the list is walking toward me. She’s traded her tight skirts and snug sweaters for jeans and a T-shirt.

The library is still undergoing repairs from the storm, so it remains closed for now. Austen has been there every day, working alongside contractors to get it opened as soon as possible. She’s incredible.

“Hey, Mr. Project Manager,” she greets me as she steps into the town square. The city council decided to go ahead with the project, even though there's still some cleanup left to do downtown from the storm.

“Hey, yourself. How’s it going?”

She leans in for a kiss. We’re getting more comfortable with public displays of affection. It helps that the town seems to have moved its focus to someone else. I guess we’re old news at this point. I lay a quick kiss on her lips. She’s so damn gorgeous.

“It’s almost done. The roof is finished, the windows installed, and the cleanup should be done today. I can begin reshelving the books I didn’t send for restoration.”

“Sounds like you can reopen soon.”

“Hopefully. But what I came to ask is this: are you hungry? I’m starving.”

I dust off my clothes. Leaving my gloves on the back of my truck, I take Austen’s hand to walk to Pop’s for pizza.

“So, there’s something I wanted to talk to you about,” I say when we’ve ordered.

“Speaking of, Mom said to use the door next time. That they’re not clueless about what we’re doing up there.”

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