Page 17 of How to Date a Rockstar

“I’m afraid there are no loopholes. You can’t rent the house. You can’t let it sit empty. You absolutely must live in the house in Winter Falls for one year to inherit or the house will be torn down.”

“She thought of everything,” I grumble.

“I may have helped.” He winks.

I slump in my chair. What am I supposed to do? Staying in Winter Falls wasn’t part of the plan. The plan was to clear out Grandma’s house and sell it. And I need to arrange a funeral.

A funeral. My stomach bottoms out at the idea of saying a final goodbye to Grandmother. I inhale a deep breath before asking, “Did Grandma have any last wishes about her funeral?”

Mr. West hands me an envelope. “I believe you’ll find nearly everything is already arranged or planned.”

I clutch the envelope to my chest. I should have known Grandma would plan her own funeral. She did prefer things done her way.

“Thank you.” I stand. “I guess I’ll be going.”

“Are you going to stay in Winter Falls?”

I want to say no. I want to run as far as I can from Winter Falls until the pain in my chest subsides. Until I forget my precious grandmother won’t be ringing me every Saturday morning anymore.

“I don’t know.”

It’s the truth. I don’t know. With the stocks and bonds Grandma left me, I don’t need the money from the sale of the house. But the thought of her home being demolished makes my stomach feel the same way I do after I eat a bag of peanut M&Ms – nauseous.

“You’re young. A year is not forever.”

True. A year isn’t forever. But living in Winter Falls was never part of my plans.

“I know but this isn’t part of my life plan.”

He studies me. “Maybe it’s time to change your life plan. A bit of spontaneity can spice things up.”

Spontaneity? He can keep it. He didn’t wake up to a rockstar strutting around his kitchen in his boxer shorts. Speaking of rockstars.

“Do you know anything about Saffron renting out her house?”

He clears his throat. What he doesn’t do is answer, which is an answer in and of itself. He knows, but he’s not talking.

“Can I tear up the rental agreement since Grandma’s gone?”

He frowns. “I’m afraid not.”

Am I stuck living with Cash in my house? Not if I don’t live here.

“Leaving Winter Falls is becoming more and more appealing by the minute.”

“Please stay. Saffron wouldn’t have made the stipulation without a reason.”

But what reason? Why did she want me to stay in Winter Falls? Did she know Cash would rent the house? And why didn’t she tell me any of this before?

“I will.” I doubt I’ll think of anything else until I make up my mind.

There goes my plan to leave Winter Falls as quick as I can. Thanks, Grandma. Supreme Meddler of the Universe.

Chapter 7

Secret – won’t remain unknown for long in Winter Falls

Cash

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