34. “Never Going Back Again”

34

"NEVER GOING BACK AGAIN"

FLEETWOOD MAC

I spent most of Saturday floating in the pool, but I did manage to get Roxy into the Jeep and over to the dog-friendly beach nearby. By the time Sunday rolled around, I was more than ready to FaceTime the kids. They seemed more surprised than I was about Uncle Mike's offer.

"I can't wait for winter break! Which room is mine? What does Roxy think of all this?"

Anna and Roxy had always had the cutest relationship, behaving more like siblings than anything else.

"She's thrilled. But she wants to know when you two are coming for a visit."

"This project is going to be in full swing once the designs get approved, so I'm working with the team to see when the best time would be for me to disappear for a few days," Jason replied.

"And my semester is starting to pick up, so it might be a little bit for me, but I will try really hard to get down there as soon as I can, Mom."

"Ok, ok. I know you both have lives of your own. I just miss you. And I want you to meet everyone here. "

"Sounds like quite a cast of characters. Anna and I will make a plan. I promise. We will be there soon, Mom. I actually need to run a little early. I'm going to the Patriots game tonight. They're honoring Patriot's Day tomorrow, so I need to go a little early so I can stop and pick up a new jersey at the stadium. I'll send you some pictures from the ceremony before kickoff."

"I'd love that. I hope you have a blast."

"I'm going to scoot as well, Mom. My roommates planned a game night, and I'm in charge of snacks."

We said goodbye and ended the call, and I couldn't help but laugh that my kids had a more active social life than I did.

But that was quickly changing.

Later that night, I got the text I'd been dreading from Kari.

Kari Kari Bo Berry: Guess what?

Chicken butt?

Kari Kari Bo Berry: Will you ever grow up?

Not likely. But you love me regardless.

Kari Kari Bo Berry: You know I do. Anyway, I wanted to let you know the contractor gave us the timeline for a potential move-back-in date. They made a lot of progress on the house while I was gone.

That's great news!

Kari Kari Bo Berry: It is. I think. I'm not sure how I feel about it, actually. On one hand, I'm thrilled to go back to some semblance of my normal life, but I know what that means.

Kari Kari Bo Berry: *grimace emoji*

Kari Kari Bo Berry: You're going to be making a decision about this house, and I'm pretty sure what that decision is going to be.

I know this is difficult for you, and I'm so sorry! But you're right. I do have to make a decision about selling that house at some point. It might as well be sooner rather than later.

Kari Kari Bo Berry: Ugh. *single tear emoji* I know. What do you need me to do?

Could you maybe look around and see what I would need to fix up in order to get the house ready to put on the market? Maybe have your contractor go over and get an estimate together on any repairs that would be needed?

Kari Kari Bo Berry: I'd be happy to. I can also see what personal photos and things like that should be taken down and try to hide some of your valuables. You've got a lot going on there right now, and you don't need to be going back and forth handling all this. You've been so kind to let us stay here, especially not knowing what kind of mischief the boys would get into while under your roof. I'm happy to take the lead on some of this and get your house ready to go on the market if that's what you decide.

I appreciate that. It shouldn't be too bad. It's just been me for the last few years, and I don't make much of a mess. So the majority of it should just be maybe some chewing damage from Roxy.

Kari Kari Bo Berry: I think it's only minor touch-ups.

So what is he thinking as far as the timeline?

Kari Kari Bo Berry: He says they're going to be finished within the next week. So he could probably be here working on your house the following week, but let me check with him. Do you have a realtor in mind?

I haven't moved anywhere in a while, but I can ask around.

Kari Kari Bo Berry: I'll do the same and send you a few phone numbers so you can pick one.

I know this is a sad time for us both, but hopefully with the boys in school, you'll have more time to visit.

Kari Kari Bo Berry: Trust me, I'm already planning my next trip. Are the kids coming down for a visit soon?

Yes, I just spoke to them, and it sounds like they are making some plans to come down in the next month or so. I'm sure I'll be seeing them a lot during the cold weather months.

Kari Kari Bo Berry: Now that you'll be living in a vacation destination, you'll probably see them more than ever.

From your lips to God's ear.

I waited a minute to see if any more texts would come in from her, but I understood her well enough to know she was probably stress-cleaning my house and wouldn't get back to her phone until it was time to call me later.

As I was making myself a quick dinner that night, a text came in from my uncle.

Uncle Mike: Are you busy tomorrow morning?

No meetings, just a few projects to work on.

Uncle Mike: Can you meet me at the attorney's office? The papers are ready.

Papers?

Uncle Mike: For your new house.

…

Uncle Mike: It'll be fine. I'll send you the address. Meet me there at ten. I love you!

I love you too!

While the idea of owning the house I was currently vacationing in had still not quite settled in my mind, the reality was here. Or it would be in less than twenty-four hours.

The next time I made myself dinner in that kitchen, I would officially be a Floridian.

It was signing day! I'd gone to bed the night before a jumble of emotions, but when I woke up, the sun was streaming through my windows. When I stepped out onto the balcony to stretch and say good morning to the flowers in the pots I'd set out there, a family was walking out of the birthing center with a brand new baby… and it felt like a sign.

New beginnings were everywhere. Even for me.

I pulled into the parking lot of the attorney's office complex at nine forty-five and decided to sit outside for a few minutes to collect myself.

Just two short months before, I was struggling to visualize the direction my life was supposed to take. And there I was, hundreds of miles away from the home I had created for my family, in the process of creating a home near a family that had chosen me .

What did this mean in terms of my home in Madison? Was I ready to let go of all the past that it contained? And would my new house in Florida ever feel as if it were truly my home?

I still had difficulty wrapping my mind around the idea of Uncle Mike's house becoming mine, but I had no trouble grasping just how lucky I was.

I had a general idea of what my responsibilities were moving forward, and the thought of having to come up with the funds for a tax bill that was five times as large as the one for my house in Madison kind of made me sick. But not having a mortgage hanging over my head and the potential for some additional income definitely helped lessen those concerns.

I turned off my Jeep and got out just as Uncle Mike pulled into the parking lot.

"Looking dashing as always, Uncle Mike."

"Hey, kid! It definitely helps to own a clothing store. Well, are you ready to own a home in Florida?"

The knot already growing in my stomach twisted just a bit. "I just?—"

"I know you're looking to say thank you again, Paige, and you don't need to. Just knowing you will be loving the house, taking care of it, and appreciating it the way I have makes it all worthwhile. Plus, knowing it's going to be such a big part of your fulfillment in this next stage of your life is more than enough thanks for me. It makes me so happy to do this, honey. It honestly does."

As we approached the door to the office, he added, "This was always the intention. The benefit to us doing this now is that I am alive to enjoy it."

"I'm grateful for that as well, Uncle Mike. "

Ever the gentleman, he held open the door for me. As I walked past, he shouted, "Let's get this party started!"

"Inside voice, Mike," said the portly pinstripe-suited man standing inside the reception area.

"I'm just sad I forgot the confetti."

"And I can't thank you enough for that." The man turned his attention to me.

"Paige, it's great to meet you. My name is Phil," he said as we shook hands. His brown eyes were kind, and his hands soft, both of which helped put me at ease.

"My Uncle Mike has nothing but good things to say about you."

Phil chuckled. "Your Uncle Mike is a liar, but that's neither here nor there. Shall we get started?"

Phil turned and led us into an office just off the reception area. The window looked out onto downtown Dunedin, and I could see my soon-to-be-new neighbors walking here and there. The thought that I would come to know many of them in the days and years ahead excited me.

"Everyone have a seat," said Phil, holding his arms out to point out the chairs on the other side of the table. "I have three copies here, one for each of you to keep and one for me to file. Let's begin."

As we went through the voluminous stack of papers in front of us, initialing and signing next to bright orange tabs, it seemed there should be more involved in the process of taking over someone's house, something they've put their all into for decades. But alas, a mere few signatures later and Uncle Mike's dreams became mine.

Phil stacked the papers neatly in front of him, then rubbed his freshly shaved dome. "All done, and in record time. Be sure to contact a good accountant. I have a list of those I recommend to all my real estate clients. They can help you plan for next year's tax season. And, Mike, as I'm sure you're already aware, there will be some tax implications involved in this transaction. But if you plan ahead, it will make your life a lot easier next April."

Uncle Mike stood and stretched the long limbs he and my father had hogged every last gene for. "I appreciate the heads-up. All right, we're gonna get going now. Thank you so much for all your help with this, Phil."

"My pleasure, as always. And if you have any other houses to give away, you know where to find me. Paige, it's been a treat meeting you. If you have any questions about this paperwork, or if your accountant needs any additional information, just have them reach out to me."

As we walked toward the door to leave, my uncle turned around. "Phil, that tie could use a refresh. Stop by the store, would ya? It's right across the street. Let me know if you need me to draw you a map."

Phil laughed and lifted up the end of his tie, inspecting it. "The kids gave me this for Father's Day last year."

"Well, they have impeccable taste." He rolled his eyes. "However, if you're looking for something a little less… horizontal striped, you know where to go."

"That I do. Point taken, Mike. I guess I'll be stopping in soon. Thanks for the heads up on my fashion faux pas."

"That's what I'm here for! Look forward to seeing you."

We shook hands with Phil and walked out of the office together.

Uncle Mike held the door open for me again. "Do you have time for lunch?"

"We've met before, right? I always have time for lunch."

We headed three doors down to Cat's Bites. Betty looked over and smiled when we walked in. "Sit anywhere, and I'll be right over."

As we walked to an open booth, I looked around. The café was busy, but there were plenty of open tables. "It looks like we beat the rush."

"That's too bad. Definitely not looking forward to going back to the store to fold V-neck sweaters. And socks. Why must we fold socks? I've asked Chris several times if we can throw them into a big basket and let people dig for them. It'll help them feel right at home. He hasn't gone for the idea yet, but I haven't given up."

"Well, I have plenty of clothes to fold at home myself, so feel free to take your time."

Betty stopped by our booth and took our orders. She and Uncle Mike gossiped about some drama that had befallen the store owner next door. I was trying not to eavesdrop, but it sounded like a lease issue, and they would be closing up shop soon. I always hated hearing news like that, even secondhand about someone I didn't even know.

When she walked away to put our orders in, Uncle Mike jumped right in. "What's going on with the retreat? Tell me about your progress."

"Oh, my goodness. So much progress! Kari found a yoga instructor who will come in on Saturday mornings to lead a class. And for those who aren't confident or able to do yoga, she's going to put together a mindfulness session."

His face twisted in an exaggerated grimace. "Oh, that sounds terrible."

"Well, be sure not to stop by for it. But I'm hoping my writers will love it."

"I'm sure they will. I'm just not so keen on all the bending and sweating that's involved."

"You could do with a little more flexibility in your life. You'd be surprised what you can get out of a tree pose. "

"I doubt I could get out of a tree pose."

We both had a good laugh at his turn of phrase, but Uncle Mike had always appreciated his own brand of humor best. His loud wheezing laughter, followed by an ear-piercing "HA!" turned a few heads in our direction.

"I can't take you anywhere," I said, shaking my head. "I've met Dad's friend, Caleb, a few times now, and he's been so helpful to me. I plan on asking if he would come and teach a few sessions on Friday mornings."

"Oh, that would be huge , Paige. That's definitely a value add you can put on your website and social media to attract more writers."

Betty had returned with ice-cold water, and my uncle took a sip of his while looking at me over the edge of the glass. He set it down and made himself busy using his napkin to wipe up the condensation that had dripped on the table.

"Honey… I… I know how much you were struggling, so to hear the confidence in your voice right now means so much to me. I cannot wait to read your book when you finish."

The small difference between "if" and "when" did not escape my notice. His confidence in me after years of producing nothing but excuses caused an unfamiliar feeling to swell in my chest. Pride .

"What about food? I'm assuming you'll be offering food at some point over the weekend. Hopefully, something aside from cheese."

"Haha, so funny. Actually, Cat is going to deliver lunches, and my friend Jenna from book club has offered to provide some of the breakfast items. Mostly baked goods and maybe some desserts to keep around for later. We writers tend to get a sweet tooth right around two a.m."

"Excellent! Cat's a real firecracker and her food is excellent. And Jenna… Jenna… She works here, right? Is her husband's name Craig?"

I got a sick feeling at the mention of his name. "It is. How do you know him? "

He looked down at the table where his hands were fiddling with his napkin.

"A little too well, unfortunately." His tone suggested he was done with the topic, but his expression said otherwise. He looked concerned.

"Your face is telling me there's more to the story. Spill."

"I would like you to be careful around Craig."

The plot thickens.

"How do you know him?" I repeated.

My uncle stretched his long legs out under the table and sat back in the booth, crossing his arms. "He was my groundskeeper for a few years, and he started out great. But several months ago, he became unreliable and a little volatile, and I had to let him go."

"Oh no!" This simple disclosure, mixed with Jenna's odd behavior, had started to paint a picture, and not one I'd hang on the fridge.

"It was just as well because I found that I was able to do most of what he was doing for me on my own. So if you find that you need a little help, I will give you the number of the person I've been using for everything beyond my ability."

"That would be great. There's not a lot of grass, but I'm not one hundred percent confident I can maintain all the tropical foliage. Can't say we had a lot of palm trees in Madison."

"No, that's for sure. It took me a long time before I was familiar with how to care for what was growing on the property when I bought it, but over time, I figured most of it out. You're going to have your hands full, so it might not be a bad idea to have someone around who can help you maintain them. Just not Craig. Promise me."

Our lunch arrived, and the rest of our visit passed without further mention of his former groundskeeper, but he lingered like the smell of burnt hair. We talked about my visit with Kari, the house, the retreat, book club, golf, and the haberdashery, but in the back of my mind, I couldn't stop thinking about the expression on his face when he was talking about Craig.

I was shocked by how my uncle had danced around the subject while still being quite direct. I knew without a doubt my uncle did not want me dealing with Craig. I just had no idea why he was so adamant about it.

I'd find out soon enough.