Chapter 28

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

Kinley reached into her purse, her fingers brushing against various items until she found the business card she had been looking for—Lance Barton, Realtor. Today was the day she would visit the realty office and finally take the leap toward listing her home. It felt like a new beginning, one she had been contemplating for months.

She grabbed her keys and headed out the door, her heart racing with a mix of excitement and nervousness. The drive to the brokerage was filled with thoughts of what lay ahead. Would her home sell quickly? How would the process unfold? As she parked her car in the bustling lot, she took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was to come. The air was thick with the promise of change.

Inside the office, the atmosphere buzzed with activity. Agents spoke animatedly on phones, discussing listings and negotiations. Kinley scanned the room, searching for Lance. It didn't take long for her to spot him at his desk, a welcoming smile spreading across his face as he caught her gaze.

"Kinley, it's great to see you!" Lance exclaimed, standing up to greet her. His enthusiasm was infectious, easing some of her nerves. "What brings you in today?"

Kinley returned his smile, the tension in her shoulders gradually receding. "Actually, I've been thinking a lot, and… I'm ready to list my home."

Lance's smile widened. "I'm glad to hear that. Let me walk you through the process."

Just then, a second man walked by and stopped when he saw them. "Hello there, I'm Max," he introduced himself, extending a hand to Kinley.

"Kinley," she introduced herself, offering her hand for a quick shake.

"I couldn't help but overhear that you're listing your home?"

She ginned. "I am."

Max nodded emphatically, a spark of enthusiasm in his voice. "I hear you live in Brookhaven. What a beautiful place. I had some friends who lived there, and they always raved about it. You're very lucky."

Kinley smiled at the compliment. "Thank you. I actually grew up there, so I'm probably biased, but it's a great neighborhood."

"Well, it was great meeting you."

Max wished her luck and moved on, leaving Kinley and Lance to continue their conversation. Lance led her to a small conference room where they could discuss the details privately. They began to talk about her property—its features, any recent upgrades, and her expectations for the sale. They dove deeper into the logistics of the listing—discussing pricing strategies, staging tips, and scheduling an appointment for Lance to come over and take photos of the house.

"Let's aim for tomorrow afternoon if that gives you enough time," Lance suggested, pulling out his calendar. "I want to make sure we showcase your home in the best light."

"Sounds great," Kinley replied, feeling a wave of excitement wash over her. "I can't believe this is finally happening."

As they finalized the details, Kinley's heart raced with the anticipation of what was to come. The idea of moving on from her home filled her with hope, even as a small part of her felt nostalgic. This place held so many memories—both joyful and painful—but she was ready for a fresh start.

After they finished scheduling the appointment, Lance looked at her earnestly. "If you have any questions or concerns during the process, don't hesitate to reach out. I'm here to help."

Kinley nodded, appreciating his support. "Thank you, Lance. I really appreciate it."

As she left the office, Kinley felt lighter, as if a burden had been lifted. She stepped out into the bright sunlight, her mind racing with possibilities. This was the first step toward a new chapter in her life, and she was determined to embrace it fully.

But even as excitement coursed through her, a lingering unease settled in the back of her mind—a reminder that change often came with its own set of challenges. She shook her head, trying to dismiss the thought.

* * *

Kinley moved through the house in a frenzy, her mind whirling as she mentally checked items off her list. She'd been at it for hours, ensuring that every surface gleamed and every item was in its rightful place. The house had to be perfect. Today, it needed to look its absolute best.

She passed through the living room and ran the cloth over a spot she'd missed on the coffee table, then straightened the cushions on the couch. Bright sunlight streamed through the freshly cleaned windows, casting a warm glow over the beige carpet that still had the distinct, slightly chemical smell of newness.

In the kitchen, she double-checked the appliances, making sure there were no smudges or fingerprints. She arranged a bowl of bright green apples on the counter, their crispness and color a deliberate choice to add a touch of vibrancy to the room. The counters were spotless, the backsplash gleamed, and the faint scent of lemon cleaner lingered in the air.

She moved upstairs, checking the bedrooms. In the master, she fluffed the pillows and straightened the bedspread. She made sure the closets were neat, the floors vacuumed, and the curtains drawn back to let in as much natural light as possible. The bathrooms were her final stop. She ensured the mirrors were streak-free, the sinks and tubs scrubbed, and the towels neatly folded.

Finally, she stepped back, surveying her work with a critical eye. The house was immaculate, a testament to her dedication and effort. She took a deep breath, trying to calm the flutter of nerves in her stomach. It was time.

The doorbell rang, echoing through the quiet house. Kinley wiped her hands on her jeans and went to answer it. Lance stood on the porch, and he turned a warm smile her way as she opened the door.

"Morning, Kinley," he greeted her, stepping inside. "The house looks fantastic."

"Thanks, Lance," Kinley replied, fighting down the nerves threatening to creep into her voice. "I hope it's good enough."

"It's perfect," he assured her. "Ready to get started?"

Kinley nodded and watched as Lance set up his camera and tripod in the living room. She hung back, not wanting to get in his way. She leaned against the kitchen counter, watching as he meticulously framed each shot, adjusting the lighting and angles to capture the house in its best light.

He moved methodically from room to room, occasionally muttering to himself or adjusting something slightly. Kinley followed at a distance, anxious but hopeful. Each click of the camera felt like a step closer to a new beginning.

After what felt like an eternity, Lance finally lowered his camera and packed up his equipment. He turned to Kinley with a satisfied smile.

"All done," he said. "The photos turned out great. I'll have these edited and get the listing created. It should be up on the market by the end of the week."

Kinley let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. "That's great news. What happens now?"

"Now," Lance replied, "we wait for the offers to come in. The new carpet and the updates you've made will definitely help. Buyers love move-in ready homes. I'm hopeful we'll see some interest quickly."

Kinley nodded, feeling a mix of relief and anticipation. "I hope so. It's been a lot of work."

Lance gave her a reassuring smile. "It'll pay off. I'll be in touch as soon as we have any news."

As he left, Kinley closed the door behind him and leaned against it, closing her eyes for a moment. The house was ready, the photos taken, and the listing would be up soon. All she could do now was wait and hope for the best.

She glanced around the house, taking in the spotless rooms and the faint smell of fresh carpet. She had done everything she could. Now, it was in fate's hands.