Chapter 5

CHAPTER FIVE

In the days after the run-in with Hudson at Dorothy Burrows' house, Lori threw herself into crafting the perfect proposal for Dorothy's property. Yes, the older woman had said she would decide primarily based on the interview, as strange as it had been, but Lori had long learned that there was no such thing as being overprepared.

She felt invigorated as she set up shop on her kitchen island, which was nowhere near as gigantic as Dorothy's, her laptop in front of her. On one side of the device, she placed a legal pad and pen. On the other, she poured a glass of white wine and popped herself a bowl of popcorn. This had been her ‘late night work' snack for years and it had served her well.

Also, she thought happily as she crunched a few salty, buttery pieces, it was pretty darn delicious too.

She wiped her fingers on a napkin and dove into her research.

There were far more things than just the property itself to consider when selling a house. There was the neighborhood, the neighbors, the nearby amenities. Families would want to know about the school district, about parks and playgrounds. How many places could a resident go without getting on the highway? What grocery stores were nearby?

A good real estate proposal, in Lori's opinion, didn't just promote a property. It sold a way of life, let the new inhabitants picture themselves living in a place, just as it allowed the old owners to picture an afterlife for their home, even once they no longer resided within its walls.

Real estate, to her, was a labor of love.

And, well… She didn't mind the part that meant she got to win over Hudson either. She loved that part too.

Eventually though, the love she had for her job—and for proving triumphant—wasn't enough to keep her eyes from threatening to drift closed right where she sat at the kitchen island. She closed her laptop with a sigh, stretched, and put her popcorn bowl and wine glass in the sink. She might hate to admit it, but late nights were harder these days.

Although, she thought with a grin, she wouldn't mind staying up late if she was doing it to help out with a grandbaby.

She could practically hear her daughters' voices in her head as she washed her face and put on her pajamas. She might be a little grandchild-obsessed these days, but she couldn't help it.

The next morning, she rose bright and early to meet with Charity and Dominic at Charity's house, to discuss their upcoming sale. When she arrived at Charity's front door, she was greeted first by the raucous sound of a dog barking, and then, before she could so much as knock, the door opening and two children tumbling out.

"Luke, Addie!" Dominic's voice preceded the man himself, who looked as though the morning had been going on for quite some time already. "Please be cautious! You almost knocked over Ms. Sims."

"Sorry!" chorused little voices over their shoulders as they hurried to the car.

Lori couldn't stifle a chuckle at the harried look on Dominic's face.

"Sorry, Lori," he said tiredly, following the kids. "We're so late. I'll drop them off at school and be right back to talk things over. Charity's in through the kitchen with some coffee though."

"Don't worry," she assured him. "I'm not in a rush. I remember those days all too well."

Indeed, Addie's little curly head reminded Lori of her own daughters. She could practically picture them at that age, hair bouncing with that same energy that children never seemed to run out of.

He nodded his thanks in passing as Lucas called from the car, "Hurry, hurry! We're going to be late for school!"

Dominic's stifled groan was one familiar to every parent. Lori chuckled as she stuck her head in the door that the exiting trio had left open.

"Hello?" she called.

"Lori, hi!" Lori followed Charity's voice to find the woman in question. Charity was in the kitchen, quickly neatening a pile of children's drawings, pencils, and other miscellaneous school supplies. She looked up at Lori with a rueful smile.

"We were just about ready to head out the door when Lucas realized he was missing a permission slip for his class's upcoming trip to the marine center," she said by way of explanation. "We tore through everything looking for it. And guess where we found it?"

Something in Charity's expression gave Lori the answer instantly. "Exactly where it was supposed to be?"

"Bingo," Charity told her with a laugh. "So, mom to mom, do they ever stop doing that?"

"I think my last panic-search was when Marty was about seventeen and couldn't find her retainer before heading off to an overnight trip with some club or other," Lori said. "So you've got some ways to go."

"Darn," Charity said, snapping her fingers in a gesture of mock-chagrin. Then she brightened. "Although, I bet having only one house to search will be a huge improvement!"

"It definitely will," Lori agreed with a chuckle.

The two women sat down to coffee while they waited for Dominic's return. The brew was, of course, incredible. Lori would have expected nothing less from the owner of the best coffee shop in town.

Even as they chatted about this and that, Lori's mind raced with possibilities for the property. It was a great family home, of course, with a yard and a downstairs layout that was open enough for parents to supervise their kids, but not so open that a play area couldn't be corralled into one spot. That was essential, Lori had learned with her own daughters, to stop toys from getting everywhere . It was the kind of house that would get sold in a flash in a family-friendly town like Whale Harbor.

As proof of how family-friendly the town was, Dominic was able to return quickly because the excellent elementary school that Lori always hyped to potential buyers was only a few minutes' drive away.

"You survived," Charity joked as Dominic entered the kitchen, a weary look on his face.

"Barely," he replied dryly, bending to give her a quick peck. "Addie decided she was very upset that she didn't get to go to the marine center with her class last year and was unimpressed when I pointed out that was because we lived in Boston last year."

Charity and Lori both chuckled.

"When I told her she'd been to the marine center many times, she said that was ‘not the same, obviously, Daddy.'" Dominic threw up his hands.

"Yeah, obviously," Charity teased. "Sheesh."

He ran a hand over his face, like he was wiping away ‘dad mode' and entering ‘business mode.' He sank into the chair next to Charity and turned to Lori with a smile.

For a beat, Lori found herself not yet shifted into her own ‘business mode.' There was something happening in her chest, a quiet, longing sort of pang for the sweet, domestic scene before her. The couple before her was deeply in love, yes, but they were also partners . It was that part, more than anything, that made Lori's heart twist just the littlest bit. It had been so very long since she'd had a partner of her own.

Then she realized the couple was looking at her expectantly and she shook her head, dispelling her silly musings. No sense dwelling on ‘what-ifs,' not when there was business to be accomplished.

With her best professional smile, she reached into her portfolio and brought out the pamphlet she'd assembled for Charity and Dominic.

"Okay," she said, clapping her hands together briskly. "Here's what I propose we do so we can attract the best buyers for your house."

She launched into details, her wistful thoughts fading as she slid into the comfortable role of businesswoman.

She may not have a partner, but in this regard, she didn't need one. Not when she was so great at her job.

Walking into her mom's house to the smell of strawberry rhubarb crumble was, for Darla, like stepping into the past. The summery dessert was Grandma Abby's recipe and had been a staple during Darla's childhood.

"Mom!" she called excitedly, letting herself in, balancing a large salad bowl on her hip as she kicked her shoes onto the shoe rack. "That smells amazing."

Lori stuck her head out of the kitchen, a grin on her face. "Hey, baby. And thanks. You know your grandma's recipe never fails us."

There was a quiet moment of recollection as they both turned their minds to Grandma Abby, a beloved presence in their family even after passing away several years before.

Just then, Marty entered, coming in right behind Darla, a tinfoil covered plate in her arms.

"Ooh!" she exclaimed, copying Darla's movements from moments before as she shucked her shoes. "Is that Grandma Abby's crumble I smell?"

"You know it," Lori said, coming forward to give each girl a kiss on the cheek. "All right, you two. Bring your food in here. What did you bring me?"

"Grilled corn," Marty said, hefting her plate.

"Just a simple salad, but I made the dressing," Darla added, brandishing her bowl.

"Show off," Marty teased.

They headed into the kitchen, where Lori had also made a plateful of grilled chicken sandwiches on thick ciabatta bread that looked and smelled delicious. With the efficiency of people who had lived together for years, they moved around one another to get the table set, drinks poured, and themselves seated.

"The Sims Women Convention is officially called to order," Marty quipped when they were all settled in with plates piled high with their various contributions to the meal.

Darla used her spoon like a pretend gavel. Lori chuckled.

"You joke, but I really want to know," Lori said. "What's going on with everyone? Spill, spill."

Darla reported on the upcoming summer events she had planned for the museum.

"We're focused on doing stuff that's good for families and adults," she reported. "Parents are clamoring for something to do with their kids while school is out."

She tried not to so much as glance at Marty at the mention of kids.

"Oof, yes," Lori said. "I remember trying to schedule anything to keep you girls busy during the summers. Thank goodness for Grandma Abby or I would have pulled my hair out."

"And what beautiful hair it is," Darla said, knowing her mother was charmingly vain about her red locks.

"Why thank you," Lori said, playfully preening.

"Interior design shops aren't big with kids," Marty contributed, "but I am loving the new arrivals we're getting in the shop. There are these incredible blown glass windchimes that have been selling like mad. Gotta thank my connection to the local artisan scene for that get," she added, sending Darla a wink.

The sisters clinked their wine glasses.

"How about you, Mom?" Darla asked.

"Oh, you know me, always keeping moving," Lori said airily.

"You haven't heard back about that big beachfront house?" Marty asked sympathetically.

"No!" Lori said, smacking her hand against the table for emphasis. "It's driving me nuts!"

Darla bit back her smile. Lori had many wonderful qualities, but she was not particularly known for her patience.

"Did she give you a sense of when you'll hear back?" Marty asked.

Lori's frown deepened. "Not really. She said ‘soon,' but it's been days, and—"

The comment was interrupted by the sharp ringing of Lori's phone where it sat over on the kitchen counter.

"Oh, sorry," their mom muttered, rising to her feet. "I should have shut that off… oh!" The last word came out like a squeak. "It's Dorothy!"

Darla felt her eyes grow wide as Marty's hands flew to cover her mouth.

"Answer it," Darla urged, not certain why she was whispering.

"On speaker!" Marty added. "We'll be quiet."

Darla nodded urgently.

"Okay, okay, hush," Lori added needlessly, flapping her hand at her daughters. She tapped her phone, cutting off the shrill ring. "Hello?"

"Hello, Lori, darling?"

Darling , Marty mouthed to Darla, looking delighted.

"Dorothy!" Lori exclaimed, glaring daggers at her daughters. "How are you?"

"I'm splendid, my dear, thank you for asking. And I think you're about to be splendid too, as I have some very good news for you." All three women in the room held their breath as Dorothy paused dramatically. "I have chosen you to sell my beloved home."

Darla and Marty cheered excitedly… and silently.

Lori, for her part, looked cool and collected, her professional mask firmly in place.

"Well, thank you, Dorothy, you can't know how pleased I am to hear that," she said smoothly. "And allow me to assure you that you're making the right choice. I have plenty of ideas that will help get your house sold to someone who will love it as much as you will… and who will get you an excellent price for it too, of course."

"Marvelous," Dorothy trilled. Darla grinned. This Dorothy certainly had a big personality. "I know I'm making the right choice. And I have plenty of ideas too. Let's have a tete-a-tete to discuss everything in a few days, shall we?"

"That sounds great," Lori agreed.

"Indeed it does. All right, darling. I'll let you get back to your evening. Toodles!"

The instant Lori hung up the phone, her daughters were on their feet, exclaiming their happiness and wrapping their mom in a hug.

"Yay, Mom!" Marty cried, jumping up and down a little.

"You did it!" Darla cheered.

Lori wrapped each girl in one arm, squeezing them close until they were all cheek to cheek.

"I never doubted it," she said, her confidence firmly in place. When her smile grew more wicked, Darla suspected that she knew what was coming next. Judging from the way Marty looked at her, Marty had the same thought.

"I can't wait," Lori said excitedly, proving them right, "to tell Hudson Boone that I won."

"Oh, Mom." Darla laughed into Lori's shoulder.

"What?" Lori demanded incredulously.

Marty just laughed. Some things, apparently, never changed.

Not even when that change might be for the best.