“Sure.” I took a sip of water. “Isn’t that near my apartment?”
She nodded. “Yeah.”
“I didn’t know you had any projects in that area.” Then again, I had no idea where they did anything. I assumed they only dealt in luxury properties. Were they going to transform my street into something fancy-schmancy? What would happen to Mrs. Brooks? She couldn’t afford to pay rent in a high-end place.
Neither could I.
“This is the first. Lincoln wants to pursue it.”
I furrowed my brow. “What will you do to the building?”
“That’s why I’m waiting for the inspection. I’m thinking we’ll have to demolish it, But best-case scenario is we can renovate.” She rinsed her empty glass out.
“Is it occupied?” I asked quietly.
There had been a rumor a few years ago that our building was going to be bought and we’d all be kicked out of our apartments. The worry and stress the idea had caused was awful. In the end, nothing had changed, so I’d assumed the property hadn’t been sold.
“Yes. And how they get away with it, I’ll never understand,” she said coldly. “The conditions are a disgrace.”
Beau had never judged anyone for their living arrangements or financial situation. And she wasn’t now. She sounded downright angry on the tenants’ behalf.
“What will happen to them if you buy it?”
She looked a little embarrassed. “They’ll have to find somewhere else to go.”
It was their business. I understood, and obviously they were very good at it.
But the Lincoln who’d showed me his heart wouldn’t leave people in a situation like that. The one who argued with me and dictated his edicts might.
Beau? I couldn’t picture her doing it either.
“He’s been after me about this property. He won’t let it go and, because I can’t say no to my brother, I’m buying it.” She placed her glass in the dishwasher and dried off her hands.
“Why isn’t he buying it?”
She flashed me an annoyed look. “Getting information out of Lincoln is impossible.”
I nodded. Did this have to do with the frozen assets? I’d never comprehend parts of their world. It was just too different. Most of my assets would actually fit in a freezer.
“I need to run.” She kissed my cheek. “Tell Eric I said bye.” When she was almost to the door she turned with a gleam in her eye. “And move whatever of Lincoln’s crap you need to so you can fit yours in his closet.”
She floated out before I could respond. I guessed it was obvious we weren’t in a hurry to go back to our place. My face got hot. I still wasn’t used to the idea, but I wasn’t going to run from it either.
So, I sent Beau a text.
It’s Bob Ross night. Come if you can.
And suddenly got responses from Teague and Pepper.
Heck yeah.
We’re in.
Had I accidentally done a group text? I was thrilled for them to come. It would be good for all of us.
I guess the misfits are coming.
I snickered at Beau’s text. She’d started the group text.
See all of you tonight.
I included a link with the address, suddenly excited. We’d been making our deliveries, but it wasn’t in our routine way. We hadn’t been to our apartment in days. We hadn’t helped our neighbors or volunteered at the food bank. And Bob Ross night was one of the great pieces of our old life I wanted to keep.
I tilted my head. I’d always said the routine was mostly for Eric. Maybe I needed it as much as he did to stay balanced.
I sent Beau another text.
I keep forgetting to ask. Are you up for piano lessons soon?
Eric had been through so much. He wanted the piano lessons, and I’d had to cancel when we’d lost Garrison’s business. Beau had agreed to teach him. We’d just never set up a time.
Three dots flashed.
For you I am.
I sent her a kissy face emoji. Now I just had to find a piano.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Lincoln
“To the kitchen?”
I glanced at Lexie in the rearview mirror.
She shook her head and pointed to the left. “Go that way. We have masterpieces to create.”
“I thought the dog food was your masterpiece?” I asked.
I didn’t blame her for not wanting to go to the kitchen. It was the place of her arrest. Truthfully, I wasn’t keen on reliving that night either. I didn’t know the effect it had on Eric, but I imagined it wasn’t the best thing for him either. He’d seemed okay with it every day when we’d come to make the next batch of dog food. Maybe better than I had. But we’d been so busy trying to make up for Lexie’s absence—an impossibility. So far, no one had complained that their dog wouldn’t eat the food we’d made. Eric and I had followed the recipes to the letter of Lexie’s instructions.
The distance between my apartment and the kitchen, coupled with the negative memories, had been taxing. Perhaps we needed to find a kitchen closer to the apartment.
Except we may not be living in that area soon.
“It’s one of our masterpieces,” Eric said. “We have many dogs’ stamps of approval.”
That they did. And I wanted to figure out a way to get it into even more dogs’ paws.
“Turn right at the next light,” Lexie said.
She’d been quiet today. All business, though she seemed less burdened. Was that because she told me she loved me? I still wasn’t sure how to accept that this incredible woman thought she loved me. I didn’t deserve it. But did I feel the same? Was that what these strange sensations in my chest were?
Everything was changing so fast. It was a lot to take in if it was only our budding relationship. With so many underlying factors, it was understandable if she needed time to process.
Would that time come for me?
I hadn’t taken a moment to think lately. I’d simply done a whole lot of doing. Like turning my phone off so I could focus on Lexie and Eric’s business instead of my own.
I had employees to think about, but I’d set them up to sustain more than a few days without me. Hollingsworth Properties was strong and secure. I’d made certain of it.
What if those titles come up bad for the company too?
Some of them likely would, but it wasn’t our entire portfolio.
I’d gambled sometimes, though I’d offset it with safer bets. I might hate my father and couldn’t care less if he lost it all, but I loved Hollingsworth Properties. I devoted my life to it. I would not let it crumble.
Eric pointed ahead. “It’s Bob Ross day!” he shouted. “How could I forget?”
His enthusiasm was contagious. Lexie smiled to herself. She’d known this was how the day would conclude all along, that it had slipped her brother’s mind. And she knew he’d be thrilled to do what he loved.
A small crowd was gathered outside the community center. As we drove closer, I recognized Teague, Beau, and Pepper.