I open the cupboards and check the oven, before moving onto the floor and the lighting. It’s a lovely kitchen, and I could cook up a storm here, but the oven will not last long.
“The space is narrow, but if you knocked down the wall for the dining room, you could have a kitchen/dining room combined, and make the space larger. I would replace the oven, but it would do the trick for one person. Other than that, I would personally add some more cupboard space, but I would have so many baking supplies that I would need it. If this is for you, then I’d say it’s perfect.” I stop twirling around, and he looks at the oven pensively.
“The oven can go, I’ll get some built in instead. A large fridge freezer and knocking down the wall will be fine. Right, the last stop is the garden, and then I need to take a quick look at the bedroom before we can go. You can join me if you’d like, or wait in the car. It’s up to you.” He doesn’t wait for my answer before he walks outside and I duck my head inside the open dining room door, before hurrying to join him.
The space is crazy, it’s long and wide, with a treehouse and swing. There’s a pond at the bottom and an archway covered in roses. It’s so pretty, and every flower adds to the beauty of it, I can’t see a single weed. There’s even... no, it can’t be. I rush over to the greenhouse and look at all the herbs and vegetables that are growing inside. Whoever owns this house now is my kind of person.
“What will you do with the treehouse?”
“Knock it down or keep it for my niece, I bet she’d love it. When she gets older, of course. Unless I get a spiral staircase built so she doesn’t have to climb a rope ladder.” He rubs at his chin again, as he stares up at it.
“Will you keep the greenhouse? Or...”
“I don’t really know what I’ll do with it, I didn’t even realize it had one. I’ve only seen photos of the inside, and this is the only time I could get out to view it.”
“Where’s the agent then? Aren’t they supposed to escort us around?” I ask, looking around, as if they’ll magically appear, now that I’ve mentioned it.
“She’ll be meeting us outside to see if I want it or not. It isn’t as though I’m going to trash the place or anything, so we’re safe.” He turns around and heads back inside.
We go upstairs and the bathroom has a glass-enclosed shower, with a massage function built in. There’s a claw-foot bathtub, and, of course, a sink and toilet.
They have painted the first bedroom in grey, and it has a large bay window, with a seat beneath it. It looks out onto the garden. I bet it would look beautiful in the winter, covered in snow. There’s an en suite attached, and a built-in wardrobe.
The next room has a window seat as well, with a queen bed set up, and another built-in wardrobe. There is so much floor space, it’s unreal, but it doesn’t feel too big. It isn’t like the Academy where you feel as though you’ll get lost. Or if you fill a room up, you know there is no way the stuff would ever fit once you finally return home. If you return home.
“There’s also an attic room, but I’ve seen enough. Come on, Tiny One, it’s time to go.”
We walk back downstairs and out of the house, and a stylish woman comes into view. She gives Tucker a warm smile, and an appreciative stare, before smiling at me.
“So, what do we think? As I said before, I could probably swing permission if there are any changes you want to be made. The seller is looking to move on quickly, so I could get the paperwork finalized quicker than usual. All you have to do is say yes.” She smiles at him and he returns it easily.
“The dining room wall will need to go, I want to open it up into the kitchen. Will he be leaving the greenhouse and items inside, or taking them with him?”
“He’s leaving everything you saw in there, so you can keep it, sell it, or throw it. The choice is yours. So, do we have a deal?” She holds her hand out to him and he stares at it for a second or two.
“I’ll take it.” He engulfs her hand in his and then it’s done. Just like that, Tucker has purchased a house. It shouldn’t be that easy.
We drive for a few hours and I still don’t know who we are going to visit. I don’t even know where his new home is, I really should have paid more attention. His phone rings and he glances at it quickly before swearing under his breath. We pull to the side; he climbs out and walks off to the side.
I can’t really hear what is being said, but occasionally a few words reach me.
“Fuck...”
“Screw you...”
“Don’t push me...”
It’s been ten minutes when he slides back in. I stare out the windshield and pretend I am not dying of curiosity. He puts the car back into gear, and then we’re on the move once more. I watch as the streets become more familiar, and then we’re pulling into a diner. I’m choking on the ball lodged in my throat.
“We can only stay for lunch, then we have to get moving. I just thought this may be a good place to try.” He throws his phone into the footwell and then gets out, and I don’t even wait.
I’m out of the car and running up to the doors, I can see my mom placing plates on the side before she’s running toward me and we meet in the doorway. I can’t believe we’re here, and I can see my mom in person.
“Luna bean,” she says on a sob and I can barely contain my own. Tucker hasn’t even joined us yet, and I love that he’s giving us this moment.
“I miss you so much, mama.” She soothes my hair away from my face, before pulling away and holding me by my shoulders.
“You look good, baby, healthy, and dare I say happy? Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, mama. I’m eating way too much food and studying every moment I get. But I always find time for baking.” She laughs at that, and then steers me inside. It isn’t long before Tucker is taking the seat opposite, and my mom takes the one to my right.
“So, you must be Tucker,” she says politely, as she looks him over.
“Yes, ma’am. It’s nice to speak to you in person.” What does he mean by that? Has he been talking to my mom?
“I agree, although I must admit. I’ve had it in my mind that I have to hate you, and I’m not sure if I’ve changed my opinion yet.” I love her honesty, I just hope he doesn’t try to cut her down.
“It makes sense, I wouldn’t like me either. However, as we discussed, I have brought her. We’ve got about an hour before we leave. Make sure you tell her everything, ma’am. Before someone else does and believe me. A lot of people deal in secrets, it’s better she hears this one from you.”
“Mom, what is he talking about?”
“We’ll talk, I promise. Let me just grab you both something to eat and then... I’ll take an extended break. I’m sure Tony won’t mind.” She rushes off, without even asking what Tucker would like to eat.
“Do you have any idea what she’s going to bring me?” he asks quietly, and I have to think for a minute.
“She’ll probably just order us the same thing, a chocolate shake and a burger with chili fries. It’s what I always ordered whenever she brought me in here.”