Page 55 of Baby, It’s You (Clairesville #1)

Olive

A fter the news breaks about Tripp having no legal ownership of the bar, I decide to stick around town to see what happens.

I know I don’t have the money from the fund anymore, but maybe if the bar goes up for auction at a cheaper price, I can try to work something out with the bank.

I feel like this is a second chance and I’m trying to remain optimistic.

I'm heading to the grocery store to grab some food because my fridge is bare. I thought I would be leaving town by now and I’m down to nothing but baked beans in my pantry. I’m halfway to the store when Sonjia calls me.

“Hello?” I sing into the phone.

“Olive,” Sonjia responds. “Where are you?”

“Huh?”

“Are you not coming? Jane specifically requested your attendance for this.”

“What are you talking about?”

Sonjia whispers on the other line, “The reading of her will. We are all here waiting on you, hun. Jane didn’t want it read without your presence.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” I tell her.

“We all received letters from the holder of her estate that the will reading was supposed to take place today. Everyone is here, except Tripp, of course. But you need to get up here now. We can’t start without you.”

“I never got one. I mean, I never check my mailbox at the complex, but no one ever sends me snail mail, so…” I drift off and glance at my clock. My stomach is rumbling as I make up my mind. “I’m coming.”

“Rob said he will text you the address,” Sonjia responds. “See you soon, sweetie.”

Ten minutes later I pull up in front of a big, official-looking brick building and glance down at my yoga pants and band tee.

Great. I get out of my car and head inside.

There are numerous rooms, and I’m greeted by a kind, elderly lady behind a desk.

I tell her that I'm here for Jane’s will reading and she guides me in the right direction towards an office.

I knock on the door and a man greets me.

He is tall with salt-and-pepper hair and introduces himself as Mark, saying he is the executor of Jane’s estate.

He moves out of the way for me to enter and I look around to see Rob, Missy, and Sonjia smiling back at me.

Missy pats the seat next to herself, motioning for me to join her on a small, suede couch.

I take a seat, and the man clears his throat. He steps behind his desk and picks up some reading glasses before resting them on his nose. He looks across at us and sits in his chair.

“Now that everyone is here, I will read Jane Fern’s last will and testament. Jane changed her will with me the day she found out she was sick. She was of sound mind when she wrote and signed this will. These are her final words and wishes for you all.”

He lifts a printed document from his desk and begins to read the first page. “‘Well, I’ll be dammed, I died.’”

Rob snorts to my left as Mark continues to read.

“‘I wasn’t able to outsmart the clock of life—we all know time is a thief. But don’t you worry.

There isn’t a single moment in my life that I would change.

I lived the greatest life I possibly could and each and every one of you changed me in a way words can’t describe.

Look at each other and know, you all are my favorite people, and I want you to look out for each other.

“‘Now, don’t you worry about what has happened to me. I’m up in heaven with my soulmate now.

I’m happy. I’m more worried about y'all being okay. I know how much you all loved me. I really was the greatest .’” Sonjia lets out a teary laugh at Jane’s playful words.

Even from the afterlife, she can make us smile.

Mark flips the page and continues reading. “‘Since I can’t tell you I love you anymore, I want to do something for each of you. Let’s start with my son, Tripp.’”

Mark looks up at us. “I will still read what Mrs. Fern has written, per her wishes that the whole letter be read out loud, but due to Tripp’s recent arrest, he will not be in attendance for his portion.”

We nod our heads, and he continues.

“‘Tripp, I leave my life insurance policy to you, in its entirety. I hope you can use the money to create the life you always wanted. The life your dad and I could never give you.’”

I bite my tongue so hard I taste blood when I hear this.

The last thing Tripp deserves from his parents is a cent, but they were always good people, so I expect nothing less from them.

Of course, she wouldn’t leave her son high and dry after they both passed.

I hear Rob exhale a breath and I know he feels upset, too.

Mark looks up at us, making eye contact with each of us and then continues on.

“‘To my teddy bear, Rob, and sweet Missy, I leave our house. It is completely paid off and waiting for you. Please do whatever you’d like with it. Turn it into your home. Please just be happy in it; you two deserve it.’”

Missy puts a hand to her mouth and begins to shake next to me.

Rob sits with his mouth wide open, shocked.

I know they have always wanted to buy a home, but could never afford it.

Jane just handed them one, paid off. My eyes fill with happy tears for them.

I reach over and squeeze Missy’s empty hand, which is shaking in her lap.

We make eye contact, and I nod and smile and then do the same to Rob. “Congrats, you two.”

She reaches over and hugs me tightly, still quaking in disbelief.

“Continuing on,” Mark says, clearing his throat.

“‘To my dear friend Sonjia, I leave my diamond wedding ring. My favorite jewel belongs on Jewel Mountain with my best friend. I leave all of my clothing and the rest of my jewelry to Sonjia, as well. Do with it what you want: wear it, sell it, turn it into bee homes. I don’t care. Just enjoy it. I also leave my cherry red ’62 Oldsmobile Starfire to you, Sonjia.

Put on some hot pants and take the town while you’re still alive, lady. ’”

Sonjia smiles deeply, puts her hands together, and looks up to the sky. “Thank you, friend.”

Mark flips the paper again and you could hear a pin drop as he starts to read off the final page.

“‘Now for my Olive, my daughter.’” I intake a breath when I hear the word daughter.

“‘Our years together were cut short; there were so many more things I wanted to see you do.

I know you will accomplish every single one of your dreams. I knew you were special from the second you walked through the bar door at eighteen years old.

I leave to you something I cherish immensely.

Something I know only you will treasure as much as I did.

I am so proud of the woman you have become; you have grown up before my eyes.

I will watch down from heaven and cheer you on every step of the way.

“‘My sweet girl, I leave you Whiskey Jane’s.’”