Page 6 of More Than A Fixer-Upper (Hope Runs Deep #13)
Chase
Last night’s hot shower eases the tension after everything with my dad, uncle, and work.
This morning, I take a quick warmish rinse to wake myself up sleep doesn’t come easy.
August is always a tossup: either hot as hell or miserable in a whole different way.
We try to avoid outside work when it’s like this.
I don’t want my crew dropping like flies.
Coming down the steps of my two bedroom house, I catch the smell of coffee brewing. I throw breakfast together and spread out the plans I’ve drawn up for Mr. Davidson’s barn. A knock hits the door, and before I can answer, Seth walks in with his niece, Hailey.
“You working on my crew today?” I tease. She heads straight to the kitchen and starts making herself breakfast. I shake my head, chuckling. Hailey’s not a morning person.
“Sorry Ellen’s working today, and my Adam’s out of town,” Seth says, grabbing a cup of coffee. He starts another pot before sitting beside me. “She’ll become human in a minute,” he jokes. “What are you working on?”
“Davidson’s barn. He wants to upgrade it. I’m meeting him this morning. Your great uncle messaged me last night.”
“What did Uncle Gerald want?” Seth scans the barn plans, already making notes on materials he thinks will work best.
“Someone’s taking over Lavender and Rose. He’s putting my name in the hat for the remodel.”
“Someone bought it? I didn’t think Rosa would ever sell.” Hailey joins in after sipping the hot chocolate I always keep stocked for her. She hands Seth a plate of eggs and toast before settling in with her own.
“I asked. It’s Rosa’s granddaughter.” Seth’s jaw drops.
Everyone in town knows the stories about LeeAnn wild, restless, couldn’t stand smalltown life.
She used to be friends with my mom. Last I heard, she was heading home when she died in a car accident.
We all go to the funeral. Rosa’s a pillar in Durden Park, and she has no family left or so we thought.
“Wow. So we’ve got more family than we thought,” Hailey says through a mouthful of food. She’s related to Rosa through marriage Gerald and Rosa’s late husband are kin so she’s always considered Seth and his family part of hers. “Why didn’t the bed and breakfast go to Uncle Gerald?”
“Because he’s not blood. From what I’ve heard, Rosa wanted it to go to family first. If no one was alive, then Gerald would’ve inherited it.” I shrug. “So, you coming with us today?”
“I have to until Mom’s off work.” Hailey helps out at the sites when she can, even if it’s just light tasks.
My phone rings. Gerald’s name flashes on the screen.
“Good morning, Gerald. We were just talking about you,” I say, putting the call on speaker.
“I was wondering why my ears were burning. I know Hailey only says nice things about me like that brat Seth.”
Hailey grins triumphantly. Seth scowls.
“I used to be the favorite,” Seth mutters, sipping his coffee.
“Then you started talking,” Gerald laughs. “Chase, I was wondering if you could come to the bed and breakfast. I spoke with Rosalie last night, and since you upgraded the living quarters, she wants to go with you.”
“She doesn’t care about cost? I don’t even know what needs doing or when,” I ramble.
“Rosa left money for the remodel. Rosalie’s doing a walkthrough this afternoon with me. I’ve got office work, and she’s heading to the school to register her kids.”
“She has kids?” Hailey perks up. “How old?”
“Just turned thirteen Drew and Winnie,” Gerald says. “Will you be with Chase and Seth this afternoon if I call you to meet her?”
Hailey looks to me. I nod.
“Yes. I’d like to meet them. They’ll be in my grade,” she says, smiling. She’s got a good heart. Durden Park schools have changed a lot, but they’re still finding their footing. I live on the side I grew up on, until I finally find the right land to build.
“We can be there after two. That way no one has to rush. We’ve got to finish the remodel today. I meet Davidson tomorrow morning,” I say, reviewing my schedule aloud.
“Sounds good. I’ll let her know. Hailey, come ready to take notes for the two old men you’re stuck with today. You know how forgetful they are,” Gerald laughs before hanging up. He’s nearly seventy-seven but still swears he runs circles around us.
“Holy shit. The bed and breakfast could be huge for us,” Seth says, leaning back. “If it’s done right, marketed well we could be in magazines.”
I take a deep breath. I’m not sure I’m ready. Doubts still creep in.
We talk for another twenty minutes about what Hailey wants for her birthday, then head out to work.
I’m looking forward to this afternoon.
But the question still lingers in the back of my mind: Am I good enough for this remodel?