“If you need help, just ask.” I nod. “The repairs should be covered. There’s money for you to live on, but you don’t strike me as someone who likes to sit still.”
“I hate feeling lazy.” I laugh, then tell him about losing my job, climbing the walls with nothing to do. I share how I worked through college, got pregnant, kept working, kept studying, and raised the twins on my own.
“Now’s the time to breathe,” Gerald says, pulling me into a hug as I cry. He rubs my back gently and whispers, “Let it go.” I do. For the first time in a long time, I let myself cry without holding back.
I have family now beyond my two kids. Gerald is my family. He’s a widower with grown kids and grandkids who live across the state. His great nieces and nephews live here. Seth is one of them. Gerald tells me he’s excited for me to meet everyone. Even those from his wife’s side will claim me as their own.
“You’re not alone,” he says.
I nod into his chest. “Thank you.” My voice is hoarse.
The door opens, and I hear Drew’s laughter. He rushes over, concern in his eyes.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” I say, waving him off. “Gerald and I were just talking about Rosa.”
Drew relaxes. Chase and Seth linger nearby, looking awkward. I plaster on a smile I hate looking weak in front of men, especially ones I barely know.
“So, are you ready for the tour?” I ask, a little too brightly. I rock back on my heels.
“Drew’s going to take us around, if that’s okay. He has the list,” Chase says, holding Drew’s phone.
I smile at my son, who’s blushing. “He’s been in the trenches with me the last two days. He can answer anything you throw at him.” I lean my head on Drew’s shoulder for a second. “I’m going to keep cleaning. If you need me, just holler.”
The men head off, Gerald included.
“Girls, I’ll be on the second floor. Come find me if you need anything.”
“Okay, Mom,” Winnie says, eyes glued to her phone.
“Okay, Mrs. Potter,” Hailey adds.
I wince. Winnie doesn’t miss it.
“She’s not married,” she says.
“Please call me Rosalie. Or Ms. Rosalie, if you need to be formal. That’s what my students used to call me.”
Hailey nods. I head to the room off the kitchen where the maid cart waits. I’ve restocked it. I step into the elevator, pop in my earbuds, and start an audiobook. I don’t get to read much with two kids and no job, but now that I have something to do, listening to books helps me escape while I clean.
Gerald offers to hire someone to help, but I want to do this myself. It makes me feel closer to my family. They built this place with love. I’ll carry that forward.
Still, one question keeps circling in my mind:
Can I really do this?
Chapter Nine
Chase
Seth,Drew,Gerald,andI walk through every room of the bed and breakfast. Drew comes prepared he’s done his homework and built out a solid list. There are a few things he misses, but that’s expected. He’s thirteen. He’s never done this kind of work before.
“Budget?” I ask, glancing at Gerald.
He raises an eyebrow. “What?”
“I mean, just a ballpark”
