“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?
Chapter Six
Rosalie
Winnienotspeakingtome last night hurts my heart, but I don’t let it ruin our first night in this new home. She’s trying to make it up to Drew for what she said, and I’m not sure if she meant it or was just frustrated that I snapped so hard. This is a new beginning for all of us but it’s also the start of me finding out who I am. That part of the journey, I need to begin on my own. She could’ve talked to me about the room if she wanted it.
Rosa’s car sits in the garage, barely touched. A nurse used to drive her to appointments, but Rosa herself never drove it. It has less than five thousand miles, which is a blessing our old car barely survives the Texas heat. I have no idea how Wyoming winters will treat it.
Gerald says Keaton Construction is coming by this afternoon. I plan to finish up at the school before noon so I can meet them and start looking over the bed and breakfast.
“Thank you so much,” I say, shaking hands with the secretary and guidance counselor.
“We’re looking forward to having Winnie and Drew in our school,” the older woman smiles. “In your packets, you’ll find their schedules, a school map, and information about clubs, sports, and activities. We’re a small town, and we do things a little differently than big cities. Many festivals are mandatory they count toward the community service requirement for senior projects, and they’re a great way to give back.”
“That sounds like fun. In Texas, we had things like Founder’s Day, but nothing like what you’re describing. We always had to go into the big city for anything exciting.” I smile as she hands me two packets and tells me this is my homework I need to get it back to her soon.
The kids and I leave the school, flipping through the papers. Winnie sits up front, Drew’s in the back.
“What did you guys think?” I ask, trying to keep my tone light.
“Some of the afterschool programs look cool. They even offer trade classes, so I could figure out what I want to be when I grow up,” Drew says, smiling.
“I think the mandatory festivals are stupid. Why do we have to help a town we don’t even know if we like?” Winnie mutters, stuffing her papers in with mine.
