I watched him go, wishing there was something I could say that might lessen his pain but knowing there wasn’t. Pervis was alone now. His twin, the person he’d loved and been with even before birth, was gone. That was just a cold, gut-wrenching fact, and nothing I said or did could change it.
Chapter Nineteen
Maxwell
Even though escrow hadn’t closed yet, Dr. Johnson had already moved to Florida to be with his daughter. I was trying to make plans for the new place, but remembering the layout was a bit difficult. I’d only seen the structure twice. That’s why when Mrs. Numi suggested we do another walk-through, I was thrilled.
As I drove to meet her at the new location, I had butterflies in my stomach. I hoped the place was as wonderful as I recollected. Mrs. Numi was already parked in front of the redbrick building when I arrived. She climbed out of her car, phone to her ear as usual. She fluttered her fingers at me, said a few more things to the person on the other end of the line, and hung up.
“Maxwell, you’re right on time.” She adjusted the orange silk scarf around her neck, smiling cheerfully. “In fact, you’re a few minutes early.”
“I guess I was overly anxious to see the place again.”
“Of course. This part is always so much fun.”
“I’m really hoping it’s as good as I remember,” I said nervously, taking in the dormant wisteria that covered the front of the building. I planned on leaving the vine as it was. Dr. Johnson had planted it with his daughter when she was a child. I’d feel like an ogre yanking it out just because it encouraged bugs.
“Oh, you’re still gonna love it. This place is perfect for you.” She led the way up to the front door, high heels clicking on the stone steps, and she put in the code for the lockbox.
Once the big door swung open, I followed her inside. My heart skipped a beat as I took in the reception area. The oak floors and beige walls were just as I’d remembered. I took in the wide-open space, excitement rippling through me. The medicinal smell had faded because Dr. Johnson had moved out all of his stuff. He’d left behind the waiting room chairs, receptionist’s desk, and the shelving for medical records. He’d given them to me for free because he wouldn’t need them anymore, seeing as he was retiring. He hadn’t wanted to be bothered with the hassle of selling or moving them. I’d been grateful to get them since everything in my old clinic had burned.
We walked through the three examination rooms, and I did my best to contain my glee. The dental chairs were still in place, but the construction company would be removing those very soon. I still couldn’t believe that I was going to have more than one examination room. I felt absolutely giddy at the idea of that.
“It’s wonderful,” Mrs. Numi cooed. “Right, Maxwell?”
I breathed out a contented sigh. “It’s perfect.”
She laughed. “It’s so rare I get to see you like this. You’re lit up like a Christmas tree.”
“Am I?” I touched my face, feeling flushed.
“Yep. It’s very satisfying for me.” She smiled.
I grimaced self-consciously. “This place has got everything I need.”
She winked. “I know.”
“The pool.” I tried to contain my excitement. “Can we go outside and see the pool?”
“Of course. It’s your pool.” She led the way through the downstairs and to the double french doors that led out into the backyard.
Once outside, I walked across the neat lawn to the edge of the pool, inhaling the crisp afternoon air. The sun was warm on my shoulders, but it was too cold to swim yet. Even though the pool was heated, the air was chilled. I could be patient. Soon enough, I’d be able to spend my hot summer evenings splashing around. An after-work swim had been one of my favorite things at the old house.
“Is the pool man the same one I had at my old place?” I asked.
“I’m not sure. Sunshine Pool Service is who takes care of this one. They do my pool as well.”
“You have a pool? I didn’t know that.”
She smirked. “Few people do. Once you have a pool, everybody wants to drop by.”
I nodded. “True. It works the same way with beach houses.”
“Does it? I don’t have one of those just yet.”
I met her curious gaze. “I have a beach house in Malibu. I always found it amazing how willing people were to overlook my quirks the minute they discovered that little tidbit.”
She sniffed. “People are such users.”
