She looked confused.
I almost felt bad for enjoying it.
Almost.
Then she said.
“You need to contribute if you’re running a business while living here.”
I stared.
“I pay two thousand dollars.”
“That’s rent.”
“Yes.”
“And you use our driveway.”
“For my truck?”
“Yes.”
I smiled.
“How much is driveway rent?”
She realized how ridiculous she sounded.
Then snapped.
“Forget it.”
I did.
Two days before closing, Ethan saw me talking to Denise across the street.
He came outside.
“Dad.”
“Yes?”
“What were you doing with that realtor?”
I looked toward the house.
“Looking.”
“At what?”
“The property.”
“Why?”
“I like it.”
He laughed.
“You’re not buying that.”
I looked at him.
“Why not?”
He seemed embarrassed.
“Dad.”
“That house is almost half a million dollars.”
“I know.”
“You just retired.”
“Yes.”
“Do you even have that kind of savings?”
I stared at him.
Then asked.
