Page 58 of Falling for You Again

“Your uncle knew this isn’t what you and he had planned,” Mom explains to me. “He had no option but to sell, but he didn’t want to leave you without or in the position of finding a new location for the shop. Rental rates are abhorrent. That’s why he negotiated a position for you at the Savant House. The money from Artisant’s sale would have gone into a trust for you.”

“But you let that ship sail,” Uncle Bear scoffs.

Because of the size and location, the property was last valued close to $4.5 million. Uncle Bear has repeatedly received offers from real estate investors over the years. He always remained steadfast on his position of retaining ownership of the building.

“Why was selling your only option? What happened? What aren’t you telling me?”

Uncle Bear’s lips pucker. He doesn’t answer me, and I catch Mom’s subtle glance at Dad.

“What did you do?” I ask Dad.

“Not your concern, kiddo.” Dad drops his cigarette butt and grinds it on the asphalt with his boot toe.

“I think it is. I’m part of this family, as screwed up as we are, whether you treat me like I am or not. I’ve dedicated my life to this shop, just as each of you have. I had plans, really, really good plans to expand and grow. What gives you the right or entitlement to make decisions about my future without involving me? I deserve an explanation,” I demand, for once standing up for myself.

My parents glance away. I’ve never felt this hurt, thisless than, or this insignificant. Am I truly not enough for them to love and value me?

Keys rattle and I notice Uncle Bear removing the key to his apartment from the metal ring that holds all the master keys for the shop. He pockets the key and grabs my wrist. He drops the key ring in my palm. “Shop’s yours.”

Mom gapes. “You can’t be serious, Bear. You can’t just give her the shop. There’s paperwork and taxes.”

“I just did. Do what you want with it, Meli. Shut her down or build her up. Either way, they want you out within the month. The Savant House is tearing down the building.”

“They’re what?”

“They’re razing the entire block,” Mom says. “Building a new flagship store.”

“Bear, you need to give her something,” Dad says.

“I’ve had enough from you,” Uncle Bear snaps at his brother. “Both of you, let’s go.”

My parents look at each other, then humbly follow my uncle inside. I got the shop, but the shop won’t have a home. And all I can think is that my husband knew. He’s known all along about the building.

Chapter 19

Sawdust and Apologies

It takes a moment to shake off the shock of what just happened before I follow my family inside. When I do, Uncle Bear and my parents aren’t around. Kidder stands at his locker, packing up his stuff.

“Where’d everybody go?” I ask.

“They walked out.”

Like they’re on strike? I can’t believe they took off. Uncle Bear I understand. But my parents? They didn’t want me to live with them. They barely take the time to talk when we bump into each other at our apartments. Now they refuse to work for me? Uncle Bear might have left me the shop, but without him and Dad here to finish their orders, and Mom to handle customer service and the books, I’ll quickly have a shop full of problems on my hands.

My fingers rub the worn master key to the entrance. A lot of good it will do once escrow closes. I don’t have access to the shop’s bank accounts or the office computer. In less than a month, I won’t have access to the building.

Kidder slams the locker door and slings his backpack onto his shoulder.

“Are you leaving too?”

“Bear told me my internship is over.”

“Oh.” I don’t move. Neither does he. I don’t have it in me to argue what my uncle decided and ask Kidder to stay. “Well, thanks for your help.”

Kidder looks at the floor, disappointed. “Yeah, it’s been great. See you around, Meli.” He heads for the exit.

“Kidder,” I call when he reaches the door. He turns back to me. “Text if you need a letter of recommendation.”

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