Page 84 of I Heart Mason Cartwright
“Why not?”
“Ma, I was pretend engaged to her sister.”
“I know.”
“Chicks don’t get over that stuff.”
“She doesn’t sound like that type.”
“Well, I can’t stand her family.”
“I concur. But it doesn’t sound like she’s happy with them either right now.”
“She doesn’t believe in relationships.”
“Show her she’s wrong.”
“I don’t believe in relationships.”
“That’s not true.”
“I don’t believe in them for me.”
“You just haven’t had a good one yet.”
“Okay, well, how about this, I don’t think the timing is right.”
“If not now, when?”
“You sound like an inspirational poster.”
She laughs.
“Enough about me,” I say. “You opening the store today?”
“No, the girls are. I actually have plans today.”
“Plans? Really? With who?”
“The nice gentleman who owns the coffee cart out front.”
“And what are you two doing?”
“Lunch and a movie.”
I continue to tease her and ask questions about her date the entire way back to her condo. We part with plans to have dinner this week. And then I find myself alone. Alone with my thoughts and with nowhere to go. Usually I plan ahead for what happens after I finish a house or a trip, but I didn’t this time. I got all mixed up in the Brooks family and failed to look out for number one.
I get my motorcycle out of the garage area in my mom’s building. Then head out to a motel I’ve stayed in a few times before when I was between jobs. Maybe I should decide on a forever home, or at least a “for right now” home, to have a home base to come back to. I have plenty of money in the bank, if I buy something, I won’t have a mortgage. I could take my time with the renovations and make it exactly the way I want.
I settle in at the hotel and hook up to the Wi-Fi, then take a look at a few of my favorite real estate sites. Nothing showing as “available” on the market grabs my eye, so I send emails to a few of the guys I know to see if any pocket listings are coming up. Listings that aren’t yet advertised but can still be purchased.
I look at the clock. It’s only been forty-five minutes since I checked in to my room. My god, how is it that time is dragging so much? What is wrong with me that I can’t find something to occupy my time?
I need a project.
I need to get laid.
I need to put the Brooks family out of my mind. I grab my wallet and head out to a pub down the street.
