Page 66 of Gulfside Girls
Ali felt the instant urge to defend Didi and Jorge. “The managers have had to let a few things slide, health issues.”
“I’d say this is supposed to be aquamarine, not gangrene.”
“No, I meantheyhave health issues. I’m told it’s a chemical issue with the pool, though, not structural.” Ali said this andreally didn’t know if she was lying or not. She also really didn’t know why she was taking this all so personally. She wanted an honest assessment of the value of the place. That was the job she was here to do.
They moved on to the cottages. The Hafners and the Nobles were heading out to the beach with various toys, blankets, and umbrellas.
“Wait, I didn’t get your neck!” Kerry Hafner called after the youngest as he sprinted toward the surf.
Ali smiled. She remembered that same battle to baste her little ones in sunscreen when all they wanted to do was jump in the water.
“You saw the Inn had six units, and there is also a penthouse, but that’s, uh, under construction.” She lied; it was boarded up. She hadn’t even been inside, but it did sound good, a penthouse.
Patsy had her iPhone out. She was making voice notes as they walked away from the pool to the beach cottages.
“Approximately two acres of frontage with one acre deep.”
“I really love the cottages; I had the pleasure of staying in the Key Lime. It’s really a Zen experience, you know?” Ali had grabbed the keys of all the vacant cottages so Patsy could see each of them. They all had a slightly different vibe, though the same amenities.
“Zen? No. No time for yoga in this market!”
As Patsy investigated the Mango, she pinched the fabric of her leopard print blouse and separated it a few times from her chest in an effort to fan herself. “Menopause is a real treat, and in Florida, my hot flashes are like someone left the sliding door open to hell itself, phew.”
“Sorry, they have wall units, but we didn’t think you’d need them on for this tour.”
“I don’t.”
Patsy barely looked at the cottages.
They walked past the fire pit and out to the beach.
“This is the only thing that really matters.”
“What?”
Patsy made another audio note on her phone. “Possibly fifty units, either rental or highest ticket. Check zoning.”
“Fifty? No, it’s six and then six over there.”
“No, sorry, I forget my thoughts if I don’t put them right into the notes app. Do you have the Notes app? It’s a lifesaver. Another fun fact, my memory is doodoo these days. I just went on Estradiol, though, so my doctor says it should start getting better. Here’s my advice: get a woman OB/GYN. They know, you know?”
Ali nodded.What the heck are we even talking about?
“I know,” Patsy said, “you’re standing there thinking I’m two nuggets short of a six-pack, right?”
Ali laughed. “No, you’re a lot, though.”
“I get that. I am all me, all the time. No other way to be.”
“I admire that, I’m working on it.”
“You’re what? Late forties? Your life is just getting interesting.”
“That much is true. The last few weeks have been a whirlwind.”
“I can see that. So, let’s get down to brass tacks.”
“Okay.”
