Page 31 of Trick or Treat with the Mountain Man
And with that, we both fell silent again for a while, letting the wind howl around against the old barn wood.
The structure rattled lightly with each strong gust.
Silas broke the silence again. “A lot of people would have asked where I was from. I’m glad you didn’t.”
“I’ve got no need to pry.”
“Yep.”
If I asked him, then he might have questions for me. And I didn’t want that. The fewer questions, the better. I didn’t want to talk about dark times.
Instead, I broached a subject I was hoping he might be interested in.
“I heard there was a second offer when I got the place next door.”
Silas gave a nod.
“Was it you?”
He nodded again.
Hm. My theory was right.
“If it went on the market again, do you think you might be interested?”
Another nod.
That was good news.
“I sank everything I had into it. I’d need to come away whole. Previous closing costs and all. But I’m not trying to rob anyone either.”
Silas nodded. “Not a problem.”
I eyed the man.
He looked like a Red Oak Mountain cave dweller. Probably similar to my appearance. The look didn’t lend itself to money. There were no name brands on his clothes, and his hair definitely wasn’t freshly cut.
But he did own what Ava said was the biggest house on the mountain, even if it was really old and out in the middle of nowhere. Maybe hedidhave the money to buy me out.
“I’m just thinking about it,” I said.
“I hope you don’t think we were trying to drive you out with the parties.”
“Naw.” I shook my head.
“And the music? I listen to it when I paint.”
“You must paint a lot.”
Silas laughed. “Yep. Every day.”
Abby hadn’t mentioned that he painted. She’d just told me not to ask about his work because he was sensitive about it. So I didn’t bother saying anything in response.
“But I can keep it quiet, especially if it means you stay. I never thought I’d end up being considered a bad neighbor. I wouldn’t want to drive you out of here because I like music.”
I shook my head. “It’s not just that. I’m starting to think the location’s not right for me.”
Ava had taken me on a drive to the north end of the mountain and shown me her place. I was actually hoping that we might get serious enough that I could sell my property and move in with her. Her setup was perfect, and so much further away from civilization.
