Page 81 of Losing Forever
Noah’s phone rings. “It’s my mom. She wants to FaceTime. She knows we’re here for the open house.”
I sent her pictures of the renovated home. Maybe she wants a virtual walk-through.
Noah answers the call and holds up his phone so we’re both visible. “Hey, Mom.”
“Hey, Aunt Lina.” I wave.
Uncle Brady appears behind her.
She glances at him then smiles at me and Noah. “Congratulations on your first open house. We wouldn’t let you celebrate this day without us.”
Standing a foot taller than my aunt, Uncle Brady says, “I saw the pictures. You did a great job. I have no doubt you’ll get the sale you want.”
“Need,” Noah adds. “The sale we need.”
“Already thinking like a business owner.” Uncle Brady smiles with pride.
“Is Grayson there?” Aunt Lina asks. “Today is his big day, too.”
“He’s on his way,” Noah says.
A rush shoots through me. Will I finally get to see him?
Aunt Lina points her gaze at me. “Braylee, I love the colors you chose, and the kitchen is perfect for the home style. I knew you’d be a natural!”
“Excellent work!” Uncle Brady echoes her enthusiasm. “It’s a job well done. Each of you should be as pleased as we are.”
I smile, happy they’re proud of our work.
“Keep us posted on how today goes,” Aunt Lina says, “and tell Grayson good luck.”
“Will do, Mom.”
“See you two soon.” Aunt Lina blows kisses at us.
We say good-bye, and Noah ends the call. He pockets his phone. “Remember, they’re coming next weekend.”
“I know. It’ll be nice to have them at the house.” Uncle Brady wants to barbecue and take out the boat. I haven’t seen him since we moved here.
I saw Aunt Lina when she joined me in Seattle. Regardless of my insistence that I could handle everything on my own after Grayson left, she came, needing to give her good-byes to the house and my mom’s things as much as I did.
We donated most, kept a few special items, and shared a bottle of my mom’s favorite wine on our last night there. The experience drew us closer. A part of my heart mended knowing Aunt Lina would always be there for me, as my mom would have. I think she was with us in spirit, toasting and sharing in the moment.
I took Elijah’s favorite stuffed animal, which happened to be one I gave him for his sixth birthday. He kept it on his dresser. Now, the little black dragon decorates mine. I also took one of Dad’s acoustic guitars and Mom’s anniversary band, wearing it on my right hand. This way, every day, a part of my family is with me.
It’s strange how much lighter I feel. Even the offer on the house didn’t upset me as much as I thought it would. If all goes well, a family of four from the city will be moving into their first suburban home. They’re not even repainting my or Elijah’s bedrooms. Their daughter and son love the colors. I hope they are as happy living there as my family had been.
Shuffling sounds by the front door. I blink and realize Noah isn’t in the kitchen anymore. He’s talking to Grayson outside. Did he see me and not want to come in?
I never meant for things to be this awkward. I hoped we’d be friends by now. Maybe my pushing him away did more harm than good.
Tired of this distance between us, I march to the open front door.
Noah and Grayson stop their hushed conversation the moment I reach them.
“Well, I should go,” Noah announces. “I have stuff to take care of at the office.”
What? Why does he sound fake all of a sudden? “I thought you were staying for the open house.”
