Page 117 of Comeback
I got caught up in the good news and forgot that it started with her implying she’d be leaving soon. “When are you leaving?”
“Next month.”
“So soon?”
“I want to find my own place and get settled before the babies come. Plus, it’s been a while since I’ve had a white Christmas.”
“I don’t know what to say. I’m happy for you, but I’m sad you won’t be around to see your building filled with kids again.”
“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. There’s no easy way to say this.” She’s quiet, as if considering her words. “I’ve decided to sell the building.”
My stomach drops.
At my silence, she continues, “It’s just not feasible for me to be across the country and keep an eye on things.”
“Couldn’t you hire someone to manage the building for you? You said yourself that it was a great investment. I know you took a hit on the lease payments for me, but I can pay more once I have some steady payments coming in.”
“No, sweet child, I don’t want your money. I’m thrilled with how you’ve transformed the building. You have made an old woman very happy. I can leave this city knowing I handed the reins over to the best possible person. You have already made my wildest dreams come true seeing that old place ready for new life. I promise I will make sure the new owner guarantees the same rental agreements we have in place. I’m meeting with my lawyer tomorrow.”
I find myself nodding, unable to say much in response. Eleanor reassures me that it’s all going to be fine, but my stomach is in knots by the time I hang up.
That’s how Archer finds me. I’m not sure how long I’ve been standing in one place, staring into space.
“What’s wrong?”
I snap out of my trance, blinking several times. Archer sets the coffees on the front counter and comes over to me.
I’m still holding my phone in one hand. I lift it slightly. “Eleanor is moving and she’s selling the building.”
“Aww, I’m sorry.” His lips pull into a flat smile.
“I don’t know what I’m going to do.”
“Your lease is good for at least a year, right?”
“Yeah, and she promised to get all the legal documents transferred over to ensure the new owner can’t make big, sweeping changes, but it just feels…wrong.”
“We’ll figure it out.” He hugs me, cupping the back of my head to his chest.
My throat is too tight to speak.
After a few long moments where I soak up his presence, he pulls back. “Come on. Let’s go home.”
I let him pull me toward the door, but when he comes up short, I glance up confused.
“What—?” I start to ask, but the question is answered by the man in the door.
Walker Graham.
33
ARCHER
I’m vibrating with anger as soon as I see him. I know.
I just fucking know.
“You.” It isn’t a question but an accusation.
