Page 43 of Unspoken Hearts
“It might be a lot, but this is Macie’s home. She grew up here with her brother. She didn’t mean for this to happen,” my friend bravely contends from my side.
Walter rubs at his scruffy jaw. I move to stand beside the older man, keeping a comfortable distance between us as I try to figure out what he’s thinking. Mould and musk hits my nose, and I sniff, wishing it would disappear.
“It’s not worth fixing,” he huffs in a low tone.
My gaze snaps to his. Seeing the frustration and lack of empathy in them makes my heart sink like a stone. “What? No, you have to. I live here!” My voice rises with each word. I don’t want to have to plead with him, but it might come down to it.
His stern face glances at mine, clearly seeing my stunned expression, but he just grunts. “The house is worthless, especially after your family trashed it—”
“We haven’t trashed it!” I shout, teeth crushing together, making my jaw ache.
His mouth purses tightly. “It was fine when your aunt first moved in, now look at it.”
Swallowing, I peer around, knowing that he’s right. The wear and tear is heavy, stains mark the walls and floors, the carpet is curling, and now the ceiling is down.
I can feel the rush of blood in my ears, and the violent beating of my heart, when someone steps forward.
“Are you sure you won’t consider it?” Austin questions gently, despite my fuming.
My hands curl at my sides as Walter faces him. Grayson watches them with raised eyebrows.
“Austin, this is my property. It’s not worth fixing. I will have it rebuilt and lease it out then.”
I feel my head shaking, words dying on my tongue as I try to convince him otherwise but nothing comes out.
“Just think about this. Macie needs a place—”
“She did, and look what’s happened to it.” His voice rises with anger.
“My aunt didn’t ruin this place!” I let out, hating that he’s blaming this on her when she’s not even here.
Walter steps closer, his bitter smelling breath hits me and cold eyes glare, framed with lines and age. “Your aunt is scum and you know it.”
Walter walks past us to the front door. Austin follows after him, but I can't move.
Legs feeling as though they’re glued to the floor, my lips start trembling. Grayson’s arms surround me, pulling me against him, holding me as I shake.
“I’m sorry, Macie,” he murmurs kindly into my ear.
Tears sting my eyes and I blink them away quickly, not wanting to break down here. Fists curling, I push myself away from Grayson, who shouts for me to wait, but I’m already out the front door.
“Mr Jones, please!”
“Miss Cambell—” he starts from the side of his car, but I cut him off.
Pulse thundering in my neck, I stop a foot away, eyes prinking with despair. “I will help pay for repairs. Please don’t rebuild this place. We need it, please. This is our home.”
I hate begging, but I’m desperate here. This is the only way to keep him from demolishingthe property.
“Hear her out, Walter,” Austin says calmly.
Letting out a low grunt, Walter rubs at his greying scruffy beard, dark eyes not moving from the house. “It’ll be too much to repair. It’s better if I build something that’ll get me enough rent to retire on.”
“But I can help pay for it.Please. This is my Aunt’s place.”
Walter’s shoulders straighten, gaze shifting to me. I see his eyes softening, but not enough to settle the knotting of my gut. “Macie, you seem like a very sweet girl. You mustn't have taken after your aunt.” I wince at that. “But it’s Lucy that I worry about. She was hopeless before you took over in paying the bills and rent.” He lets out a weighted sigh. “Where is she anyway?”
A lump gets caught in my throat as he stares at me with his bushy brows and sneer. “I’m not sure,” I whisper.
