Chapter 8
“Do
you think the guy who bought it will sell it back to them? This could alt be for nothing. If he hates him, he may simply make him pay three times asking to get it.”
“He told me you can drive the bulldozer, but it has to be when they come back on Saturday.”
“Why?” Fred was astounded.
“Close enough Merlin can almost taste it. I’m sure their first call will be to pressure me to sell it again and the buyer wants to livestream him bulldozing it.”
“Who is this guy?”
“Isaias Machado.” Her brother’s silence made her look curious in his direction. “You know of him?”
“Yes. How do you know of him?”
“Merlin complained about him all the time. I simply went to Merlin’s enemy and told him I was putting the house Merlin wanted on the market and he took the bait. Why? You look like you saw a ghost.”
“No ghost. I’m surprised you found a way to get to him. He has more money than Merlin would ever dream of having and he’s known for taking what he wants without asking. My company has been offered the opportunity to interview and do the interior design for one of Machado’s new offices. It’s where I was the week your husband confessed his indiscretion,” he said the word sneeringly. It was the word they all mocked the most. “He had five different companies on the premises at the same time to pitch
his ideas. I’ve never met him personally though.”
“Did you get it?”
“He whittled down to two companies: mine and another one from Los Angeles. I think the main reason I’m still in is because
his head office is here in Manchester, which is weird to be honest. The man has more money than God and instead of New York or LA or any European city, he stays here in Manchester, New Hampshire.”
“It’s so funny,” she said suddenly. “Merlin has hated this guy for the months, and you were off doing a bid for him, and we
didn’t connect the dots.”
“Merlin has never been one to ask about my business endeavors. He thinks interior design is a waste of time. God, I can’t
believe you stayed with him eight years.”
“I loved him,” she whispered quietly. “I know he was a dickhead to most people, but he treated me like his princess. He took care of me and made the decisions and,” she exhaled, “Janka thinks I have daddy issues since Dad died so young. Merl took over every aspect of my life and made me his pampered princess I gravitated to it because it’s what Dad would have done.”
“Dad definitely spoiled us,” he said quietly, “and I guess it makes sense.”
“Do you know in all the time we were together we never really had an argument? I’ve thought long and hard about how I blindsided by this because we never even argued. It dawned on me I gave in every single time to avoid his disappointment in me. I always wanted his approval and his love.”
Her phone rang and it was an unknown number. She answered it wondering if perhaps Machado was calling her. Instead, it was her sister’s high pitch whining scream filling her ears.
“Why are you ruining my day? You and Fred are supposed to be here. Mom is the only one from our family here. Just mom. Not one aunt, uncle or cousin are here. Do you know how embarrassing this is for me and Merl? Get your ass over here
She hung up on her and felt the shaky breath escape her lips as her brother pressed his lips to her temple and hugged her close.
1/2
Chapter 8
“Why is she so awful?”
“Who knows but I’m done with her and Mom. Dad would be hot fied by their behavior.”
“I’m sorry you’re caught up in this.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t do more to stop it.” He sighed and then looked towards the street. “Police are here. Let’s figure out the next steps and then go for dinner. You and me? Your treat since you made a mint?“.
She giggled at his teasing and nodded, “I’d like that.” She braced herself to put on the performance of a lifetime as the officer approached. Everything was riding on this.
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