She found the law office and parked on the street in front of the house. They stepped inside and the pretty receptionist smiled. “Hi there, can I help you?”
“Hi. I’m Alaska and I am meeting with Mr. Robins. Is he in? I wasn’t sure what time we’d arrive in town, so I told him around nine. I think we’re a few minutes behind.”
“No problem.” The young woman stood and clasped her hands together. “I’m Genevieve. Mr. Robins asked that I show you into the conference room when you arrived. It’s right this way.”
“Come on, River.” He was already sitting on the floor playing with the community box of toys. He didn’t even look up. “River?”
“Looks like he’s having fun. How about you let him stay here and I’ll keep an eye on him.” Genevieve must have sensed her trepidation because an understanding expression swept over her friendly face. “The conference room is right there.” She pointed to a closed door. “We can even keep the door open so you can watch him from inside.”
Realizing how ridiculous she must have seemed, Alaska agreed and followed the receptionist into the small room decorated simply with a long table surrounded by black swivel chairs.
“Can I get you anything? Coffee? Water? Coke? I have some fresh doughnuts from Bluebonnet.”
“No, thank you.” She had coffee in the car that she hoped would still be hot when she finished. “Do you know about how long this will take?” Not that she had anything to hurry to, but at some point, she’d have to figure out what in the hell she and River would do from this point on.
Genevieve opened her mouth to answer but a stocky balding man with thick, black glasses marched in, straightening his blue silk tie. “Thank you, Genevieve. I’ll take it from here.”
As promised, the receptionist left the door open and the man held out his manicured hand. “Hi there, Ms. Kellington. I’m Roe Robins. I really do appreciate you making the trip to Tarnation. When did you make it in?”
“Just this morning.” After shaking his hand, Alaska then sat down, placing her purse in her lap. “On the phone and in the letter, it didn’t seem like I had much of an option.”
Mr. Robins took a seat across the table and stretched, smiling, which created deep creases around his eyes and mouth. “My apologies. Indeed, Buzz was a creature for details. He stipulated that you must come here to receive the gift.”
“Gift?” Did he really say what she thought she heard him say?
He seemed humored. “Yes, gift.”
“I’m confused. I barely knew him. I mean, we talked, but I did that with all the patients that I worked with. He was only at the clinic for a short time and then he decided to quit the medical trial.”
Pushing his glasses further up his nose, Roe nodded. “I understand this must all be confusing, and a shock, but I assure you, Buzz had the amazing instincts of a bear and could sniff out the gold from the brass blindfolded.” His laugh fizzled when she didn’t respond. “How about I explain.” He leaned in and placed his elbows on the edge of the table, clasping his hands together in a prayer-like manner.
“I hope you will.” She stared into the face of the attorney, clutching the straps of the purse tightly until her knuckles turned white. There was a lump of concern clogging her throat…one that reminded her of all the times someone she cared about had fooled her. One of her rules she lived by was to never believe a gift was ever a gift.
He gave her an understanding nod, opened the thick folder in front of him then picked up the top piece of paper. “Take a look.” He slid the document across the shiny tabletop. She read the check, staring, feeling the choking sensation in her throat growing by leaps and bounds. Not once had she seen a check made out with that many place values, at least not with her name attached to it. “This is made out to me.” Her voice cracked. “This can’t be real.”
“I assure you, it’s real.”
The room seemed to shrink, and the air became dense. Dropping back into the chair she continued to stare, mesmerized. “There must be a mistake. This can’t be possible.”
One corner of his mouth played with a smile. Something told her he didn’t mince words. “Buzz wasn’t one to make mistakes, not when it came to money. Just like his horses—he had plenty, but he treated each one like they were gold-leaf.”
Her knees shook and she had to force them to be still. “Like I said, I didn’t know him. Certainly not enough that he’d want to hand over five hundred thousand to me.” It took all her control to keep her stutter from creeping into her words.
“Apparently you made a good impression.” He shrugged. “Look, Ms. Kellington, Buzz wasn’t only my client, but he was also a friend. He came back from the clinic a different man. It’s difficult to explain…” He tapped his fingers against the table. “I don’t know if he found peace or a new relationship with God there, but he wanted to change the lives of many. Lord knows he had been a force to reckon with for most of his life. Anyway, this is where we’re at.”
“And I’m supposed to just accept the money?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because he wanted you and your son to have it.”
“What are you not telling me?”
Something in his expression deepened. He loosened his tie, appearing a little red around the corners. “There’s just a minor detail.”
And now the brick would drop. Figured.
She pushed the check back across the table. “What you mean is that there’s a catch, and I’m not into catches.”
He gave her a look of apology. “Let me explain.”
“You said you would.” Glancing down the hall, River was sitting on the floor still playing.
“Ms. Kellington, I understand this comes as a shock—”
She slid her gaze back to him and said, “To say the least.”
“For his own reasons, which he didn’t share, my client wanted you to also have a home.”
“A home?” Several times she and Buzz had talked about ‘home’ and how she wanted to secure roots for River. It had just been polite conversation.
He folded and unfolded his hands. “I don’t know if you’re aware of this fact, but Buzz owned an abundant amount of properties, including one located along the edge of his ranch, Grinning Spurs. Years ago, the Grinning Spurs B&B had been quite lucrative but when the woman who ran it, Fancy Grace, a friend of the family, passed away, Buzz closed the doors, leaving the house empty for, now, ten years. It wasn’t like he needed the money, and he had a hundred other businesses that held his attention.”
“I’m sorry, but I don’t understand what this has to do with me.”
“The house I’m referring to, the B&B, is yours, that is if you agree to the terms.”
She bargained that any moment the host of one of those TV shows would jump out of the shadows and announce that she had been fooled. “A house?” She rubbed her temples, trying to wrap her brain around this crazy situation.
“Are you going to keep repeating everything I say?”
“Sorry.”
“If you decide you want the house there are stipulations that go with it I’m afraid. Buzz wanted you to have options because I’m sure he understood that he couldn’t control everything. Buzz offers the five hundred thousand as option A. You take all of it and it’s yours to do as you see fit, but of course you’ll need to use the funds to get the B&B up and running. To have the deed of the house signed over to you it must be up and running with a profit within six months of occupancy. After six months it’s yours, free and clear. You can keep it, sell it, or burn it if you like and the remaining money is yours. I can’t guarantee what condition the place is in, except that there was a caretaker in Buzz’s employment that had the duty of keeping things in order. If you decide to stay, he’ll be in your employment as a handyman, if you see fit. Unless you wish to buy a mower and do the work yourself. I had Genevieve stock the shelves and refrigerator, put fresh linens on the beds, those domestic things.”
Alaska conti
nued to listen quietly.
“Anyway, here you go.” He handed her another document. A deed. For a house. A place to call home. She couldn’t count the number of times she’d prayed she could have a place that belonged to her and River. Somewhere he could grow up and they could live forever. She was tired of rentals with poor plumbing, bad neighborhood and assholes for landlords. “I’ve never ran a business, especially not a B&B. I wouldn’t know where to start.”
“I wouldn’t be the one to help. However, I do know that before it closed it did decent business. We get spillover from San Antonio and the other tourists’ sites, and having only one other Inn here in Tarnation, we could certainly use another.”
“Why would Buzz do this?”
“Only you and he know what conversation transpired between you. Like I said, he had honed instincts.”
“Usually where there’s an option A, there is a B. If I decide to not take the house, I can keep the money?”
“And this is where we talk about your other option. If you choose to waive option A, you will be given two hundred grand without any stipulations. I think we can both agree that’s still generous.”
She looked from the check to the deed. This all seemed surreal, like a dream where pinching herself wouldn’t bring her awake. “I—I don’t know what to say.” She looked back down the hallway. River was so innocent and deserved so much. With two hundred thousand, they could go anywhere, do anything. They wouldn’t have to worry about living, eating, at least not for a while. But the problem would remain. They had no place to call home.
The deed seemed to draw her. Buzz offered a home. Grass roots. Just as she had wished for all her life. Yet, it didn’t come easily. She would be responsible for a B&B, and to turn a profit in six months. From her spot now, without any skill in running a business, that felt like a large commitment that could be out of her reach.
The closing of the folder made her look at the attorney. “Ms. Kellington, with the understanding that I represent my client and his best interests, I feel it’s essential for me to say something.” He removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes, as if what he was about to say took a lot of effort. “What my client is offering is not just a number value, but a chance at a new life. Not only for you, but for your son too. Tarnation is a great town where no one locks their doors at night and guns aren’t an issue. People call each other by name. With two hundred grand, you can pay off your son’s medical bills. Your medical bills. Buy another car. But with the house option you can make this place your home. Your son can attend the school where my kids attended, and I assure you it’s one of the best. This is an offer for a life that maybe you’ve never realized you needed.”
Stiffening her shoulders, she didn’t like that he knew so much about her. “How did you know about the bills?” She snapped her brows together.
His expression softened. “Buzz needed to be sure.”
Grabbing her purse and jumping up from the chair, she took a deep breath to ease the tension in her neck. “To be sure of what exactly? That my son and I are a pathetic charity case? That we’d fall into this trap?”
“Please, ma’am. Have a seat.” He motioned for her to sit back down. “I didn’t mean to upset you. That’s not my intention.”
She decided to stay standing. “I-I can’t…I mean…I don’t know what to say.”
His shoulders slumped some. “I tell you what, you don’t have to make a decision right this moment. Why don’t you take the weekend and think about your options? Stay at the house. See if things feel right.” He reached into his pocket and produced a key. “Just remember, it does need some work but it’s livable.”
She had five dollars to her name. However, he did say the lowest check was hers without strings attached. She could easily take it and run. But where would they go? She was tired and wanted more than anything to take a long, hot bath and get a good night’s sleep.
Why would Buzz offer her this?
Mr. Robins said that Buzz had changed during his stay at the clinic.
Changed enough that he’d include someone he didn’t know in his will?
This was all too much to accept.
“The two hundred grand is already deposited in a temporary account at the local bank. Like I said, it’s yours. If you decide to stay, the remaining four hundred grand is yours. I look forward to signing over the deed to you in six months. I have faith that you’ll have the B&B like it was before it closed.”
“I’m confused still. You’re willing to give me all this money without knowing that I’ll uphold the agreement?”
“One thing you’ll find here in Tarnation, we trust each other. Buzz felt you could be trusted. Of course, no one will hold you hostage here in town, but if you run you won’t be awarded the deed to the house. I have a feeling Tarnation will grow on you.”
“I’ll take the weekend.” The words came without hesitation. How could she resist? Someone she barely knew trusted her. She couldn’t remember anyone ever thinking of her as anything but the trashy foster kid who’d grown into a worthless adult. Frankie had reminded her often enough.
“Good. I’ll be in touch Monday. Enjoy your time here. Explore Tarnation and see what we have to offer. Stop at the corner market and grab any personal items you might need. Tell them to put the bill on my tab. You and your son should have nothing to think about except if you could make this place your home.”
“I don’t have a phone. How will you contact me?”
If he was shocked that she didn’t have a phone in modern times when everyone else had one, he didn’t show it. “No worries. I’ll find you.” Easing from his chair, he picked up the folder and tucked it under his arm. “It was nice meeting you. Genevieve will give you directions to the house. And don’t forget you have money. The bank is on Main Street.”
The meeting had come to an end. She stepped into the lobby, gave the receptionist a thankful smile then squatted down next to her son, who was busily pushing a dump truck over a pile of Legos. “You ready?”
“Do we have to go?”
“Yes, it’s time. Let’s clean up the toys.” Together they put everything back into the box, got the promised directions, then stepped back out onto the sidewalk. Although it was still early, the sun was strong, and the heat was almost suffocating. It would take some time to get acclimated to the humidity.
Once they were in the car, she glanced at Mr. Robin’s office, still reeling from the turn of events. Thankfully, the car started after three tries, and she found the friendly Tarnation bank. After five minutes with the man behind the counter, who didn’t ask for much outside of her ID, she had a permanent account opened and had more money than she could imagine. She kept fifty just to get by for the weekend.
After stopping at the corner market and spending part of the money she withdrew, she followed the street to the last light and turned left onto a road that led them across a stone bridge. A handmade sign was planted in the ground and she read aloud, “The joy that can be found in the smallest things is very big indeed.”
“What does that mean?” River asked.
“It means that we should be thankful for everything because everything is worthy.”
“Like the trees?”
“Yes. Like the trees.”
“And the road?”
“Yes, the road too. And especially little men like you who’ve had too much sugar.” She tousled his hair.
He laughed and sat back, watching the scenery.
Rolling down the window, she took a deep breath, inhaling the robust scents of ancient trees, wild onions, and fresh air. She looked beyond to the sprawling fields of Bluebonnets that teased the eye with vibrant color and then the property that transitioned into a lush, green pasture where beautiful horses raced along the white fence. They came upon a sign, “The Grinning Spurs Ranch.”
“We’re close,” Alaska told River. Genevieve said once they saw the ranch it would be soon.
Grinning Spurs was stunning. A large, expansive
home sat back from the road surrounded by red outbuildings. Buzz had talked favorably about his home here in Tarnation, but he never spoke of it in mansion terms. A large, old windmill and metal rooster sat in the yard.
“Mom! Look at all the horses!” River pointed to the team of white horses with soft, flowing manes that grazed the pasture.
“They’re gorgeous.”
“I love it here! Can we stay?” He hopped up and down in his seat. “I want to ride a horse.”
She felt a familiar tightness in her chest that lingered between failure and uncertainty. His vulnerability touched her heart and, as his mother, she wanted more than anything to give him a place to call home, but she wasn’t sure Tarnation was that place. At least not yet. Saying yes to this situation was as easy as “yes”, but knowing she had to agree to the stipulations of reopening the B&B both scared and overwhelmed her. She had no idea or clue how to run a business or what condition the place was in. Ten years was a long time for a house to be vacant.
Once upon a time she’d wanted to open her own place but needing a paycheck had ultimately led her down a string of jobs, including a nurse’s aide. Although she enjoyed helping others she did have dreams that had been squelched under life’s giant foot.
Tapping her fingers over the steering wheel in restless energy, she still couldn’t absorb the nature of the situation. How could Buzz offer her money and a house? Just as Roe Robins had said, Buzz had plenty of money, but she was a stranger. It seemed…well…too contrite. Did he believe that she could run a B&B without experience? Without knowledge? What if she let him down? He was gone, but everyone around her would know that she failed, especially her son, who mattered the most. She’d failed enough over the years, and it wasn’t an option if she could help it.
“Genevieve said it was about two miles up from the windmills.”
“Mom? What are those?”
“Those are the windmills, son.”
Pour me a Drink (Tarnation, Texas Book 3) Page 3