Snowbird Season

by B J Phillips

  Lauren sat quietly, taking sips from her Diet Coke. One of the things Kelly liked best about Lauren was that she knew when to shut up and let her look or think. She didn’t get fidgety or try to break the silence with chatter. She simply sat there, sipped on her Diet Coke, and waited.

  Kelly looked at the pictures of the other properties and decided she should at least look at a couple of the other ones. With the money she’d make off this one, she could probably afford to buy two more. That might be kind of silly since she could only work on one at a time and the other one would sit until she could get to it. Or would it? She could rent one of them out for a year or so until she was ready. It was worth considering, anyway.

  Kelly finally made two piles of the pictures. “I’ve decided to look at these two plus the cracker house,” she said, pushing the pile of the ones she wanted to see toward Lauren. She turned the other pictures upside down. “I’m not interested in seeing these. They don’t speak to me at all.”

  Lauren picked up the pile Kelly wanted to see and put a paper clip on them. “Okay, I’ll set up a time to tour these houses. I don’t think anyone’s living in any of them, so we can go any time you’re ready. First things first, what about this one? Are you completely done with it, or nearly done?”

  “I can’t think of anything else that needs to be done for now. I suppose there are always things that I could do. You know how I get sometimes. I love how this one turned out. I almost wish I didn’t have to sell it.”

  “I know. It’s almost like your baby. Seems to me you’ve worked on this one longer than the others. I’m sure we’ll find it a good new owner who’ll love it and take care of it. Just for the heck of it, have you even considered finally keeping one for yourself? I mean, seriously, you need to settle down sometime with your own home.”

  “Well, yes, I have. It’s just me and Piper and I don’t know…I haven’t decided yet. Sometime, yes. It could be soon.”

  “Oh…does that mean you have someone special in your life, finally?”

  “Well, maybe. I’m not sure how it’s going to work out. She owns an art gallery in New York and is a big city girl. I don’t know if she’d be happy living here permanently. It’s all in the beginning stages and…”

  “Look, if it’s supposed to be, it’ll work out. I’d love to see you happy with someone special. You’ve paid your dues.”

  “Yes, I guess I have. Several times over.” Kelly laughed then shook her head. “What a trail of dues-paying I’ve had. I always seem to fall either for the ones that are totally wrong for me or someone that’s perfect for someone else. Oh well, that’s been my life so far. Maybe it’s my turn now. We’ll see.”

  “Hey, we all learn. Look at me. I’m on my own again. Sharon seemed to love me and the life I live here in Florida. For some reason nine months ago she decided she couldn’t stay after all and went back to Denver.”

  “I’m so sorry. I thought she was going to be part of your happy ever after. You two seemed so perfect together.”

  “Yeah, I thought so, too. I confess I could see it coming before she finally told me. You know, I’m not looking for another Carole. Carole was one of a kind.”

  “Yes, she was. I felt so bad for you after she died. You did have…what…fifteen great years together?”

  “Yes, we did.” Lauren took a deep breath, letting it out in a sigh. “Well, I’m not making a big effort to find someone, either. If the right one falls into my lap…hey, I’m not going to look the other way. I don’t think anyone wants to be alone for the rest of her life, although I’d rather be alone than with the wrong person again.”

  “I feel the same way. We’ll see if this one works out. I care very much about her and even if it turns out we’re destined to only be good friends, so be it.”

  “I wish you luck. So…let’s get back to the business at hand. How soon do you want me to put this one out there?”

  “You can list it today if you want.” Kelly breathed a small sigh, then smiled. “I’m ready as I’ll ever be.”

  “Great. And I’m ready for the tour. From what I can see so far, this one’s going to be a fast seller, as usual.”

  Chapter Thirty-two

  ELISE PUNCHED IN THE number for Prescott Realty. Several of her friends told her Lauren Prescott was the best at what she did, finding the perfect properties for clients. She decided to talk to Ms. Prescott and see how she felt. The receptionist who answered the phone cheerfully put her right through to Lauren.

  “Lauren Prescott. How can I help you?” Elise liked the sound of her voice right away. A rather full, round, alto sound, upbeat and genuine.

  “Hi, I’m Elise Wainright. I’m calling because several friends here in Palm Harbour Isles recommended you.”

  “Well, that was nice of them. What can I help you with?”

  “My niece owns an art gallery in New York. She’s planning to open another one in this area and needs space. She’s also interested in a small house here in Fort Myers. Do you handle commercial as well as residential properties?”

  “Yes, I do. I’d be happy to discuss it with her. Is she available this afternoon? I can meet her wherever she’d like.”

  “Yes, she is. She’s here visiting me, and will be here this afternoon. We’d love to have you come talk to us. She’s looking for gallery space in Fort Myers or Naples but she wants a house in Fort Myers.”

  “Great. I’m sure I can help her find something she’ll like. How about three? Does that sound convenient for you both? I assume you’ll be there as well.”

  “Perfect. Yes, we will. If you’ll give me your cell number, I’ll text you my address.”

  Lauren recited her cell number. “I’ll watch for your text, then see you at three.”

  “We’ll see you then.” Elise hit end on the phone, the smile on her face revealing it was just the beginning. She knew this meant a new life for Andrea and she couldn’t wait to have her near her again and happy. Mostly the happy part. It was so time for it to happen. She loved Kelly and if things worked out she was going to be very excited to have Kelly in the family. But first things first. Andi was out doing errands, so Elise called her to let her know the real estate agent was coming at three.

  “Excellent.” Elise could hear the grin in her voice. “I’m so excited to get started on this project. I want that house, and starting another gallery will be so much fun. It’ll be a lot of work and a lot of fun as well.”

  “Yes, it will. Are you coming home for lunch?”

  “I’ll be there. Kelly said she had an appointment this morning, so we won’t see each other till later today.”

  “Tell you what, I’ll have lunch ready if you give me a time.”

  “Twelve-thirty? Will that work out? I only have a couple more places to go.”

  “Works for me. How about BLT’s for lunch?”

  “Sounds great. I’ll see you then.”

  At twelve-thirty on the nose Andi walked in the front door and headed for the kitchen. She tossed her bag on the kitchen island and gave Elise a hug.

  Elise headed toward the kitchen nook, where their lunch was waiting. “So how did today’s foray into the local art galleries go? What did you find?”

  Andi slid onto the other bench and picked up her napkin. “Well, there are already quite a few galleries here in town. Lots of nice ones with some great pieces. I need to come up with a different promotion idea than simply Florida art, since there are several that specialize in it. I’ll work on it. I can’t stay here much longer this trip, with one of my best-selling artists opening a major showing in a week. If there’s time, I’d like to look around in Naples, too.”

  “The agent coming this afternoon might have some ideas as well. She’d know the best areas for something like that, I’m sure.”

  At three on the nose, the doorbell rang. Andi answered the door and found Lauren standing there, putting out her hand.

  “Hi, I’m Lauren Prescott. Are you Elise’s niece?”

  “Yes
, I am. Andrea Wainwright. Nice to meet you.” She shook Lauren’s hand, stood aside, and waved her in. “Come on back to the lanai. Aunt Elise is out there and we can talk business in comfort. What can I get you to drink?”

  “Oh, I’m not picky. If you happen to have a Diet Coke, I’d love it.”

  “A Diet Coke it is then.” She led Lauren to the lanai and introduced her to her aunt. She watched Elise smile at Lauren and welcome her, leaving the lanai to fetch Lauren’s soda before she heard the rest of the conversation. As she reached into the refrigerator, she realized she had seen a look on her aunt’s face that she hadn’t seen in a very long time. It looked like…no…it couldn’t be.

  By the time Andi returned to the lanai, Elise and Lauren were chatting like old buddies. They both looked up when Andi came back with the Diet Coke for Lauren. Elise and Andi were still nursing the second round of iced teas left over from lunch.

  “So, your aunt has been vetting me. I hope I passed the test. Does she do this to everyone?” Lauren laughed as she reached for the soda put before her.

  “Why, yes. Yes, she does. She does it very nicely, don’t you think?” Andi grinned at her aunt.

  “Yes, she does.” Lauren winked at Elise, producing an almost immediate flush of color on Elise’s cheeks. Lauren returned her attention to Andi. “I understand that you’re looking for two things, a small house here in Fort Myers and gallery space either here or in Naples. Do I have that right?”

  “Yes,” Andi said. “I have a gallery in SoHo now, and I’m looking to expand to a second gallery here. I’d prefer to find space in a nice area here, or if not, in Naples. The house, however, must be here in Fort Myers.”

  Lauren opened her laptop. “And the house. Do you prefer one or two stories? On the water or not. That kind of thing.”

  “I have a house in mind, if it’s up for sale yet.” Andi gave her the address of Kelly’s house.

  “That house just came on the market today. It has lots of custom features. Have you seen it already?” Lauren cocked her head slightly as she looked at her. She pulled up the listing, showing the various pictures that she’d taken.

  “Actually, I know Kelly. I don’t want to make a big deal out of buying that house, but I do want it. It’s perfect. I’m willing to pay whatever she’s asking for it.”

  “Well, that’s nice. No dickering? You want to make a full price offer?”

  “No dickering. I know she wouldn’t be asking something outrageous for it.”

  “You do know that’s not in a neighborhood like this one. It’s a regular middle-class area. Are you sure you want it? I’ve got some others that you might like, too.”

  “I’m sure. You could plop that house down on a desert island and I’d still want it.”

  “Okay, then, we’ll write up an offer. Full asking price, right?”

  “Yep. Unless someone else has already bought it, I want it.”

  “Kelly’s renovations always go fast. However, I think this might set a record.” Lauren laughed, a low, throaty sound that reminded Andi of Lauren Bacall in an old movie. She glanced over at Elise. Nope, it wasn’t wasted on her, either. Elise was a huge Lauren Bacall fan. Oh, funny…Lauren sounds like Lauren. She just made the connection.

  “How much do you want for earnest money?” Andi asked. “I’m ready to write a check. Or I can have my bank wire the money to you.”

  “$5,000 is fine. And if you have your checkbook with you, I’ll take a check. Save the wire fees for closing. Since I’m the listing agent for that house, I know there isn’t any other offer on the table right now. Looks like this house is going to be yours.”

  Andi grinned. She got up and left to get her checkbook. Somehow, she knew her aunt and Lauren were not going to be talking about real estate—not for long anyway. She managed to dawdle in her room for a few more minutes after the checkbook was located before walking slowly back down the hall. She wasn’t trying to eavesdrop, yet she couldn’t help hearing her aunt’s laughter counterpointed by Lauren’s. Well, well. Aunt Elise has found a new friend.

  When she walked back into the lanai, it warmed Andi’s heart to see a look on her aunt’s face that hadn’t seen in a very long time. She positively glowed.

  “Okay, let’s do this,” Andi said to Lauren as she sat down.

  After another round of sodas and the offer written for Kelly’s house, Andi wanted to see what kinds of gallery space were available in the area. Lauren was ready for this, as well, with her laptop tabbed to a list with pictures. They settled on several in Fort Myers and one in Naples to go look at the next day.

  An hour later, Andi got up. “Looks like I’m good to go. Let me know if she accepts my offer. Please remember that no matter what it takes to get it, I want it. I’d rather she didn’t know it was me until closing if possible. For now, we can keep this as a purchase from a company in New York. If she asks, tell her it’s a very nice woman looking for a winter home and she loved the pictures online. How’s that?”

  “Sounds good to me. I’ll try to convince her to not ask very many more questions until the closing.”

  “You’re good.” Andi couldn’t help smiling. “Very good.”

  It was Lauren’s turn to grin. “Well, I’ve had lots of experience. Plus, I know Kelly and she trusts me. She knows I won’t sell it to someone who’s going to go in and tear out all her hard work. Meantime…” Lauren turned to Elise, “Do you have dinner plans? I have a banquet I need to go to this evening and I’d love it if you’d come with me. I know this is short notice. What do you think?”

  Elise smiled. “Well, I don’t have plans and I don’t mind dressing up. Not black tie, I assume?”

  “Cocktail attire.”

  “I can do that. What time?”

  “I’ll pick you up at seven.” Lauren turned to Andi and grinned. “I’d like you to know, my intentions toward your aunt are strictly honorable.”

  “I’m sure they are. Just bring her back before the carriage turns back into a pumpkin.”

  Lauren and Elise laughed. “I’m sure we will,” Elise said.

  “All right, Miss Andi. I’ll present your offer to Kelly and see if she bites. She should. It’s a full price offer with no financing involved. It’s a great offer, in fact. I’ll call you right after I talk to her and tell you what she says.”

  Andi shook Lauren’s hand. She decided to let Elise walk Lauren to the door without her hanging about and couldn’t help the grin on her face once Elise returned to the lanai.

  “So, what do you think of Lauren?” Andi asked as Elise reclaimed her seat at the table.

  Elise took a sip of her tea. “She seems very pleasant and quite knowledgeable. No wonder she comes so highly recommended.”

  “That’s not what I meant, and you know it. What do you think of her personally?”

  “I like her. She seems like a nice woman who’s also funny and smart.”

  “So…you aren’t going to this thing tonight because you want to help my deal along, right?”

  “What? No. Of course not. I’d never do that. It sounded like a fun evening, that’s all.” Elise really did seem to twinkle.

  “If you’re sure. I wouldn’t want you to put yourself through another one of those rubber chicken things on my account.” Andi tried to look serious.

  “I’m sure it won’t be. In fact, I’m pretty sure I went to the same banquet last year and it was quite entertaining. I don’t remember seeing her there, though, and I think I’d remember her. Those grey eyes are amazing.”

  “I bet you would have. She’s quite striking. I didn’t notice her eyes. I must’ve been paying more attention to the paperwork or the pictures.” She giggled. “But she’s more your type than mine, that’s for sure.”

  “Now don’t get carried away, young lady. It’s only an evening out. Besides, your type is now Kelly. I’m so glad things are working out so far. I just know you two belong together.”

  “I think so, too. We’ll make it all work. I know we will.�
�

  “Okay, now that we’re done buying you a house, I need to go pick out an outfit for tonight. Come help me.”

  Chapter Thirty-three

  “IT’S YOU, ISN’T IT?” Kelly asked Andi. They were sitting on the lanai loveseat with Piper lying across Kelly’s lap where she could easily be petted.

  “What are you talking about?” Andi asked, avoiding eye contact by looking down at Piper and scratching her ears.

  “You’re the one buying this house.”

  “Oh, you got an offer on it? Wow, that was fast.” Her eyes never left Piper, her fingers stroking Piper’s ears.

  “Come on, now, don’t play dumb. I know it’s you. The house was only on the market for a few hours, and as far as I know no one came to see it. You’ve already seen it, so I’m figuring you’re the one who wanted to buy it. Fess up.”

  Andi groped for a response. She decided she wasn’t going to lie to Kelly ever again and looked up. “You won’t believe this. My aunt found Lauren through referrals from friends. It was pure coincidence that she was the one we dealt with, honestly. I told her I was looking for commercial property for a gallery here and a small home here for me. Your house came up.”

  “Right.”

  “Well, that’s exactly what happened. Of course, I gave her the street address of this house to be sure. She showed it to me on the list. To tell you the truth, I was going to go through all kinds of backstreets to be sure you didn’t find out it was me until we signed the final papers. Since you figured it out already, well, I guess that’s rather useless. I should’ve known better.”

  “You know confession is good for the soul. You really want this house?”

  “I really, really want it. In fact, I love it and I can’t wait to live here.” She gazed into Kelly’s eyes. “It’s simply perfect…exactly what I want. Everything here calls to me and says ‘home’ each time.”