Read Online Breakwater Beach by Carole Ann Moleti - Free Book Online Page B
Authors: Carole Ann Moleti
Ads: Link
adviser, and he had control of the trust. “I’ve decided to use the life insurance payments to cover the cost of the house. I don’t trust other investments right now. Once I sell mine, I’ll have the money to pay for restoration and living expenses until I get the inn up and running.”
“How much does this house cost?”
“A million dollars.”
He shook his head. “I can’t believe you didn’t consult with me first.”
She’d been prepared for this. “It’s my money, Bill.”
“And Gerry asked me to help you manage it wisely. In this market, it might take months to sell your house. What would he say if I let you do this?”
“Excuse me? If you let me do it ? Gerry and I discussed moving to the Cape at length before he got sick.” Feeling Gerry’s approval had offered the only place of comfort she’d been able to find in recent weeks. No one was going to tell her she couldn’t buy the house. No one. She wasn’t an attorney, but was ready to fight like she’d graduated law school summa cum laude.
“Before the economy and real estate market tanked. What about your job, and your son?” Bill sat back, looked down his nose at her, and crossed one leg over the other.
Liz forced herself to lean forward and look him straight in the eye. “I can teach anywhere, and Jay is going away to college in September. His tuition is more than provided for.”
“You’re not supposed to make major financial decisions for a year after a spouse dies. There’s too much emotion. Take some time to think about it. There will be other houses.” Bill waved his hands as if to dismiss her like a naughty pupil.
It took all the strength she had to keep he voice from quavering. “The house was scheduled to go up for auction in another month. If I withdraw my offer, someone else will snap it up at that price.” Liz tried not to sound desperate, but if he delayed advancing the funds, if she lost it . . .
“Liz, real estate prices are dropping like lead weights. There are very few people who can amass a million dollars right now. Hold on to your money and let someone else make the mistake.” He rubbed his palms together, knitted his fingers and, with them still entwined, stretched his palms toward her like a warm up for a fight.
How dare he call her decision a mistake? “Which is why I was able to negotiate such a good deal. They took half a million off the price and forgave the back taxes. I have the money even if my house takes a while to sell. The binder is due in two weeks and I want the full amount advanced into my checking account tomorrow so that it’s readily available.” It was a struggle to keep her voice slow and deep, so as not to sound weak and emotional.
“You’re lonely and uncomfortable in your house. I understand. But running away isn’t the answer. You belong in Boston. All your friends are here. You’ve isolated yourself, which is normal under the circumstances. But it’s time to get back in circulation. I’m divorced, and you’re used to lawyers.” Bill leaned over, put his hand on her knee, then slid it up her thigh.
Shivering and sweating at the same time, Liz forced herself to breathe deeply as she moved away, then headed toward the door. Bill followed and blocked the exit.
He planned this, getting me here alone . “Get out of my way. I’m leaving.”
He didn’t move.
She would not be a victim, nor a pushover. “You better get the hell out of my way. And I better have Gerry’s life insurance money in my checking account by this time next week or the Bar Association and licensing board is going to hear about your little proposal.” This time the growl in her voice was totally genuine, and she resisted the temptation to slap him.
“Come on, Liz. You’re too young and attractive to be alone.” He leaned in so close Liz thought he was going to kiss her.
Bill’s leer, and the look of triumph in his eyes, brought bile to the back of her throat. How far would this go, and
“How much does this house cost?”
“A million dollars.”
He shook his head. “I can’t believe you didn’t consult with me first.”
She’d been prepared for this. “It’s my money, Bill.”
“And Gerry asked me to help you manage it wisely. In this market, it might take months to sell your house. What would he say if I let you do this?”
“Excuse me? If you let me do it ? Gerry and I discussed moving to the Cape at length before he got sick.” Feeling Gerry’s approval had offered the only place of comfort she’d been able to find in recent weeks. No one was going to tell her she couldn’t buy the house. No one. She wasn’t an attorney, but was ready to fight like she’d graduated law school summa cum laude.
“Before the economy and real estate market tanked. What about your job, and your son?” Bill sat back, looked down his nose at her, and crossed one leg over the other.
Liz forced herself to lean forward and look him straight in the eye. “I can teach anywhere, and Jay is going away to college in September. His tuition is more than provided for.”
“You’re not supposed to make major financial decisions for a year after a spouse dies. There’s too much emotion. Take some time to think about it. There will be other houses.” Bill waved his hands as if to dismiss her like a naughty pupil.
It took all the strength she had to keep he voice from quavering. “The house was scheduled to go up for auction in another month. If I withdraw my offer, someone else will snap it up at that price.” Liz tried not to sound desperate, but if he delayed advancing the funds, if she lost it . . .
“Liz, real estate prices are dropping like lead weights. There are very few people who can amass a million dollars right now. Hold on to your money and let someone else make the mistake.” He rubbed his palms together, knitted his fingers and, with them still entwined, stretched his palms toward her like a warm up for a fight.
How dare he call her decision a mistake? “Which is why I was able to negotiate such a good deal. They took half a million off the price and forgave the back taxes. I have the money even if my house takes a while to sell. The binder is due in two weeks and I want the full amount advanced into my checking account tomorrow so that it’s readily available.” It was a struggle to keep her voice slow and deep, so as not to sound weak and emotional.
“You’re lonely and uncomfortable in your house. I understand. But running away isn’t the answer. You belong in Boston. All your friends are here. You’ve isolated yourself, which is normal under the circumstances. But it’s time to get back in circulation. I’m divorced, and you’re used to lawyers.” Bill leaned over, put his hand on her knee, then slid it up her thigh.
Shivering and sweating at the same time, Liz forced herself to breathe deeply as she moved away, then headed toward the door. Bill followed and blocked the exit.
He planned this, getting me here alone . “Get out of my way. I’m leaving.”
He didn’t move.
She would not be a victim, nor a pushover. “You better get the hell out of my way. And I better have Gerry’s life insurance money in my checking account by this time next week or the Bar Association and licensing board is going to hear about your little proposal.” This time the growl in her voice was totally genuine, and she resisted the temptation to slap him.
“Come on, Liz. You’re too young and attractive to be alone.” He leaned in so close Liz thought he was going to kiss her.
Bill’s leer, and the look of triumph in his eyes, brought bile to the back of her throat. How far would this go, and
Similar Books
