Read Online Second Time Around by Darrin Lowery - Free Book Online Page A

hated being ignorant about financial matters. Most of all, Korie and Jayna got the impression that Mr. Underwood did not appreciate the counsel of women. He struck them both as the type that was ignorant and sexist; a man who was ignorant of his own ignorance. When his language began to become abusive, Jayna, Korie, and Shaniqua went outside for a sister-to-sister talk.
    â€œMrs. Underwood, we’re just trying to keep it real with you. I don’t know what lifestyle you all came from, but whatever style it was, you will be back to living that exact same way if you don’t make wiser decisions about your money. You need to get out from under this house immediately and try to live within your means.”
    This was Jayna’s advice and it was sound advice.
    Mrs. Underwood understood everything that was being told to her. She understood that the taxes alone would be a problem; it was clear by the look on her face, however she was living before, she didn’t want to go back to that lifestyle.
    It was also clear by the look on her face that her husband held the purse strings. The look on her face said it all. There was no way in hell that her husband would listen to two women, and let them advise him on how to conduct business. Qualified or not, Mr. Underwood would not heed counsel from two black women. Something about their strength made him feel visibly insecure.
    Korie felt sorry for Mrs. Underwood. Jayna, however, had a look on her face as if she were deep in thought. She then had a look on her face as if she had an epiphany.
    â€œMrs. Underwood, did your husband specifically give you any money?”
    â€œHe gave me two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. He kept two fifty and he put the rest on the house, why?”
    â€œI’m going to be your personal financial advisor. In the meanwhile, you need to try and convince your husband to get a smaller home. You can get a nice home for about two hundred thousand once you sell this one.”
    â€œIsn’t it going to be hard to sell this house?”
    â€œIt is. But I have a friend that might be able to help you.”
    Jayna got on her cell phone and walked toward her car to talk with someone. Mrs. Underwood and Korie walked toward Korie’s car. A single tear streamed down Mrs. Underwood’s face at the prospect of downsizing. It was written all over her face that this was the house of her dreams; hell, it was the dream house of many women.
    â€œIt’s a really beautiful home. It’s my dream home, Ms. Dillion,” she said. Her face was worn and weary at the prospect of losing such a beautiful place.
    â€œIt’s indeed beautiful. It’s very nice. But you’ll drown in this house if you stay.”
    â€œI know. It’s just that no one I have ever known has ever had a home like this. Our friends and family have been out here. They will all look at us funny if we downsize. How can we face them if we give up this house?”
    â€œPride comes before the fall, Mrs. Underwood. Buying this house was a mistake, nothing more. No one can fault you for wanting to buy this place. It’s magnificent. But I’m sure you can find a smaller house that will also capture your heart if you look hard enough.”
    â€œI want to thank you for your advice.”
    â€œNo problem. Sometimes sisters need to look out for one another.”
    â€œI also want to apologize for my husband and his attitude.”
    â€œThat’s all right. Men can be like that sometimes. Can I ask another question?”
    â€œSure.”
    â€œHow did the two of you end up together?”
    It was another one of those situations that to Korie didn’t quite compute. Mr. Underwood was a sloppily shaped man with a poor disposition. At first glance he seemed to have few redeeming qualities.
    Mrs. Underwood, however, looked like Jill Scott. She had kind eyes, a great smile, and she looked like back in the day she was quite the catch. That is,