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Authors: Nancy J. Cohen
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attorney fees. There wouldn't be much left to invest, and we'd never generate the same monthly amount.”
“Do both co-owners have to consent in order to sell?”
“Scott says we do.” Jill wrung her hands. “Torrie and I never got around to signing the partnership agreement. This is exactly the reason why I wanted one, so the rules would be clear. I can't deal with Scott, Marla. I can't.”
“He might be reasonable if you pointed out the pros and cons for selling versus renting the property. It's worth the wait to try and find a tenant.”
“Absolutely. The lube center has to give us one year's rent up front as a condition of early termination. That will help us pay our expenses. Kevin isn't charging us a commission, and Eddy's law firm will give us a discount, but it'll still cost us. What did you and Stan do when you both owned your property?”
Marla winced at the mention of her ex-spouse. “We were in agreement on most issues. It sounds as though you know what you want.”
“Maybe so, but I'd be grateful if you could talk to Scott.”
“Me? What for?”
Jill's blue eyes took on an imploring look. “You're good with people. Pay him a condolence call and then steer the conversation to the topic. Tell him the advantages of renting. You're getting good income on your property, aren't you?”
“Well, sure.” That's why she had bought Stan out. “I'll fit it in somehow. I'm booked with hair appointments today. Tonight, I wanted to discuss gifts with Dalton for his ushers. And we still can't agree on a place for the rehearsal dinner.”
“Where have you looked?”
Marla mentioned some local restaurants. “Dalton's mom insists on paying.”
“That's generous of her. You're talking about December. You'd better hurry or nothing will be available.”
“Tell me about it. Dalton doesn't care, and my mother is more concerned with the price tag for the reception.”
“Heck, sugar, sounds like both your mamas are being bullish.”
“It's like a competition between them. We should have gone to Vegas and eloped.”
Jill rose, swinging her ponytail. “No fair. You came to my wedding. I wouldn't miss yours.”
Marla grinned. “You're right.” Standing, she stretched. “At least we've got the basics covered. In the meantime . . . I hate to bring this up, but when is Torrie's funeral?”
“Probably on Friday. The police said they're going to, uh, you know, release her on Wednesday. Scott is still making arrangements. I offered to help, but he likes to do things on his own. He's letting me order food platters for the people afterwards.”
“Is he working this week?” She couldn't imagine he'd go into his shop right after his wife died.
Jill shrugged. “He's been home when I've called.” Her gaze shifted. “Nice paintings. Very colorful.” She pointed to the wall where a couple of framed pictures hung on display.
“I bought them at an art auction on board the
Tropical Sun
during the final blowout sale,” Marla replied with a hint of pride. She'd deserved it, after solving the murder of an artist whose work had been the cause of scandal.
“Those romantic scenes match your furniture.” Jill glanced around with approval. “This looks charming. I hope you'll invite me to the grand opening. I'll bring my friends.”
“Arnie has agreed to cater the event, but I'll have to supply the wine.” Marla bustled to the armoire and grabbed a brochure listing spa services. “Twenty percent off your first facial, massage, or paraffin wax treatment.” She smiled. “Try the foot reflexology. It's relaxing after work.”
“Maybe for you. I sit at a desk all day.” Jill gave a weary sigh, as though her shoulders had taken on a burden of heavy weights. “Thank goodness I took this week off. I couldn't have worked under the circumstances.”
“I'll talk to Scott.” Marla walked her friend to the door. “In the meantime, let me know if you learn anything new.”
Twenty minutes later, while she was
“Do both co-owners have to consent in order to sell?”
“Scott says we do.” Jill wrung her hands. “Torrie and I never got around to signing the partnership agreement. This is exactly the reason why I wanted one, so the rules would be clear. I can't deal with Scott, Marla. I can't.”
“He might be reasonable if you pointed out the pros and cons for selling versus renting the property. It's worth the wait to try and find a tenant.”
“Absolutely. The lube center has to give us one year's rent up front as a condition of early termination. That will help us pay our expenses. Kevin isn't charging us a commission, and Eddy's law firm will give us a discount, but it'll still cost us. What did you and Stan do when you both owned your property?”
Marla winced at the mention of her ex-spouse. “We were in agreement on most issues. It sounds as though you know what you want.”
“Maybe so, but I'd be grateful if you could talk to Scott.”
“Me? What for?”
Jill's blue eyes took on an imploring look. “You're good with people. Pay him a condolence call and then steer the conversation to the topic. Tell him the advantages of renting. You're getting good income on your property, aren't you?”
“Well, sure.” That's why she had bought Stan out. “I'll fit it in somehow. I'm booked with hair appointments today. Tonight, I wanted to discuss gifts with Dalton for his ushers. And we still can't agree on a place for the rehearsal dinner.”
“Where have you looked?”
Marla mentioned some local restaurants. “Dalton's mom insists on paying.”
“That's generous of her. You're talking about December. You'd better hurry or nothing will be available.”
“Tell me about it. Dalton doesn't care, and my mother is more concerned with the price tag for the reception.”
“Heck, sugar, sounds like both your mamas are being bullish.”
“It's like a competition between them. We should have gone to Vegas and eloped.”
Jill rose, swinging her ponytail. “No fair. You came to my wedding. I wouldn't miss yours.”
Marla grinned. “You're right.” Standing, she stretched. “At least we've got the basics covered. In the meantime . . . I hate to bring this up, but when is Torrie's funeral?”
“Probably on Friday. The police said they're going to, uh, you know, release her on Wednesday. Scott is still making arrangements. I offered to help, but he likes to do things on his own. He's letting me order food platters for the people afterwards.”
“Is he working this week?” She couldn't imagine he'd go into his shop right after his wife died.
Jill shrugged. “He's been home when I've called.” Her gaze shifted. “Nice paintings. Very colorful.” She pointed to the wall where a couple of framed pictures hung on display.
“I bought them at an art auction on board the
Tropical Sun
during the final blowout sale,” Marla replied with a hint of pride. She'd deserved it, after solving the murder of an artist whose work had been the cause of scandal.
“Those romantic scenes match your furniture.” Jill glanced around with approval. “This looks charming. I hope you'll invite me to the grand opening. I'll bring my friends.”
“Arnie has agreed to cater the event, but I'll have to supply the wine.” Marla bustled to the armoire and grabbed a brochure listing spa services. “Twenty percent off your first facial, massage, or paraffin wax treatment.” She smiled. “Try the foot reflexology. It's relaxing after work.”
“Maybe for you. I sit at a desk all day.” Jill gave a weary sigh, as though her shoulders had taken on a burden of heavy weights. “Thank goodness I took this week off. I couldn't have worked under the circumstances.”
“I'll talk to Scott.” Marla walked her friend to the door. “In the meantime, let me know if you learn anything new.”
Twenty minutes later, while she was
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