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“Very good. But first, we have a few things to discuss.”
My heart sinks. I knew it was too good to be true. “Is something wrong?”
“Not at all. Just a couple of things I need to clarify. While the cottage comes fully furnished, towels and bed linens are not included. Nor are pots and pans and small appliances.”
I mentally add up the costs of these items. I won’t have to purchase everything at once. And these are things we’ll take with us when we find our permanent home. “In that case, I need to go shopping. Where’s the best place in town to find these things?”
“Coastal Hardware will have everything you need.”
I raise an eyebrow. “Even sheets and towels?”
“Yes, ma’am. They carry everything under the sun except groceries. Now, let me show you a few of the mechanics of the cottage.”
For the next ten minutes, Conrad and I follow Fry around the house as he shows us the fuse box, water main valve, and light switches that control both indoor and outdoor fixtures. “You’re welcome to use the gas grill as long as you keep it clean.”
“Yes, sir. I will.” I write the check to cover the deposit and first month’s rent, and he hands me a set of keys.
I muss my son’s cropped hair. “Come on, Buddy. We need to go back to town to the hardware store.”
“Aww. Do we have to? Can’t I stay here with Fry?”
“Fry owns the cottage, but he doesn’t live here,” I explain to my son. “I’m sure he has other things he needs to be doing.”
Conrad pouts. “Can’t we go shopping tomorrow?”
“I’m sorry, son. But we have to go today. We don’t have any towels or sheets for the beds. I promise it won’t take long.”
“But I want to swing in the hammock,” Conrad protests.
Fry chuckles. “He’s welcome to stay with me, as long as you’re not gone too long. I have a few more chores to do here anyway.”
Conrad presses his hands together under his chin. “Please, Mommy.”
The idea of leaving my son with a total stranger terrifies me. We haven’t been apart in months except for the brief period when I was testifying against Grady in court. What if Conrad accidentally tells him something about our old life? What if Fry gets busy and forgets to watch him? The ocean is just over the dunes. My son is an okay swimmer, but a wave could knock him down and the current could carry him out to sea. Fry seems like a nice man, but he could be a child molester for all I know.
As though reading my mind, Fry says, “Don’t worry, Julia. I’ll take good care of your boy. I have seven grandchildren of my own.”
I look from Conrad’s eager face to Fry’s kind eyes. Against my better judgment, I give in. “All right. I won’t be gone long, and you have my cell number if you need me.”
As I leave the cottage, I convince myself this is a good warm-up for Monday, when Conrad goes for his first day at school. But after what we’ve experienced this year, I’m not sure I’ll ever feel comfortable leaving him again.
TWELVE
WILL
The girls are a whirlwind of chaos, darting through the house with piercing squeals that make my head pound.
“Girls! Please! Quiet down! You’re driving me crazy.”
Caroline slides in socked feet to a halt in front of me. “But we’re bored, Daddy. Come play with us.”
“I can’t right now, sweetheart. I have to finish packing. I’m moving our stuff to Marsh Point while you’re at school tomorrow.”
“Yippee.” Caroline dances around, shaking her fanny with her arms in the air.
I fold my arms over my chest as I watch her. “Where did you learn those dance moves?”
“Alicia taught me,” Caroline says about our next-door neighbor. “Do we get to spend tomorrow night with Aunt Ashton?”
