The Magnolia Sisters (Magnolia Sisters #1) - Michelle Major Page 0,23
Suddenly Avery wondered why she’d bothered to attempt to bridge the gap between these two. The last thing she needed was having them find solidarity by putting her in the hot seat. So far she’d been able to avoid revealing any details about the mess she’d made of her life, and she wanted to keep it that way.
“My company went through a downsizing,” she said, her features schooled. No need to explain that the only person downsized was her when she’d been given the choice to quit or be fired. “I was getting ready to start a new job when I got the letter about Niall.”
If by job she meant watching reality television and ordering Chinese takeout like it was her job, she wasn’t exactly lying. “I can put things on hold while we figure this out.”
The other two women watched her like they didn’t believe a word of what she told them, but neither called her out on the flimsy fabrication.
“That’s good,” Carrie said after the awkward silence stretched almost too long to bear. “We’ll need to work together to get the house in order.”
“We also need a plan for the real estate downtown,” Avery added. “There’s no way the bank is going to continue to let us slide on mortgage payments now that Niall’s gone.” She leveled her gaze at Carrie. “Which means we can no longer let the local businesses get away with not paying rent.”
“The ranch is paid for,” Meredith said, nodding as if congratulating herself. “That means my rescue has no threat of closing.”
“We can sell it to pay for renovations on the house,” Carrie said, surprising Avery with the vehemence of her tone.
“No way,” Meredith argued. “I need that property. You wouldn’t dare—”
“Don’t get your panties in a bunch,” Carrie interrupted. “I don’t want to sell anything.”
“Why not?” Avery demanded. “That’s the only option that makes sense for all of us.”
“It sure sounds like you wanted to sell,” Meredith grumbled.
Carrie inched her chair closer to Meredith’s. “We’re going to have to work together.” She looked between the two of them. “The house needs renovations. The buildings downtown are mortgaged to the hilt and we’re already behind on payments. Meredith wants to keep the beach house. Each of us owns a property, but we need one another to find the right solution. A solution that will benefit all three of us.”
They sat in a weighted silence for a minute while the waitress cleared the plates and brought the check. Carrie held up a hand when Avery and Meredith reached for their wallets and pulled out a heavy bag of coins from her tote bag.
“I found two dozen beer growlers filled with coins in the master bedroom closet.”
Meredith arched a brow. “Do I officially own those since they were in the house?”
“I’ve loaded and hauled four truckloads of old newspapers to the recycling center over in Kirby since last week. Let’s call it even.”
Carrie started digging out quarters, then paused when she realized Meredith was grinning at her. “What?”
“You’re different than when we were kids,” Meredith told her. “I like you better without so much shine and polish.”
“I like you better now that you aren’t slamming me into lockers,” Carrie said.
Avery gasped. “You bullied her?”
Meredith sniffed but looked faintly embarrassed. “My dad hated Niall Reed. Being mean to his daughter felt like family loyalty.”
“We’re a mess.” Avery dropped her head onto the table again. When she lifted it, both Carrie and Meredith grinned.
“Speak for yourself.” Meredith handed her a napkin. “Wipe the guacamole off your forehead while you’re at it.”
With a groan, Avery took the napkin and blotted her forehead.
“At least we’re not in this mess alone.” Carrie offered an encouraging smile.
“True,” Avery said, and even Meredith nodded in agreement.
A Magnolia mess but one she didn’t have to face on her own.
Maybe that was enough for now.
CHAPTER SIX
GRAY KNOCKED ON the door of the carriage house after Violet fell asleep, trying to convince himself he was just being neighborly.