Chapter 23
Chapter Twenty-Three
A fter breakfast and a coat of paint, Finn stopped by Wylder on his way back to Asheville.
Stella was happy to see him, but she looked perplexed. “It’s not your usual day to visit Charlie. Everything okay?”
“I took care of some things in town yesterday. Figured I’d stop by, spend more time with him.”
Ask him more questions. Update him on his meeting with Ray.
“He’s in his room. He caught a cold, probably at that funeral you all went to.”
“Is he okay?”
“Just grouchy, telling me too much about his snot.” She shook her head in disgust.
“I look forward to hearing about it.”
“I assume you’re seeing plenty of it at the hospital.”
Flu season had started. He’d been told the urgent care was overrun, but he spent his time in the ER dealing with more severe health issues.
Stella walked him down to Pa’s room. They entered. He was sitting at the table eating breakfast off a tray.
“Morning, Pa.”
Like Stella, he looked surprised to see him. “What are you doing here?” His voice was hoarse. “Don’t come in. I’m sick.”
Pa picked up a wad of Kleenex and blew his nose into it.
Finn stood just inside the doorway. “I’ll keep my distance. I was in town taking care of things. Figured I’d see you on my way home.”
He sounded pitiful, like a child. “I’m full of snot, that’s what. Stella won’t let me play cards with the others.”
Stella remained in the doorway, her arms folded in front of her. “You know the routine, Charlie. We have to keep whatever you have from spreading.”
“Humbug.”
He was definitely grouchy if he was quoting Scrooge. Best keep his visit short, let him rest.
“I’ll be brief. I met with Ray. He thinks the house is the perfect size for a couple or small family. He’s confident it will sell if you want to put it on the market.”
“I told you I want to sell. I don’t need the house. You need to stay out of Evers Hollow.”
Damn. What did he think would happen?
Exactly what had happened. He’d kissed Rose Finch. Wanted to do it again. He wouldn’t share that with his father.
Instead, he said, “I’ve been painting. Got the family room done. It looks nice.”
Pa stabbed a sausage link with his fork. “Painting. Why the hell are you painting?”
“The walls look like crap. The paint brightens it up. It’ll make it more likely?—”
“It’s fine the way it is.”
“I can’t un-paint it.”
“Dammit son. I want the house gone.”
“It will be. I’ll give Ray another call, let him know what you said. He’ll come by with the paperwork.”
“Let’s get it done.”