New Uses For Old Boyfriends by Beth Kendrick Read Free Book Online Page A

builder in Black Dog Bay.”
    â€œBill and I had several meetings about the state of his financial affairs before he died.” Richard handed a tissue to Daphne. “He kept hoping things would turn around once the real estate market recovered.”
    â€œBut they didn’t.” Lila flinched as she heard her jaw joint click. “So now what?” She released her death grip on the chair, reeling at the implications of this. She was shocked, of course, and angry that her father had hidden this from his family, but she also tried to imagine the crushing sense of responsibility he must havefelt, charged with taking care of his daughter and wife. His success had become a matter of routine and expectation. He had always been the bedrock, the hero, the provider. “We have a property tax bill to pay. Among a lot of other things, apparently.”
    â€œYou’re in a financial state of emergency,” the attorney declared.
    â€œOkay.” Lila kept studying the legal documents as if the answers to all of life’s problems were buried in the tiny rows of text. “What’s the first thing we have to do to turn this around?”
    â€œTo be blunt, turning things around isn’t an option. Daphne, you’re going to have to sell the house—”
    â€œNever.” Daphne jumped back into the conversation. “Absolutely not. I’m not selling the house.”
    â€œHe’s saying we don’t have a choice,” Lila pointed out.
    â€œI spent thirty years pouring my heart and soul into that house. I just updated the living room this fall. Selling it is out of the question, and I won’t hear another word on the subject.”
    Lila made eye contact with the attorney. “No way to save the house?”
    He raised an eyebrow at her. “I assume you’re not in a position to assist your mother financially at this time?”
    Lila felt her cheeks flush. “That would be a correct assumption.”
    â€œWell, there’s no need to call a real estate agent today.” He shot a sidelong glance at Daphne, who was blithely ignoring them. “I do think, though, that action should be taken sooner rather than later. Because, given the monthly expenses and the debts your mother is already responsible for—”
    â€œWe’re screwed.” Lila shot to her feet. “Got it.”
    â€œThis is obviously an emotional time.” The lawyer adjusted the knot in his tie. “Why don’t the two of you take a day to collect your thoughts, come to a decision about the house, and—”
    â€œThe decision is made,” Daphne said. “I’m not selling the house.”
    Richard gave Lila a look and handed her a stack of folders.
    Lila accepted the paperwork and gathered up her coat and handbag. “Mom? We’re going.”
    Daphne waited for the attorney to stand up, walk around the desk, and help her put on her sable-trimmed black coat. Then mother and daughter walked back through the waiting room and out of the office.
    Finally, once they’d pushed through the building’s glass doors to the wind and cold rain, Lila trusted herself to speak. “I need a few minutes alone.”
    Daphne dabbed at her eyes with the wadded tissue. “I think that’s a good idea. Take some time to process everything before you meet the girls at the country club.”
    Lila pivoted on her heel and rounded on her mother. “Are you insane? I’m not going to the country club to have cocktails right now.”
    Daphne held her ground. “You have to. Canceling would be rude; everyone will be so disappointed. What will people think?”
    â€œSorry; I got my priorities screwed up for a second there.” Lila let out a dry little laugh. “Who cares what’s really going on? All that matters is what people will
think
.”
    Daphne drew herself up to her full, formidable height. “Lila Jane