SEAL the Deal(11)

Emerging from the foyer, Lacey pointed to the new window treatments that framed the view of the Severn River sparkling in the morning sun. “They look like Dupioni silk, don’t they? But they’re really crushed voile. Much more economical.”

Carolyn gave a slight nod, reaching out to touch the shimmering fabric that flowed from the new brushed nickel rod. Hung close to the ceiling, the draperies gave the illusion of height to the windows, and the creamy fabric Maeve had suggested added a hint of luxury without the sizable cost of silk.

Guiding her client into the kitchen, Lacey showed off the wood floors gleaming under their glossy finish. Steel hardware modernized the old kitchen cabinets since new ones were not in Carolyn’s tight budget.

Under-cabinet lighting highlighted the granite countertops that replaced the old laminate. The counters were darker than Lacey would have preferred, but the stone manufacturer had offered her a great price on the Ubatuba stone because it had been rejected last-minute by another purchaser. “There’s this tiny chip right here. It doesn’t affect the stone strength, and I can barely notice it myself. But the other homeowner didn’t want it, so we got lucky.”

Carolyn’s back was to Lacey as she traced her hand along the luminous stone. “It’s beautiful.”

Leading Carolyn through the crisply painted bedrooms upstairs, Lacey felt a surge of excitement at the idea of showing off her work at the open house. She had even gone so far as to imagine herself announcing to her parents when she visited them Thanksgiving that she had just sold a million-dollar-plus property, if it sold in time. It would be nice to have something to boast about for a change.

When this waterfront house sold, she’d have the money to print up some marketing materials like fliers and postcards for mailings. She might even be able to give up crashing funerals for business.

Lacey ended Carolyn’s tour in the living room, so caught up in her own excitement that she barely remembered to look at her client to see her reaction. She was shocked to see sadness in the older woman’s eyes.

Her heart sinking, Lacey couldn’t stop the words before they slipped out. “Are you really sure you want to list the place? You don’t look happy about it.” She could envision her profit-monger sister smacking her on the back of the head right now.

Carolyn sighed as she gazed at the view of the Severn. “I really don’t have a choice. It’s too much house for me. And my son thinks I should be in an assisted living home at this stage in my life.”

Lacey scowled. She had met Carolyn’s son once, and it was one time too many. “I’d hate to see you sell it and then have regrets.”

“But my son says—”

“It’s your decision, not his.” Lacey cringed at her tone. “I’m sorry. It’s not my business. I just want to see you happy.”

Carolyn’s hand gently swept over the rented sofa that faced the view of the backyard. Lacey had found movers to take some of the furniture to Carolyn’s small duplex in the assisted living community. The rest was sold at auction.

“No, I really am ready.” Carolyn took an audible breath and then smiled, as though making peace with her decision. “The new furniture you rented does look a lot better than what I had here. You were right. I never realized how dated it all was. It’s funny. You sometimes get used to things over time, never knowing how bad they are until they’re gone.”

Why did Lacey think Carolyn was talking more about her marriage than her furniture?

“And I never thought to face the sofa this way. Lou always wanted it facing the TV. This looks beautiful.”

“It’s the view that’s going to sell the house.”

“I’ve taken it for granted all these years.”

“You were busy raising children. You didn’t have the time to stop and smell the roses. You could now, you know. Just give yourself a few months to think it over.”

The old woman smiled. “You’re a terrible businesswoman.”

Lacey knew Carolyn hadn’t intended to hurt her, but the words stung. She could hear her parents saying the same thing.

“I’m ready for a change, Lacey. This house is beautiful now. But it holds memories I’ll be glad to shed.” Carolyn’s hand toyed with the fixtures on the new French doors. “Besides, do you know how close I’m living to the mall now? What old lady could resist that?”

Lacey’s cell phone rang. “I’m sorry. I thought I turned it off,” she said, intending to ignore it.

“No, no. Take the call. I think I’ll just sit here and enjoy the view a bit.”