Page 40 of Summer Sweethearts
Getting in Mike’s truck, he turns the key and backs out of the driveway, heading toward the bank. We’re silent as we drive, just listening to the radio, and I can’t help but let my mind drift to Loretta. I hope she knows I still love her, but she can’t fly off the handle like that. Also, being in a relationship means listening to your partner even if you don’t exactly like what they have to say.
Deciding I should check in with her, I wake my phone up, hit the message icon, and find our message thread.
Me:
Hey, just checking in with you. I will not be at work today. I’m running some errands with Mike. Call me later if you want to.
Loretta:
Did you stay with him last night?
Me:
Yeah, showed up on his doorstep like an alley cat and he took me in.
Loretta:
Okay
Loretta:
I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have reacted like that. You were just trying to help, and I was a bitch. Forgive me?
Me:
Always
Loretta:
I love you
Me:
Love you too. I’ll be home tonight.
Loretta:
Tell Michael I unblocked his number so we can talk
I laugh and dim my screen again. “What’s so funny?” Mike asks.
“That was Loretta apologizing to me for last night. She also said to tell you she unblocked your number,” I tell him, rolling my eyes at how fucking insane that woman acted over thinking he’s leaving again. She’s got it bad, whether she wants to admit it or not.
We pull up to the bank, hurrying inside, and find Molly already sitting at a desk with a banker. I follow Mike to the desk, taking a seat next to him. “Sorry, we cut it close, Molly,” he tells her, placing a kiss on her cheek.
“That’s alright, baby. Where’s Loretta?”
“Don’t ask. She’s having some personal issues that she needs to work out. But Jessica tagged along,” he tells her. “Now, what do you need from me?”
“Well, sir, this is pretty cut and dry. Your aunt is transferring ownership of the property on Davis School Lane to you. It will be under your total ownership to do what you want with it. If you want to tear it down and rebuild, renovate, or sell. I just need you to sign here, and we will be on our way,” the banker tells me.
Mike grabs a pen sitting on the desk and signs the document.
“It’s as easy as that. You’re free to go, and you’ll receive the new deed in the mail in five to ten business days,” the banker signs the document himself and stamps it with a seal.
“While we’re here, can I apply for a home equity loan so I can start the renovations right away?” Mike asks.
Molly smiles and stands up before leaning down and kissing his cheek. “I’m proud of you, Michael. Your parents would be too. You don’t need me for this, so I’m gonna go. Love you.”
