My mother-in-law shook her head. "No. I want this one. You say the school district won't lose value, but who's to say the suburban house won't tank?"
"All I know is this apartment is in a top school district. It'll always be worth something."
My mother sighed. "If you're worried about depreciation, let Jim sell the suburban house and buy a new place in the school district. Why does it have to be this apartment?"
Listening to all of this, the anger inside me surged again.
Jim noticed the look on my face and leaned close to my ear, pleading.
"Babe, you can't get worked up right now. Please, just stay calm."
"Just play along for my sake. Agree to it for now. The second my mom leaves, I'll give it right back."
"I'll even sign an IOU if that's what it takes."
My parents overheard him. They exchanged a weary glance.
"Fine," my father said. "We'll agree to your terms. Now can we change the names back?"
The notary was called in. The documents were spread across the table.
Once the signatures were down, the transfer agreement took effect.
My mother-in-law finally cracked a smile.
"Alright. Go ahead and change the names."
Relief washed through me. I signaled for my parents to handle the paperwork.