The apartments were purchased by an investor named Peter Grayson, and the land near Charleston was sold to a developer who had wanted it for years. Throughout this entire process I behaved normally around Brianna as if nothing unusual were happening.
One evening while they ate dinner at the dining table and I sat at my small kitchen spot I finally spoke. “Brianna I have sold the house and the new owner will take possession in two weeks.”
Her fork dropped onto the plate while her eyes widened with shock. “What do you mean you sold the house Mom and where are we supposed to go,” she demanded anxiously.
“We,” I repeated quietly while meeting her gaze.
“You and the children will need to find a place to rent because the property is no longer mine.”
Her voice rose with panic while anger flushed her face. “What about my inheritance because that house was supposed to belong to me someday.”
I looked directly at her without lowering my eyes for the first time in months. “Did you truly believe I allowed you to stay here so you could wait comfortably for my death,” I asked softly.