Chapter 11 - The Deposit
Gwendolyn had advertised the Phoenix house for private events before the renovation had even begun. Chloe found the listing on her mother’s tablet. It promised a refreshed interior, hillside views, and exclusive use of the property.
The house wasn’t on a hill. The photos of a bright balcony were from my old bedroom.
“Somebody’s booked it for next month,” Chloe said. “They paid her ten thousand dollars.”
Nina asked me to send her screenshots. Dad, still in the hospital, called the company himself. He told them the house wasn’t available and that any deposit had to be addressed with Gwendolyn. By the end of the day, the listing had disappeared.
That evening, Dad came home. He asked Chloe and me to meet him in the dining room. Gwendolyn was there, sitting in the chair where she had given me the ultimatum.
Dad had the trust agreement in front of him.
“Paige owns half the house through her mother’s trust,” he said to Chloe. “I should have explained that years ago.”
Chloe looked at me, then at the room around us. “You knew?”
“I knew Mom had left me a share. I didn’t think I’d ever have to use paperwork to prove I belonged here.”
Gwendolyn pressed her lips together. “Nobody said she didn’t belong.”
“You told me to leave forever,” I said.
“I was angry.”
“You watched me carry my bags out.”
She looked at Dad. “Are you going to let her make this all my fault?”
Dad’s voice stayed low. “I let Paige leave. That part is mine.”
Gwendolyn stood. “Fine. Then I’ll make the lender understand I was trying to help my husband.”
Her phone lit up on the table. Chloe glanced at the screen.
“Mom,” she said, “why is the rental company asking about a second deposit?”
Gwendolyn snatched up the phone.
Dad held out his hand. “We need to see what you promised them.”
“No,” Gwendolyn said.
She took her keys and walked out.
May you like
An hour later, the rental company called Dad. Someone had just sent them a revised agreement bearing his signature.
Dad hadn’t signed it.
