6
BRYSON
Things go well with my new living arrangement.She is down to earth.Her love of music is refreshing, because most people our age are into that rap crap, or Taylor Swift.The oldies are better for the soul, and even Carleigh knows it.
We rarely run into each other, our schedules don’t coincide that often, but she left me a note that she made homemade pizza rolls in the freezer.It’s wonderful she bakes, but it’s never been my thing.
My phone buzzes against the kitchen island, and it’s my mother.
“Hey, ma.I’m fixing to head that way.”I hold the phone with my shoulder while I graze on a blackberry turnover.
“I’ll have dinner ready.See you in a bit.”
I am not a sweets person, and it doesn’t stop her from trying to get me to taste her creations.So sometimes I give in when she isn’t around, just in case I despise it.It turns out to be pretty good, so I grab another for the trip over and head out the door.
My mother says she has something she needs to talk to me about and normally I would be worried, but not today.Maybe she has finally decided to move closer to my aunt.She hates when I mention her age, but it’s the truth.She’s not getting any younger, and neither is her sister.They are both retired and might as well go enjoy their time.Why is she always at home when the world is her oyster?
The couple of blocks walk over to the boarding station for the ferry winds me, and honestly, it’s just because since taking my new position, I don’t get to be as hands on as I normally would.I need to get cardio again soon.
When I get to my mother’s, my shirt is soaked but it is nice.Sweat means I’m burning calories.
“Hey, ma,” I say, walking in the door, and finding her in the kitchen.She has always loved cooking and well, I like to eat.
“I made spaghetti for ya.Take a seat.”
Even as an adult, she likes to sometimes treat me as if I’m a child, and meals are the worst.She refuses to let me make my own plate, instead she serves me like a waitress.“Ma, come on.I can do that.”
“Not in my house.Eat up.”
She sits down next to me, and starts shoveling food in her mouth.Her eyes keep glancing over to me almost like I’m not eating fast enough.
“So, what is the big news?You didn’t ask me over just to have dinner.Spill.”
She drops her fork, and finishes chewing before she starts talking to me about wanting to buy another house and rent it out.It’s a wonderful idea, because she could always use extra money to travel to all the places on her bucket list.
“Where have you been looking?There is a neighborhood that is almost done in Manhattan.It’s not the fancy condos, but you could probably rent them out for three or four hundred a night easily.”
Buying property right now is smart.The construction over there is booming and once they finish doing the entire neighborhood, the market value for the structures will go up.Plus, she will be able to rent them out nightly and make a killing.It’s a tourist area, and most times hotels are just too expensive for them.A condo is a cheaper option but makes it more like a home, too.You still have your own kitchen and living room without having to shell out money to have a suite at a hotel.
“I was wondering if you would point me in the right direction.You work in that industry and I’m looking for a good location that will attract a lot of renters.It’s a big investment, I will need to make my money back.”
I nod, and start eating again, going through all of the new construction that is set to close soon.The condos on 69th might work, but 74th is better.They are more upscale, but still in a manageable price range.
“Got any ideas?”
“74th would be best bang for your buck.If you put on there that it’s close to all the big shopping areas, it will rent out like hot cakes.”
She nods, and we finish our dinner without discussing properties any further.The food is delicious enough for me to have three helpings, leaving behind just enough for me to take home for Carleigh.She has never had my mother’s cooking and she’s missing out.
“What are you doing?”she asks ,while I’m filling up a Tupperware with spaghetti.
“Taking the rest for Carleigh.You don’t eat leftovers.”
“Who is Carleigh?”
I shut my eyes, forgetting that I never told my mom that I moved in with a girl.Now, I have no chance but to come clean.
“She’s my roommate, ma.You’d like her.She makes the best pastries and even makes me homemade pizza rolls.”