“It is. And it is an interesting piece of property. Unique in size and scale. Like I said, plenty of dense forest and ocean coastline. There is nothing else like it on the market. Especially an estate so large,” Sterling explains.
My excitement bubbles, threatening to overwhelm me. I don’t want to get too overjoyed by this news, but an isolated property in California would provide an escape. From New York City. From my family. My mother.
My life.
I could start anew. Become a different person. Focus on different things. Maybe fall into some new-agey group and focus on wellness and self-worth. I’m sure California is full of those types of people.
Sterling opens a desk drawer and withdraws a yellow envelope, setting it on the desk and within reach. “The keys are inside. Along with the address and various instructions. The house doesn’t come with a staff, though there is a groundskeeper. Not sure how he can manage to take care of the entire estate, considering how large it is. You might want to think about hiring more people to assist you.”
I pick up the envelope and undo the clasp to peek inside. A variety of keys hang on a keychain that says Big Sur on it, along with an illustration of a sunset sinking into the ocean.
“You also might consider selling it,” Sterling suggests. “There has been plenty of interest ever since it went off the market. There have even been inquiries into its availability lately, according to your late husband’s lawyer.”
“I’m not selling it.” I seal the envelope back up, and stash it in my oversized black Valentino bag. The Roman studs make me feel tough. Strong. Like a gladiator.
Which is silly.
“As you wish,” Sterling concedes, holding his hands out before clutching them together on his desk. “Merely something to consider for the future. California has never been your home base before. You don’t know what it will be like, living there.”
“Well, it might become my home base now, considering I’m a property owner.” I grin, unable to hide my glee any longer. “This is wonderful news, Sterling.”
“I figured you’d approve.” His smile is warm. He’s an older gentleman, younger than my dead husband but still old enough to be my father. I’ve always liked Sterling. He’s happily married and has a son that’s around my age who’s a bit odd. Definitely not my type. Stodgy wannabe lawyers are boring.
But they always take care of you when you’re in a pinch.
“I plan on going out there right away,” I continue, my mind awhirl with plans. “I’ll need to make arrangements with the family plane.”
The Lancaster private plane is shared by the family. My father is the one who uses it the most, with Whit right behind him. I, on the other hand, rarely use it.
“I’m sure you’ll have a lovely time there. The house and property included look spectacular.” Ever the diplomat, my lawyer.
“You’ll have to come visit me sometime, Sterling. Bring the family, especially your son,” I offer, flashing him a toothy smile.
The nervous look that appears on Sterling’s face can’t be denied. The idea of me setting my sights on his son most likely terrifies him. “Ian is currently busy with law school.”
I rise to my feet, slinging my bag over my shoulder. The weight of the world is light today, and I’m tempted to skip out of Sterling’s office. “Such a shame. I’m sure he’d bore me to tears anyway.”
Sterling clears his throat. “He has a girlfriend.”
“Sure he does,” I drawl, punctuating my words with a laugh. “Thank you for the good news, Sterling. You’ve made my entire year.”
I skip right out of his office, just as I envisioned. By the time I’ve gone down the elevator and am out on the street in search of my hired car, I’m beaming from ear to ear, unable to contain the joy that is fizzing through my veins.
A house that’s mine and no one else’s. No other Lancaster attached to it but me. I can make my escape out of this dreadful city and never come back if I don’t want to.
The idea of living on the coast of California by myself, surrounded by the forest and ocean, sounds like heaven. No father trying to make nice. No mother trying to slide back into my life, so she can control it. No brother casting his judgmental looks my way.
No chance of running into Spencer Donato ever again.
The last thought makes my heart pang, but I shove the thought aside. I can’t worry about Spencer and what he thinks of me. He hates me. He made his feelings for me clear at Whit and Summer’s wedding reception. I’ve ruined that relationship, once and for all, and have only myself to blame.
Maybe I can become a hermit. I’ll hide away in my forest home with only the call of birds and the rustling of wild animals to keep me company. And the occasional groundskeeper, who’ll call in and ask if I want the lawn mowed that week.
It sounds like a dream. Even better?
It’s about to become my reality.
* * *