Page 123 of No More Lies
Steve looked at Diane who seemed as confused as he was.
Dex didn't wait for an answer. “Go ahead, babe. This was your idea.”
Kelly looked about to burst.
“Diane, I know you’re concerned about not working, the house being too small and how you’re going to manage, and it got me to thinking. Since I moved in here with Dex, my house has been sitting empty. I couldn't bring myself to rent it out or sell it. It was my family home. I have so many memories there. My childhood, my dad, Dex and even Ryan. The thought of strangers living in it makes me sad. But it’s sitting there empty, and that makes me sad, too. It’s a family home, and it deserves to have a loving family in it. I want to offer it to you.”
Unable to find words, Steve could only stare at her.
“I’m not sure I understand?” Diane said.
“It’s a three-bedroom house,” Kelly explained, “with a large family room, a study, and it’s right on the beach. It would be perfect for you. Plus, it’s just down the street. I’d be right here to help out when the boys are gone with Megan and the baby if needed. I can’t have strangers living there, but I can have my family live there.”
“Kelly, we can’t take your house,” Steve said, finding his voice. He was overwhelmed by the offer, but it was too much. They weren’t a charity case.
“Steve, you’re not taking it, brother,” Dex said. “And we’re not giving it to you for free.” Dex tapped the table. “One, we ain’t that fucking generous, and two, I know you would never accept.
“What we’re proposing,” he said, “is if you like it, sell your house and move in there. At least until after the baby is born. You can rent it or buy it. We are open to both, but you don't have to decide now. Let us help by you living there until you figure things out with the baby and work. And there’s no rush. Right now, we’re still covering the bills, so you moving in takes that off our plate. And you get to cut the damn grass.”
Dex chuckled.
“Trust me you’ll be doing me a favor. Then when you’re ready, and if you want to make it permanent, we can discuss the finances. We can put an agreement in place between us, draw it up legal. Whatever you want. But it will be a hell of a lot cheaper than buying any other place on this island.”
“I can’t believe you’re offering us this,” Diane whispered. “I don’t know what to say.”
Diane hadn't said a flat-out no, telling him she at least wanted to consider it. Steve had to admit he didn’t hate the idea.
“You don't have to say anything now, just think about it,” Kelly said. “It will mean we will be very close neighbors. Not sure how you feel about that,” she said, grinning.
Steve kept his face straight. “You won’t be a problem, Kelly, but, Dex. I don’t know about being down the street...”
He couldn't keep his face straight and they all laughed.
“Seriously, guys, this is.... I don’t have words,” he said. Yeah, they were all close. They were family but he never had expected this.
Kelly got up and opened a drawer. She turned and held out a set of keys.
“Why don’t you go take a look? No pressure. Like Dex said. If you say no, it’s all good.”
“It won't be all good, because I’ll still have to cut the grass,” Dex mocked.
Steve looked at Diane. “What do you say? Want to go and look?”
Diane nodded. “Yes, I would.”
“Keep hold of the keys,” Kelly said, dropping them into Steve’s hand, “and go whenever you want, however many times you want. Take as long as you want to decide.”
Diane stood, moved around the table, and hugged Kelly. “Whatever we decide, this is such a generous offer.”
Steve held out his hand to Dex. “She’s right. Thank you.”
“Fuck that.” Dex pulled him for a manly slap on the back.
––––––––
THEY DECIDED TO HANG out and have food first. Then, making sure Megan was busy having more ice cream with the team, they snuck out.
Neither of them had ever been in this house, but as soon as they got inside, Diane’s face lit up, and Steve knew this was going to be their home. They walked through the house in silence. The decor might need a little updating, but the kitchen and bathroom were good, the bedrooms were a great size. And the view, wow! Just like Dex’s place, the back of the house looked out over the beach and ocean. Their kids would love it here. Kids. Plural. Fuck he loved saying that.