Star Pupil
Chapter 5
Tom had finished his classes and waited until Katelyn showed up. He was hearing nothing but good about her from her other instructors and she was already showing she was a leader among her classmates. She walked in with an arm full of books, and Tom started to help her, until his cellphone rang. It was Miller.
"Hey; Miller; what do you got?" Tom asked.
"If you are free, I am sure I already have the place. It's the place I was telling you about last night." Miller answered.
"Sure. I've finished up and have Katelyn with me. She would know better than me." Tom said. He pointed to a crate that Katelyn could put her books in.
"Perfect. I'll text you the address. And Courtney and her mom are already working on getting it ready." Miller said before hanging up.
Tom helped Katelyn carry the books out to his truck and they drove to the house that Miller had found. It was a refurbished farmhouse sitting on some acreage. Mike would love it and Christine would like the peace. There was a huge front porch and even Katelyn seemed thrilled. They walked into the front foyer and Tom introduced Katelyn to Miller.
"Alright, so as you can see; its already staged. I checked and the bank intends on selling the contents with the house. Courtney called it farmhouse modern, whatever that means. I hope it is to taste though?" Miller asked as he walked them into a comfortable family room, that was open to a dining area and kitchen.
"My mom would absolutely love this. She likes comfortable and honestly doesn't have the energy to pick out stuff and decorate a house." Katelyn said as she looked around.
"Perfect. My wife and mother-in-law are shopping for odds and ends that will be needed. Pots, pans, groceries, linens. That sort of thing. Now; there are six bedrooms, including two master suites. Four other bedrooms. Four and a half baths. This place is really set up." Miller explained.
"The big question is; how quickly can they get the financing through and move in?" Tom asked.
"Courtney's uncle owns the bank that owns this. I spoke with him; explained the situation. They can move in immediately and meet with him later for the financing." Miller said.
"Mom needs a place like this." Katelyn remarked.
"I'll call your dad." Tom said before stepping out on the porch. Miller started showing Katelyn around while he called Mike. And thankfully; Mike answered on the second ring.
"Hey." Mike said.
"Hey; so Miller called me and Katelyn and I went to tour the house. Mike; its perfect for you all. Its on land. Two master suites, plus four other bedrooms. Its also staged and the bank is selling that stuff with the house. Miller's uncle owns the bank that owns the house, and said you could move in immediately and then work with him on the financing." Tom explained.
"Okay, I bite. Christine needs some space of her own." Mike said.
"You'll be able to move in immediately, not that I'm trying to get rid of my houseguests." Tom told him.
"We appreciate you having us, but we do need to move on." Mike said with a laugh.
"I'll tell Miller you bite. You guys can stay tonight and begin the move in tomorrow. Since its Saturday, it'll be good for Katelyn too. And its pretty close to the Academy, so its an added bonus." Tom said.
"Yeah. I want my kids close by." Mike answered.
"Good. See you in a bit." Tom said before hanging up.
He collected Katelyn and they drove back to his house. She quickly changed out of her uniform and they all sat down to eat the dinner Christine had made. Tom was a little surprised to see how attached she had become to Mike. They sat next to one another, and if he stood up and walked across the room, her eyes followed him. He was quickly becoming her security blanket, which made Tom wonder what would happen if Mike had to deploy. But, that was something they would have to figure out. All he could do was support them.