AND LOVE CHAP 167
Earthquake
ON THE ISLAND
Family Room
Jamie and Eddie, Frank & Kelly plus any kids that are around gather – in response to Kelly's insistence. "What's up, Kelly," Eddie asks.
"I was going to the barn to help Mary Rose with chores. As I was walking, I saw your neighbor lady in her backyard. I waved and she came over to the fence to talk. And guess what . . . they would like to sell to Jamie and Eddie."
Everyone looks at each other, stunned.
"But there is more," Kelly has a sly smile.
Again, Jamie and Eddie look at each other, "more?" He whispers, holding his breath.
"Yes . . . the neighbors on the other side of them wish to sell their place, also!"
Everyone is speechless. Cassie's eyes are going big.
"Your immediate neighbors are moving into a retirement village in 3 months. She didn't say what the motivation for the other neighbors was; I would guess that it is much the same. I know that you rent basically all your neighbors land for pasture. Why not see if you can own it outright, so that it cannot be pulled out from under you?"
"Or see if we can own it, securing the land for this part of the family?" Frank opines softly, looking at Kelly intently.
"And move out here? Renovating or replacing the little house that is there now?" She returns, smiling at Frank.
Cassie suddenly bolts, dashing upstairs. She enters the bedroom and closes the door.
TXT: Josh, call me this evening, please. IMPORTANT, I AM FINE. Promise.
She slips back downstairs, taking a seat on the floor. The conversation had continued. As time went by, she became more and more excited. Could she and Josh live ON THE ISLAND, almost next-door neighbors to mom & dad? Really? How her life had evolved; it's unbelievable!
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Kelly is driving her BMW on the way home. She's watching Frank out of the corner of her eye. She can tell that he is deep in thought.
"A back rub for your thoughts, Frank."
He snorts, "they are not that cheap, Kell."
"Ok then; 30" in the Jacuzzi, then a back rub."
"Alone in the Jacuzzi?"
"Never, sweetheart." She grins like the cat who has the canary in her sights. Soon in her arms.
"That's more like it . . . what if I sell the Bay Ridge home, and buy the land next to Jamie and Eddie? Refurbish the little house that is there. And maybe buy the land on the other side also?"
"You probably need me to help with all that, Frank."
"And?"
She holds up her left hand. The passing headlights send a sparkle to his eyes.
They both smile at each other.
She drives on.
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Davenport, Erickson & Jackson
"This is Cheryl, what may I help you with?"
"This is Frank Reagan. Might Annie Davenport be available for a short call?"
"I believe so, let me check with her. Just a moment please."
MUZAK
"Hi Frank, this is Annie. Great to hear from you."
"Great to hear your voice, my dear."
"Yours too. What can I help you with?"
"Two things. 1) the sale of my home in Bay Ridge. And 2) Two pieces of adjacent property on Long Island."
"Adjacent to each other?"
"Yes. One is adjacent to Jamie and Eddie. The other is on the opposite side from Jamie and Eddie."
"Ah . . . I don't recall many structures on those 2 pieces."
"Mainly pasture."
"Oh . . . OH! I get it. Well sure. Can you bring all the info you have, pictures included, and meet with me here to get started? Hang on, I'll have Cheryl get us meeting time."
As soon as Annie hangs up, she calls Cheryl. "Cheryl, I need-
"Annie, a Cassandra Reagan is on line 3. She sounds excited."
"I'll take it, and Ineed meeting time with Frank Reagan. His number should be in our contacts."
"Cassie hi, this is Annie. What can I do for you?"
"Annie, I'm so excited. Josh and I may get to live almost next door to mom and dad and that would be so awesome can you help us please, please-
"Whoa, slow down sweetheart. Your grandpa just called me about some property next to your mom and dad. Is this the same property?"
"Probably, but I'd like the one farthest east, can you help us. Please?"
"Cassie, I think we can work together on this. Can you and Josh meet with me here at my office?"
"Well, he's at Rutgers you know. I was thinking he could be on the phone."
"That will work. What about you?"
"I am interning at NY-1. I'll need to check my schedule, and Josh's."
"You do that and call Cheryl with some options. We will try to coordinate with Frank. Ok?"
"Yes, thanks Annie."
Annie Davenport hangs up her phone. 'Interesting, very interesting'.
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ON THE ISLAND
"Jamie here, dad?"
"Yes, and Kell. Can Eddie get on speaker?"
"I'm with you dad; what's up?"
"Kelly is here with me. Can both of you join me and Kell for a meeting at Annie's office?"
"Sure, when?"
"Thursday at 3:30. Cassie will be here; she gets off early that day from NY—1; and Josh will be on a conference call with us."
Jamie and Eddie look at each other, "That's why she has been so excited lately. She's acting like a nervous wife already," Jamie snickers.
Eddie swats his arm, "Easy buster. She is just taking some initiative."
"I wish she had confided in us."
"She will. I'm sure Annie will see to it. I think she is thinking ahead to she & Josh living near us."
"Oh . . . I hadn't thought of that. Eddie, there is a lot that might happen between now and then! A ton!"
"I know. But let's give her some room to dream, and our support. Ok?"
"Ok . . . to the rock star of my dreams!"
"Still?"
"Always and forever, 1-4-3!"
"1-4-3 always & forever."
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BAY RIDGE
Frank Reagan has called his children together for a family council. They are around the dining room table – 3 siblings, (Danny, Erin & Jameson) 3 spouses (Linda, Jack & Eddie), Frank and Kelly. Linda's offer to provide non-alcoholic beverages, snacks and dessert was accepted by Frank. He was grateful. Not surprisingly Eddie and Kelly volunteered also. He advised them that it was covered. They snacked in mostly silence; occasional small talk. Danny looked askance at Kelly from to time. Frank tried hard to ignore that.
Then dad asked for their attention. Hands dropped what they were holding and fell to their laps. All eyes turned to patriarch Frank Reagan.
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TBC