Page 61 of Don't Fall For Your Grumpy Neighbor
The next afternoon, I’m standing near the host stand of Atta Boy Brewery, and Mike Phipps walks into the bar.
“Hey long time,” I say, shaking his hand.
“Shepherd, how are things?”
Mike was my realtor. He’s the one who helped me find my place right next to Felicity, and now I’m thinking I want to take all the money I’ve been saving and start a new future with Felicity.
“Things have been good.” I jab my thumb over my shoulder. “Sitting at the bar?”
“Yeah, I wanted to grab a quick burger before heading back to work.”
I walk with Mike, leading him to the side of the bar so I can ask him a question. “Let me ask you something. Know the place on Cherry Harbor Lane? Top of the hill.”
Mike nods as he slides onto a barstool. “Yeah, been trying to sell that place for years. The owners are holding onto it for some odd reason. Nobody’s lived there for ages.”
“Do you know the owners?”
Mike smiles. “They’re staying over on Ashford Park in Saint Pierce, and I think they’re leaving the country soon. I can give you their number.”
My mind’s exploding with possibilities. “Yes, sure.” If I can buy this house, Felicity and I can start our family there. She’ll know I’m all in.
And I am.
Mike texts me the Mayfair’s contact info, and I’m running out the door of the brewery before I can even tell anyone goodbye. I call them, and they agree to meet with me.
I send off a quick text to Felicity.
Had to run out of town to Saint Pierce really quickly, I’ll be home soon.
Home. That word has new meaning now. I just hope the Mayfair’s are willing to sell me their place. When I pull up to Julia’s Café near downtown Saint Pierce, my adrenaline's pumping throughout my system. I can barely keep my shit together.
“Hey, Mr. Mayfair,” I say to a man near the front entrance of Julia’s.
“You must be Shepherd Atwood,” the man says, shaking my hand, and then introducing me to his wife, Olive.
“Nice to meet you both,” I tell them, trying not to appear too overzealous. “Table for three,” I tell the hostess, and we follow her back into the restaurant, near the window.
The view is breathtaking, overlooking all of Saint Pierce. The skyline glistens in the late afternoon sun, and the bustling streets below add a vibrant energy to the scene. I rarely get to the city; the brewery keeps me pretty busy in the small town of Magnolia Ridge.
“Why do you want to buy our house?” Olive Mayfair asks after the server has taken our drink order. The crow's feet at the edge of her eyes crinkle as she leans in closer, waiting for my answer.
When the server returns with our waters, we put in a quick order. I'm too nervous to eat and order a quick appetizer to not appear rude. After the server walks away, I focus my attention on Mrs. Mayfair.
“I’ve lived in Magnolia Ridge my whole life, and own the Atta Boy Brewery and Restaurant downtown.”
“Oh, we love that place,” Mr. Mayfair says, smiling wide at his wife. “We go there all the time.”
I want to tell them I’ll gladly pick up their checks for life if they sell me their home, but I think it would take more convincing. “Next time you come in, check’s on me.”
Mr. Mayfair smiles broadly. “We appreciate that.”
I squirm slightly in my chair. “My girlfriend is pregnant, and we’re creating a life together,” I begin, my voice steady despite the nerves. “The house you’re selling is perfect for us—a place where we can build our family. Felicity, my girlfriend, has always admired it from afar, the charming architecture, the cozy garden out back... it’s the kind of place she’s dreamed of calling home. Magnolia Ridge is wonderful, but we need more space, and your home has everything we’re looking for.”
Olive’s expression softens, and she glances at her husband. The connection between them is palpable, and I hope they see the sincerity in my words.
Mr. Mayfair nods thoughtfully. “It’s not just a house to us, you know. It’s filled with memories.”
“I understand,” I say quickly. “And I promise to cherish it just as much as you have. To fill it with love and new memories. I’m not just looking for a place to live—I’m looking for a home for my family.”