hardwood and understood that the “old shack” was a fully paid-off home more valuable in every way that lasts than the penthouse draining him dry. “Your father left me a home that’s paid off,” I told him. “And he left you a luxury property you apparently can’t afford.” He left in twenty minutes, without apologizing.
Then Vanessa came — with her parents, with an overnight bag, announcing they’d be “inspecting the property” and “staying the weekend,” as though my home were a resort they had a right to. And that was
