Flying the Coop Read Online Free PDF Page B

needed an excuse, but it would look better if she expressed disappointment with the house, or claimed to spot termites in the huge barn, or even discovered a sudden allergy to poultry.
    That was also why Michael was not along for the ride. After finally convincing him last night that they were not moving, Chris thought it best not to show him exactly what they were not moving to. Accordingly she had called in a favour and deposited him at a friend’s house for the day. Grace was a different matter. Despite all evidence to the contrary, she had simply taken it for granted that she was invited. In fact, when Chris exited the house the girl was already sitting in the car,dressed in her version of farm gear. This amounted to black jeans, an old black windcheater, a black beanie, and the Doc Martens. She looked like a well-fed cat burglar.
    Chris herself was dressed more tastefully. In fact, she’d put a lot of time into choosing her brown pinstriped slacks, camel coloured twin-set, and brown leather shoes with an ever-so-slight heel. She wanted to look conservative, businesslike and indisputably sane – definitely not the sort of person who might put an offer in for a piece of real estate that she (a) couldn’t afford, (b) couldn’t manage, and (c) didn’t really want.
    â€˜So look at this.’ Grace held up a piece of paper covered with what appeared to be complicated algebra. ‘I’ve worked it all out. Judging on what we’d get for our joint, and then giving Dad his half – well, I’d say we’ll get about forty grand more than what we need for the farm. Which’ll cover real estate fees, stamp duty and other incidentals, and leave some over for moving costs.’
    â€˜In a pig’s ear,’ said Chris shortly. ‘Forty thousand won’t even cover the stamp duty.’
    â€˜Not true,’ Grace replied emphatically. ‘Stamp duty’ll be under thirty grand.’
    â€˜Really? Doesn’t matter, you’re exaggerating the value of our house anyway.’
    â€˜Also not true.’ Grace glanced down at her paper. ‘The average price for a property in Canterbury last year was just over one mill, and the median was eight forty smackeroos. And, yes, I know our house is a fair bit smaller than the average there, and it’s got less land, but that gives you some idea.’
    â€˜My god.’ Chris fell silent for a moment as this sank in. ‘How do you know all this?’
    â€˜Looked it up online last night,’ Grace replied smugly. ‘So – any more objections?’
    Chris did a few calculations in her head. ‘Are you taking into consideration our existing mortgage?’
    â€˜Oh. Hmm . . .’ Grace stuck the end of the pen in her mouth and chewed thoughtfully. ‘No, I didn’t. But I’ve a plan B which can cover those sort of trifles.’
    â€˜Only a person who’s never had a mortgage could call it a trifle,’ commented Chris wryly. Then she flicked a curious glance across at her daughter. ‘But, Grace, what I can’t figure out is why you’re so into this. I mean, you’re a bit old to think a farm’s all fun and games. It’s a lot of work. And there probably are termites. Besides, there’re no trains out there, or trams, or McDonald’s – nothing you’re used to. So why are you so keen?’
    â€˜Just because.’
    â€˜Well, that convinces me.’
    â€˜Okay then.’ Grace dug the pen into her paper furiously. ‘It’s like this. I hate our area, and I hate Dad always saying we’re only in the house coz he’s such an all-round good guy. And I hate my school. I hate everything.’
    â€˜But you go to one of the best –’
    â€˜Schools in the state. I know, you’re always telling me.’
    â€˜Oh.’ Chris flashed a glance across to where her daughter sat sullenly beside her. ‘Grace, are you really