Reckless Hearts Read Online Free PDF Page A

kids’
crayon marks, and pretty ruffled curtains hung on all the windows.
It’s small, but sweet, with a neat square of yard out back: the
perfect starter home for a young family. I called up everyone on my
list, sent out emails, even left a stack of glossy flyers at the
daycare and library, and now it’s finally showtime.
    The
doorbell rings, right on cue at two p.m. I shove a baking tray of
store-bought cookie dough in the oven, and go to greet my potential
buyers. “Welcome!” I usher the first couple inside. “Take
a flyer, look around, let me know if you have any questions!”
     
    An
hour later, and the open house is going great. I know half the people
coming through, and I can tell exactly if it’s what they’re
looking for—or not.
    “Didn’t
we talk about finding you somewhere with more . . . privacy?”
I tactfully draw one of the attendees aside. Jed Springer and his
girlfriend are looking for a place to house them—and their
amateur rock band. “I’m not sure this place has the
sound-proofing you’re looking for.”
    “You
think?” Jed frowns. “Maybe they won’t mind a jam
session or two.”
    From
the way the neighbors have been twitching their curtains all day, I’m
not so sure. “It’s a pretty quiet neighborhood,” I
say instead, smiling brightly. “And you guys want to be closer
to the action, so you can stumble back from Dixie’s on a Friday
night.”
    Jed
laughs. “True. OK, we’ll keep looking.”
    “I’ll
call you to set up some more viewings next week!”
    I
steer them out, just as a new couple arrives. “Mike!” I
exclaim, surprised, recognizing a guy I know from a few towns over.
“Hey, it’s good to see you, it’s been forever.”
    “You
too, Dee.” He hugs me enthusiastically. “You look great.
Have you met my fiancée? This is Angela.” He proudly
presents a very-pregnant blonde woman.
    “Lovely
to meet you,” I greet her. “I don’t need to guess
why you’re looking at this place. It’s got family written
all over it. Here, let me show you around.” I take them inside,
and tour them through the property, tickled to see Mike fussing over
Angela, helping her up the stairs. Mike and I had a casual fling,
years ago, and he was about as low-effort as they come. I was lucky
if he took a break from beer and video games with his buddies to even
give me a call. Now, he keeps one hand on the small of his fiancée’s
back, like she’s made of glass.
    “The
master looks out over the creek, see.” I show them around the
upstairs. “And this is where I’d put the nursery. Isn’t
it the cutest little room?”
    Angela
grips Mike’s hand. “Honey, it’s perfect.”
She’s got a smile a mile wide, and I can tell, she’s
already imagining a crib and mobile hanging from the ceiling.
    “Do
you know if it’s a boy or a girl?” I ask.
    “Boy,”
Angela answers, cupping her bump.
    “Congratulations!
And see, it’s already painted blue,” I add. “It
must be a sign.”
    Mike
laughs. “We’ll see about that. The asking price . . .”
    “Is
always negotiable,” I finish for him. Then I lean in, as if I’m
letting them in on a secret. “Just between us, I think the
sellers could be flexible on the price. They’ve already found a
new place they want to make an offer on, over in Beachwood Bay, so if
you can move fast, they might be willing to come down a little.”
    Angela
looks eagerly at Mike. “You hear that? Honey, we have to make
an offer.”
    “We’ll
see,” he says, calming her, but I can tell from the adoring
look in his eyes, it’s game over. What the mom-to-be wants,
she’s going to get. “Let’s look around some more.”
    “Go
ahead,” I agree, “make yourself at home. And check out
the yard. Perfect for teaching Mike Junior to catch a football!”
    He
laughs, and steers Angela back downstairs. I see them a moment later,
stepping outside to take in the yard.
    Yup,
they’ll make an offer.
    I
feel a surge of pride. Not just for