Chapter 18: The Open House

'The buyer withdrew,' the listing agent said. 'The closing date we planned is canceled.'

She stood at the doorway with her inspection folder tucked beneath her arm.

Curtis had blocked the inspection, and now the sale had no buyer or closing date.

I had counted on that date. My hands started to shake.

I pressed them against my skirt, but they kept moving.

Curtis turned to the agent.

'You can't blame me for being cautious about who enters my home.'

'The house is listed for sale,' she said.

'And I live here. I'll decide who gets to come inside.'

Bev stood beside me. The agent had heard him claim control of the sale.

I wanted to tell him what losing that buyer had cost me.

He knew his blocking the inspection had left me without a buyer or closing date.

Curtis reached for my coat where it rested on a chair.

'Curtis, don't.'

He lifted it and settled it across my shoulders.

His hand straightened the collar.

The agent watched him dress me. Bev's mouth tightened.

He expected me to take the hint and leave.

'You should stop embarrassing yourself,' he said.

His eyes shifted to the clock.

I took off the coat and put it back on the chair.

The agent adjusted the folder beneath her arm.

'Please arrange an open house for tomorrow afternoon,' I said.

She glanced at Curtis.

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