I stopped, turning back to face him. "Is there something else? Aren't you busy?"
"Aren’t your parents home yet?" Ryan inquired about the situation in the small town.
"Yeah, it's been almost a month. I guess they can't agree on the price. They don’t want to compromise. Otherwise, I feel like it would have been settled by now," I said, frustrated. "I'm so used to having them around, and I’m getting uneasy not having them at home. Rose is always the one holding down the fort. We have plenty of maids, and the little girl doesn't even want to kiss me anymore."
I sighed. "But Rose is getting up there in age, and it worries me."
"I'll ask my dad about it," Ryan said. He pulled out his phone and dialed his father to inquire about our house.
As Ryan kept saying "uh-huh" on the phone, my eyes stayed fixed on him. By the time he hung up, I had a pretty good idea of what had transpired.
After a lengthy conversation, he finally ended the call. "Your speculation was right."
I thought for a moment. "How about this, Ryan? Your uncle can help us find a reputable real estate agency. They can negotiate the price according to their terms and take it slow. We can let your uncle handle it. That way, I can bring them back.
"I've had this idea for a while now. It'll be less of a hassle. Worst case, we’ll finalize the deal and handle the paperwork when they come back. That way, everything can be done on the same day. It's a win-win," I suggested decisively.
Ryan grinned. "That sounds like a plan. Otherwise, these old folks won't be selling anything this winter."
"That's settled then! Tell your dad, and I'll give them a call tonight to let them know," I decided.
"Um... Your family wasn't originally from the small town, were they?" Ryan asked cautiously.
I looked at him. "How did you know?"
"Just a feeling," Ryan said casually.
"What do you mean?" I asked, curious.
"Are you still calling me an angel? Speaking of which, I might just leave a bit early." I playfully flashed a smile at him. "Having you around really does brighten my day."
"Hey! You say that, but you almost never visit me," he complained.
I laughed, my eyes sparkling. "Well, just be patient and wait. I came by myself today, you see."
"Why are you leaving early again?" he asked, displeased.
"I need to check on Archie. Since Trinity’s not at home, I haven't visited him in a while," I declared confidently.
Ryan nodded resignedly.
"I'll be off then." I headed back to my office. I felt a little thirsty, so I picked up my water bottle, and as I approached the pantry, the ongoing conversation inside took me by surprise.
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