Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 55271 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 276(@200wpm)___ 221(@250wpm)___ 184(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 55271 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 276(@200wpm)___ 221(@250wpm)___ 184(@300wpm)
“Well, there’s a lot of money in there. Money I won’t ever be able to touch. The same could be said for any children or grandchildren we have. Plus, I’m not going to be that person who gives and gives to any child. All they would do is take. I was dealt a shit hand in a few aspects in life, but I didn’t let it hold me back. Clearly, we had money. Montgomery never let on how much we had until the reading of the will, and he still made me pull my own weight. I paid half my car insurance, gas money, and if I wanted to spend money, I had to earn it. I’d like to instill the same in our own children. So, besides a pool, which we clearly need, unless you want me at Nelle’s place ninety percent of the time, what are we going to do with it?” she questions. Tulsa is thinking about the future—children, grandchildren. Damn if that doesn’t settle right in my soul.
“We’ll get a contractor out here next week to add the pool. I want it enclosed with a safety fence around it that can be taken down once our children know how to swim. Anything else you want is up to you. We’ll figure out how to deal with the financial side of shit later on.” We live in Florida, so it goes without saying that any children we have will undoubtedly learn how to swim before they walk. “As for the money, it’s up to you. Sinclair Roofing isn’t a million-dollar business, but it does well for itself, enough to have the house and land free of a note, money can be set aside for a college fund, a trade, or God forbid they want to start a small business, without it hurting the bank.”
“Okay on the pool, except I’m paying half, and I don’t want to hear it. I’ve got to contribute somehow. Much like you, I’ve made good money along the way. This job makes it even easier. My Tahoe payment is a blip on the radar. Keeping it financed is what keeps my credit revolving. Other than that, I’ve got no major debt. Which leads me to the next subject, well, two actually. I want to rent the house to Nelle with an option to buy should she want it.” I raise an eyebrow at her. Tulsa has been busy plotting and planning, and not only today but other days as well.
“I see nothing wrong with that. If Nelle doesn’t want the house, you’re keeping it, and we’ll figure out what to do. The house is solid. Maybe one of the kids will want it later on in life.”
“God, I love you, Ledger.” Happiness shines through her voice.
“Love you, butterfly. What’s next on your list? You said two things,” I prod. My eyes glance at the score then move back to hers, giving her my full attention.
“Alright, I want to meet up with Flay. I’d like you to go with me. The pile of money, well, I’d like to see if we can help a local women’s shelter. I drove by The Women’s Center in town the other day during my lunch. It needs help and funding. The programs are outdated, and they don’t have the supplies. I’d like to help them out. I’ve never done something like this before, and, well, your help would be appreciated.” She shrugs her shoulders, a nervousness in her tone.
“I’ve got no problem going with you. Not sure they’ll be excited about a man in their business, though.” The Women’s Center helps women get back on their feet while they recover from domestic violence, sexual assault. They counsel women who have gone through a hardship or trauma. “I’m not going to poke and prod. You’re aware I have my resources when it comes to knowing everything about your time in Alabama. My guess is Nelle had something happen to her. I’m not asking for answers. All I’m saying is, I’d ask her opinion first.”
“You’re right. I’m going to. There’s one more thing. This one, Nelle and I spoke about a little bit; The Women’s Center we haven’t yet, but I’ll make it a point to talk to her. And for the record, it’s nothing abuse wise; it’s just not my story to tell.” She puts her thumb and pointer finger together to emphasize it being a tiny subject. I doubt it’s anything but small.
“Go on.”
“It’s going to take a lot more help and work that I have no idea what the hell I’m doing. There are so many kids around here. Some are fortunate enough to have family to help raise them, while others aren’t. I’d like to set up a foundation for them. It’s going to be a big undertaking logistics wise.” There’s excitement in her tone. Tulsa is passionate about the subject. It’s a good idea. There’s been a time or two we’ve worked on a big project, made a nice bonus at the end after paying out my employees then myself. A lot of the times, if there’s not a big project looming at my house, I’d drive up to the local high school to donate to the kids’ lunch accounts, making my way down the line to the middle school. The older kids get lost along the way. Don’t get me wrong; a lot of the local folks help, but it’s usually toward the elementary school age instead of teenagers.