Avoiding PJ jumping around at my feet, I make my way quickly to the kitchen and sigh in relief as I drop everything on the counter. I wasn’t planning on stopping anywhere after my doctor’s appointment, but then I remembered that neither Dayton nor I had much to choose from in terms of breakfast options this morning. Even the basics, like coffee and creamer, were running low, so I decided to make a quick stop at the grocery store. And since I hadn’t eaten since breakfast and was starving as I pushed my shopping cart around the store, I ended up buying a whole bunch of snack foods on top of the stuff we actually needed.

After giving PJ the attention he’s hopping around at my feet for, I take a pack of cookies out of one of the bags, opening it up but leaving everything else on the counter since I’ll take it upstairs with me when I go up to Dayton’s later. I shove one of the cookies in my mouth, then take out my phone and roll my eyes when I see the missed call is from Matthew. I don’t want to call him back, but a few days ago, he told me that he was closing on his loan and that he would have my money for me soon.

“Francisca.” He answers before the phone even has a chance to ring on my end. “I was just going to send you a text.”

“Is everything okay?”

“Yes, how’s your dad?”

“He’s good, getting better by the day.” I take the pack of cookies with me and wander to one of the chairs at the table.

“That’s good news. I’ve been meaning to check on him, but works been busy.” I roll my eyes at the lie, during the time that my father was in the hospital and in the time since he’s called and text more than once, not to check on my dad but to see if I wanted to go out and get a drink or have dinner.

“I’m sure you have a lot more responsibility now.”

“I do; it’s been an adjustment.” At this point, my eyes are going to be stuck in the back of my head if I keep rolling them.

“So, is everything okay?”

“Yeah, I wanted to let you know that I have the money for the condo.”

“That’s great news.” My shoulders sag in relief. “Do you want me to send over my bank information so you can wire it to me?”

“I actually had the bank print me out a check, and I can meet you tonight and give it to you if that works.”

“I… What time? I have plans this evening.”

“You can meet me downstairs at my office. I’ll be here for a few more hours, so I can come out and meet you whenever you arrive.”