Broken Hill Havoc (Broken Hill High Series 5)

“I know,” I gush, wide eyed.

Dad and the realtor practically have to push us forward out of the doorway to make room for themselves behind us. “Ok,” Jacob says. “As you can see the home opens into a quaint living room which possesses a fireplace and natural wood floorboards that flow throughout the entire home.”

Blah, blah, blah.

Brooke and I instantly zone out as Jacob sucks up to my father, hoping for the sale. We make our way through the home and while it’s clear that this place is older than the others on our list, it’s obvious the owner loved it enough to keep it modern. A brand new kitchen stands, sparkly and welcoming, begging for me to make a mess of it while the walls are freshly painted, ready for me to hang the blown up photo of my group of friends partying at Broken Hill lake.

The bathroom has been updated and the bedrooms are spacious and clean. While it’s tiny compared to the homes Brooke and I have grown up in, it’s absolutely perfect for what we need.

I look over at Brooke to find the same adoration in her eyes that’s shining through mine, and it’s clear that while this isn’t either of our forever homes, this will be our right now home.

Dad asks the realtor to give us a moment to discuss and the guy heads out the front while pulling out his phone.

“Well?” dad questions coming to stand by us. Brooke grins up at my dad as a beaming smile takes over my face. We haven’t said a word and yet dad already has his answer. “You’re sure?” He questions. “It’s suitable for you both, but did you want to inspect the others first?”

“No,” I tell him. “This is the one.”

Dad looks at Brooke.

“Yep, I agree. This is home.”

“Alright,” he says, pulling out his checkbook. He starts writing out the check for the deposit and walks over to the window where he nods to the realtor. A moment later, Jacob makes his way back inside and walks straight up to my father with a cocky smile as though he already knows he has the sale in the bag.

Asshole.

“We’ll take it,” dad says, reaching out his hand. Jacob takes it and gives it a firm shake. “How soon can we get things moving along?”

“Well,” Jacob says. “As you can see, the home is empty. The previous owners have already moved on and are hoping for a quick sale. They’re wanting to close as soon as possible. If you need, I’m sure I can arrange for early occupation of the property.”

Dad looks to me. “Girls?”

We both nod eagerly.

“Alright,” dad says with a firm nod as he hands over the check. “Get it done.”

“Will do.” Jacob takes the check and walks out the front, pulling his phone out once again, probably to call the previous owners and let them know the deal is done.

I turn to Brooke with wide, excited eyes. “Do we have a home?”

“Hell yeah, we do,” she laughs.

Dad clears his throat and pulls out his wallet before handing me over his credit card. “Take this,” he says. “Assuming Jacob can get us early occupation, I’d like to have you moved in before we leave so your mother won’t fret about it. You’ll need to purchase everything to furnish a house including kitchenware, towels, and bed linen.”

“Ok,” I smile. “When should I arrange for it all to be delivered?”

Dad looks back over his shoulder at Jacob outside before turning back to me. “I’ll let you know,” he says. “For now, just start shopping. I’m going to head home and arrange new insurances.”

A beaming smile rips across my face and I launch myself at my father. “Thanks, daddy.”

He winds his arms around me and pats my back. “Don’t make me regret this,” he says. “Make sure you buy good, sturdy furniture in case you move out. That way we can rent it out fully furnished.”

“Sure thing,” I smile. “Anything else?”

His eyebrows pull down before they shoot straight back up. “Yeah, actually. Buy your mother a gold chain. Our wedding anniversary is coming up. Make it a nice one. It’ll be twenty years.”

“You sure you want me picking it out?” I grunt, not really knowing too much about jewelry. I mean, I have that one necklace from Nate which I wear religiously and it’s absolutely beautiful, but apart from that, I don’t know much about the stuff.

Dad nods. “I trust you.”

“Ok,” I say.

Brooke and I follow dad out the front door still so excited we can hardly stop bouncing. We say thank you and goodbye to the realtor and I give a quick wave to dad who storms straight towards his car in a rush to get back to his office.

Brooke and I stand between our parked cars. “I have three hours to spare before I need to be back on campus,” I tell her. “What about you? Are you good to come shopping with me?”