Cape May had always been that kind of place. You could go ten years without seeing someone, and one familiar street name could carry you backward in an instant.
“I remember you,” I said.
“And I remember Robert. I’m so sorry. I heard he passed.”
“Almost two years ago.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t reach out.”
“You didn’t know me well enough to need to.”
“That never stopped Robert.”
Despite everything, a laugh escaped me.
“No,” I said. “It certainly didn’t.”
Ellen let the silence settle.
Then her voice became professional again.
“You said you want to sell as soon as possible. Have you had an appraisal recently?”
“No.”
“Any mortgage?”
“No.”
“Any co-owner?”
“No.”
“Then we can move quickly, but not today quickly. I can give you a market analysis, discuss timing, and inspect the property. If you decide to list, we’ll need photographs, disclosures, and some paperwork.”
