A Mile in My Flip-Flops Read Online Free

it
all
figured out,” I admit. “But I think it’s something I could do…I might even be good at it. Maybe I could do one every summer as a way to supplement my income.”
    “Real estate is pretty spendy around here,” Betty points out. Thank you, Captain Obvious.
    “Yes. But that’s one reason it makes sense,” I counter. “People are willing to pay high prices. I just need to find a run-down piece of property—something that nobody wants—and then transform it into something wonderful … and sell it.”
    “Sort of a get-rich-quick scheme?” Dad’s furry brows draw together, and I notice how white they’ve gotten. They used to be sort of a reddish blond, like mine. Sometimes I forget that he’s getting old.
    “No,” I insist, “its not a get-rich-quick scheme. It’s an honest way to make money. And I’m fully aware it will involve a lot of hard work, but I do know a thing or two about construction.” I wink at him. “After all, I grew up watching you do it. I know how to use a circular saw and how to swing a hammer.”
    He grins and pats my head. “That you do. But remodeling isn’t the same as new construction, sweetie. It’s a whole different can of worms.”
    “And depending on the age of the home, you could run into all kinds of problems,” warns Betty. “Plumbing, electrical—”
    “Look,” I say, knowing it’s rude to interrupt but feeling too frustrated to let her continue. “I
want
to do this. If you guys think it’s stupid or foolish, I just won’t bother you with the—”
    “Don’t get upset,” says Dad. “We just care about you, Gretchen. We don’t want you to get in over your head. Remodeling is serious business.”
    “I know that already.” I stubbornly fold my arms across my chest and suddenly feel like I’m the same age as the kids in my class.
    “How
do you know that?” asks Dad.
    “I watch
House Flippers
on HGTV,” I say, then instantly wish I hadn’t, because I know it sounds ridiculous. And I can tell they’re trying not to laugh at me. And who could blame them?
    “Is that some kind of educational channel?” asks Dad, who watches only sports or news and thinks cable is a waste of time and money. Consequently, I’ve tried to keep my HGTV addiction a secret. I don’t think he’d understand.
    “It’s a home-improvement network,” Betty informs him. “And it’s actually somewhat educational, although I don’t know that theycan cover everything, especially when it comes to remodeling. It’s just trickier than what can be explained in a one-hour segment.”
    “I’ll say,” agrees Dad. “I’ve tried to stay away from doing remodels over the years. I’d rather tear down a house and rebuild it from the ground up.” He peers at me. “You sure you’re up for something like this? Just from watching television?”
    “Okay, I know it probably sounds silly to you,” I admit. “But I’ve actually learned a lot watching those shows. Enough to know that it’s possible.” I don’t mention the show I saw today where the house flip didn’t go so well. “And I’ve seen people on the show make good money on house flips. People who know less about construction than I do.”
    Dad still looks skeptical. So I playfully sidle up to him and slip my arm around his thick waist. “Besides, I’m lucky. I have a dad who’s an expert. Most of the people on that show don’t have an experienced contractor in their back pocket.”
    He chuckles. “You think you’ve got me in your back pocket?”
    “And now that you’re retired, you have more time, Daddy. You’ll be just the person to advise me.”
    This almost seems to do the trick because Dad starts to get a dreamy look in his eyes, like he’s really considering the possibilities and liking them. “I suppose it could be interesting.
    “And fun,” I add.
    “And you know that I’d love to see you get into a house of your own. I just wish I had enough cash to help you out, but you know how that last