Page 21 of Higher Notes

“Don’t forget, the offer for roommates is still there. Well, not roommates exactly.” What was the word? Co-habitating? Shacking up? No clue.

“It feels like my bubble has been burst and I’ll never get my family out of the ghetto.”

“We can always find a new agent?” Right? We had no contract with Pressley.

“Yeah and risk offending Diamond and Easton? No thanks.” Jason pulled his phone out and groaned. “Shit, we’ve been summoned to their mansion.”

Sikes cocked a brow at me. “Let them know we’ll be there as soon as we’re done eating.” Jason typed away and sat his phone on the table.

“Fuck.”

That was pretty much the word of the day. Now if there was a quick course on how to not offend your client by saying, are you fucking nuts? We can’t afford these houses, I’d really like to know what it was.

Tact was not our friend.

We finished eating and headed back the way we came. Mansion after mansion we passed until we got to the end of the subdivision at the top of the peak. Of course, they had the biggest house here that overlooked the bluff with a gorgeous view of Puget Sound.

“Wow, this explains a lot,” Jason said before the three of us got out of the car. Diamond had the front door opened and stood there waiting.

“Hey,” he grunted. We’d always felt most comfortable around him, and he tended to stand with the guards at events he wasn’t starring in.

“Hey.” Jason shook his hand then we did the same and followed him inside.

“Easton will be right down. The contractors just finished the nursery, so he wanted to survey it.”

This house was insane. And huge. Did I say insanely huge? The sunset over the sound could be seen through the entire wall of windows that ran the length of the back of the house. Hell, we could pitch a tent in their backyard and live there just as comfortably as we did now.

“That view was what sold me on this house,” Diamond said as he stared out at it. “I could see it a million times and likely have, but each time is like the first all over again. I can’t wait for the twins to see it.”

“They’ll be too little to understand, babe.” Easton kissed his husband. “Gentlemen, thank you for accommodating us last minute. I understand there were some challenges with the properties today?”

“Challenges in the form of money. I don’t mean to sound ungrateful because I’m not but I’m just not there yet, financially.” That was hard for Jason to admit to but he was always honest and I was proud of him for stating his truth.

“I can promise you that making you feel inferior was not our intention, we just wanted to help. Though we do have another option that might be more up your alley.”

Easton had our attention.

“One of our new housing ventures is a build to order subdivision in Mill Creek. The houses are currently under construction, so you’d be able to not only pick the floor plan you want but all the finishes as well. We’d be happy to rent it to you until you decide if you wanted to buy it or wished to move elsewhere. It’s not gated nor are they multi-million-dollar homes, but it’s an option. Would you be interested inmeeting with the builder to see if they could accommodate your requirements?”

Multi-million or single million, it was still out of all our price ranges for purchase. But renting may work out.

“What do you think, guys?” Jason asked us.

“Oh, will this be a co-habitating venture?” Easton’s poker face was spot on but he knew the answer before he asked.

“The topic is on the table and still being discussed. Would make it easier for all parties involved and more affordable.” Sikes said just enough without saying too much.

“Would it be all right if I scheduled Pressley to escort you to site tomorrow and I could have the contractor, William, meet you there as well?” How did anyone say no to Easton? I had a feeling that didn’t often happen and I wasn’t about to break that seal.

“Sikes, Snipe?” Jason turned to us. “What do you think?”

“I’m game,” Sikes replied.

“Same.”

“Excellent. I’ll text you the information after I speak with her. Gentlemen, I’ll let you get back to your evening. Thank you for stopping by.” By far the nicest brush off I’d ever received. I bet Easton could deliver bad news without anyone even realizing it.

“Thanks, we really appreciate all your help.” We said our goodbyes and hit the road.

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