Page 21 of Unmasking Love
Harper
A Watery Ketchup Kind of Day
Thereisanundeniablerush when I find the perfect home for a client. It feels like planets are aligning. Like pieces of a puzzle falling into place. Like my effort has paid off.
It’s why I work so hard all the time. This feeling right here.
Home was a shifting reality for me growing up and I became obsessed with homes as a tween. Finding the sanctuary your soul desires. Making the space your own. I strive to learn what elements will give my clients that same serenity.
Today, I found “The One”.
Aiden has been picky but also can’t really explain what he’s looking for. Yes, he wants the eco-conscious systems in place; kitchen garden, solar panels, efficient water heaters, composting, updated appliances. But he also hasn’t expressed any opinions on home style or type. He also isn’t interested in being in the hottest location, or in the uppity ZIP codes.
Some of the amenities he wants are easy to find in new construction homes, but that isn’t really Aiden’s vibe. So I’ve been looking at older homes that have been remodeled.
Plus it's even closer to Felix than any of the others which Felix will be thrilled about. Aiden? Not so sure. But he seemed to enjoy the antics of the team chat while we were together. And that FaceTime call was fun. He’s quieter than the others and I can’t tell if that’s just him or if it’s because some of them are so, well, extra. I know they’re all in their late twenties and early thirties but sometimes it’s like talking to a group of teenagers.
I love that he sent the pics of the NSFW oil painting to the boys. I’m also glad to have a person who saw it with me so we can share the traumatic experience. I'll never get that man's saggy butt out of my mind and I imagine Aiden might be the same.
This is the thought in my head as I pull to a stop outside of his apartment. He’s waiting for me, leaning on the door, and pushes himself upright as I park. His body moves in such fluid movements and he looks relaxed as he walks to my car.
Warmth heats not just my cheeks but my entire blood stream as I work to inhale. My body clearly is not getting the laid back memo. It hits me that I’ve been excited to see him all day, maybe longer. I guess that’s what having a favorite client feels like.
He smiles at me and it’s warm and inviting and, just, Aiden.
“Hey you!” He greets and I feel my smile grow at the familiarity. “What has you smiling?”
“I was just thinking about artwork I’ve seen recently.”
“Ah, yes, nude portraiture perhaps?”
I laugh, “Yeah, something like that. Well, are you ready to see some homes?”
“Ready as I’ll ever be.” Aiden says as he buckles in.
The conversation is easy and slightly flirtatious. Something about him is different today. He’s more confident. More sure of himself. I’m about to ask if something happened on the road when he says, “Tell me about the house you’re showing me today.”
“Gladly! It was originally built in the 80s and has been remodeled recently. You can still make it your own. But I have a feeling you’re going to love the changes.”
When this listing hit my desk yesterday I knew it was for Aiden. The solar panels and the rain collector, the way they’ve landscaped the yard with native plants. They even added a compost bin cabinet next to the trash and recycling.
This is the best part of my job, the moment right before my client experiences the home they love. With Aiden it feels especially sweet because he’s been so picky and I know this is the one for him.
We pull up in front of the house and I turn to him, “You ready to see your new home?” I ask with a dazzling smile.
“I’m glad you’re confident in this listing, Harper, but you’re walking in first to protect me from any explicit scenes that weren’t included in the publicity shots.”
I blush when he says explicit scenes. Aiden has been taking up more and more of my mental space lately. Admittedly most of it is X Rated. Crispin and I finally had dinner together two nights ago but he dropped me off at home afterwards claiming an early morning. Then he didn’t show up at the office until 10. So it’s been a few weeks since we’ve had sex and it seems my libido has fixated on Aiden in the absence of my boyfriend.
I’m not usually a person who daydreams about boys but I found myself wondering what Aiden was up to on the road when I had downtime at work. Or at night. Or in the morning.
I’m sure the excitement of being with him now is simply because we’re about to see the perfect home for him.
“Okay, like I said,” I start as we walk up to the front door, “the house was remodeled recently and the improvements are right up your alley. When we walk in you’ll see the grand entry but that’s the most pretentious part of the house, the rest of it is comfortable.”
I use the code to unlock the front door and we step inside. I never talk during this part of the tour; I just let the client take it all in while I watch them for a reaction.
Aiden’s eyes skim through the space and I let out an exhale when he looks over at me and smiles. He nods for me to continue so I take a few steps backwards towards the kitchen. Aiden follows and our eyes are locked for a moment before I turn my head away. I start to speak as I round the corner, “I am really excited to show you this kitchen. The appliances are all electric and…what the fuck?”
