Page 33 of Unmasking Love
He got a bike rack?
“So, are you signing on a house today?” Emmett asks as he walks past me the shower room.
“Not exactly.”
“Dang.” The disappointment is clear in Felix’s voice. “Well, you’ll see another place then, as many as it takes.”
“I’m actually bringing her lunch.” I admit because I’ve been reeling for the last eighteen hours, and am feeling discombobulated after bearing my chest to the team, and I don’t know what to do and need another person to discuss this with. The urge to text the team chat was strong last night as I tried to get comfortable on Harper’s sofa. But I didn’t know how to get advice without sharing the details. It’s not my story to share.
“You’re bringingHarperlunch?” Crosby asks.
“Why did you say her name like that?” I ask as Crosby turns to yell into the shower room, “He’s going on a date with Harper!”
“Nice job getting a lunch date with Harper!” Bryson says as he walks into the room with a towel slung low on his waist. “That’s a classy move.”
“It’s not a date.” Is it? No. “I’m just dropping it off.”
“Oh, leave her wanting more! Damn, Young Gun. I think we might have to start calling you Young Silk. You’re smooth.” Crosby says, and Duncan and Bryson laugh deeply behind him.
“So what lunch are you bringing her?” Emmett asks.
“A falafel wrap and fries. She had a late night last night.”
“Ooooo,” Duncan laughs. “You’re a stone cold killer, Youngren.”
“How’d you know she had a late night?” Felix asks, incredulous.
“Well, I was with her yesterday to see a house and then something happened and I ended up having dinner with her and taking her back to her place.” There, enough of the story but no details.
“Stop! Stop right now.” Felix commands. “Pays give me your phone. Boba you too.”
“What? Why?” Bryson protests.
“We’ve gotta get everyone on speaker.” Felix says to me. Then he lets out a frustrated grunt as he taps aggressively on his screen. “Where is the updated phone tree goddamnit.”
“That’s really not necessary.” I interject. “Actually, I’m gonna be late if I don’t leave now. I’ll see you guys later.”
I leave the locker room to the sounds of protests but I’ll deal with them later.
***
"Hello!" The receptionist chirps as I walk into the office. When I locked my bike up outside I could see into a large conference room where it looks like the whole team is meeting. As I step over to the desk she stands quickly to pull the door of the conference room closed. "How can I help you?"
"I'm here for an appointment with Harper Daniels. I'm Aiden Youngren."
"Oh sure, let's see." She trails off as she looks through the calendar.
"It might be under Young Gun."
"Ah, yes, there we are." She smiles. "Would you mind waiting here? She's in a meeting but should be wrapping up soon."
"Of course." I say before I take a seat. Through the closed conference room door I hear the scolding.
"Harper, we are at the midpoint of the month, you haven't even gotten your client to see any of the homes, let alone buy one. If you want to keep your job you'll close this sale. This week."
"Yes sir," I hear her mumble. Shit. I never even considered she'd be relying on my business for a sale. For commissions to pay her bills. To keep her freaking job.
I run a hand through my hair and grapple with telling her I'm not interested in buying a house at all when the door opens and the group starts filing out.
