Page 30 of Taking a Chance on Charlevoix
“The second one.” Marlowe almost goofed and called Seth the hottie. “I think his name is Seth.”
“Ah, Seth Barrett.” Gabby's voice warmed. Maybe Izzy’s instinct was accurate. “You can't go wrong with Seth. He'd be great to work with. Good listener. But Chase has his own talents. Some of the Chicago people love him.”
“For whatever reason, Izzy felt more comfortable with Seth. He's doing some sketches for us.”
“Picturing possibilities always help. And Seth is very generous with his time. He'll want to figure out what you want before he quotes on the project. When he does sketches, sometimes he asks me for some guidance with the décor. Nothing too detailed but he likes to strike the right tone.”
“That's good to hear.” Marlowe's shoulders loosened. She took a glance at the house to make sure that her client wasn't looking for her. The door remained closed on the modern stucco home.
“On the other hand,” Gabby continued, “Chase Wilson is a high end contractor who gravitates toward classic modern. Some people love that.”
“Classic modern.” Although Marlowe wasn't quite sure what that term meant, she didn't think that was their thing. She glanced again at the home she was showing that day. The door was still closed. Yes, this stucco home with pillars mightbe classic modern but that’s not where their family home was headed. “Sunnycrest has a lot of old-fashioned charm. We want to preserve that.”
“Right, well Seth might be good for you and your family. And if you feel that you want to look further, I have a few other options up my sleeve. Are you still thinking that you will eventually relocate? Ready to say goodbye to Florida?”
“Yes, if I find a position.” Since she'd been back in Naples, Marlowe hadn’t had time to go through the realtor cards she'd gathered.
“Would you consider working with me and my husband?” Gabby said. “We run a small shop and frankly I like the decorating part of our business more than the real estate. Unfortunately, I’m often selling when I’d rather be looking at color palettes and finishes. Some of our realtors go south in the winter. It’s darned inconvenient.”
Marlowe’s mind swirled. The question had been so sudden. Sure, she’d had her secret hopes about Gabby but hadn’t had time to approach her about anything. “Okay, something to think about.”
“We sell a lot of property along the Bay Harbor area. Are you familiar with it? Developed right on the lake before you get to Petoskey.”
Although Marlowe hadn’t visited Charlevoix that often in the past ten years or so, she had noticed an impressive development along the lake during a day trip to Petoskey. “Yes, I think I have seen it. Very impressive.”
“Exactly. Similar areas are building up along that stretch bordering Lake Michigan. Anyway, my husband Chip and I have a small office and work mainly with high end homes and condos in that area. But lately, I like working with our clients on the décor more than I enjoy selling properties.”
“I’d definitely like to hear more.” Was this for real? The picture Gabby was painting sounded intriguing. Working with her might be a good fit.
“I mentioned you to Chip. Told him you lived in Naples.”
Bingo.Marlowe had hoped that her upscale Naples market might carry some weight during her search for a position.
“Turns out that Chip knows that market and what it takes to sell there. Anyway, next time you're in the area, why don’t you stop in our office? Chip wondered who you are selling for now. He wanted to look up your properties.”
Marlowe's mind cart-wheeled ahead. It was getting warm in her convertible and she turned on the air conditioning. When she got back to the office, she'd have to make sure that her latest properties were listed on her webpage.
“Marlowe? Are you still there?” Gabby gave a little cough.
“Yes, yes I'm here. Just thinking ahead. Do you think you and Chip would be open to a zoom call or Facetime?” Marlowe didn’t like either for business. But she’d do it if Gabby thought the call would help establish a relationship. Her breath was coming fast and she tried to slow it down.
“I have to tell you they’re not my favorite,” Gabby said thoughtfully. “We’d rather see you in person. But I realize that you were just up here.”
Okay, she was going to step out in faith on this one. “I'm thinking of coming back when the contractor presents his ideas for Sunnycrest. Maybe we could touch base then.” Crossing the fingers of one hand, she waited.
“That sounds great. Much better.” Gabby gave a huge sigh and Marlowe heard some rustling around. Was she climbing out of bed at this hour? It was almost noon. “Meanwhile, could you send me your resume? That would be a starting place.”
“Of course.” Updating her resume wouldn’t take long.
Another huge sigh and some movement on the other end, like Gabby might be shoving her feet into her slippers. “Where are those darn things?”
“Pardon me?” Marlowe pressed the phone tight against her ear.
“Oh, nothing. Just looking for my other slipper,” Gabby grumbled. Marlowe pressed her lips tight so she wouldn’t laugh. “Good to talk to you, Marlowe. Have to get this show on the road now.”
“Thanks so much for your help.”
“You're very welcome. I'm looking forward to having you around.”
