Page 99 of Idle

“How about you? How was the open house?” His hand strokes my forearm.

The floodgates open. “Amazing. I have no idea how many people toured the apartment, but foot traffic never stopped. At least two, if not four or five groups were inside at all times. Plus,” I pull out my cell. “We got some offers!”

“I knew you could do it. You can do anything you set your mind to.” He pulls me in for a hug without even knowing how many or what they were.

Against his shoulder, I ask, “Don’t you want to hear the bids?”

He chuckles. “Can’t wait to hear how big your success was today.”

“Oursuccess. I couldn’t have done this without you.” We kiss and I almost forget why we’re here.

He breaks the spell. “I can feel you vibrating.”

I’m excited, but I doubt that’s what he’s talking about. I check my phone. “Got another text.” I open and read it:

We loved your apartment today and want to put in an offer before anyone else does.

I slant a glance toward my partner. “Too late for that, sweetie. Seven others already beat you to it.”

Jesse’s mouth drops open. “Seven?”

I nod. “Yup.”

He jumps off his stool and picks me up. “You’re a one-woman wrecking ball!”

Laughing, I return to my stool and we go over theeightoffers on our flip. Three even want it furnished. One remarked on the sofa, saying she’s never seen anything like it before. After some debate, we select the all-cash, no inspection offer at twenty thousand over asking. Plus, an additional twenty for the living room set, bar stools, and bed. Jesse liked this offer because it didn’t ask for any pieces he didn’t design.

“I can’t believe this.” Jesse repeats. His index finger connects with my nose. “You’re magic.”

“Nope. I’m only someone who’s doing what she loves with the man she loves. Who gave up his stable life in banking for an exciting challenge with me.”

“I couldn’t be happier.” He squeezes me again. “Can’t wait to share the good news with my parents. And Mr. Hooper.”

I’ve met his parents several times, and they’ve welcomed me into the family. They’re supportive of Jesse’s new career, and his father even asked if he could invest in JP’s on Fifth. Of course we turned him down, but the ask was a giant leap forward.

While we celebrate, someone sits at the stool next to me. Time to go home. “Home.” For the first time in my life, I understand what this word means. I’ve added color and turned Jesse’s bachelor pad into something reflecting both of our styles. The idea of buying our own place and making it our own has taken root in my mind, though. I have to figure out the best time to approach Jesse with this idea.

I’m about to suggest we relocate to our bedroom when I hear, “Paige?”

My head swivels and I recognize the person who sat next to me. “Quinn. I didn’t see you there.” We exchange quick hugs, as does Jesse with her.

She points to our drinks. “Celebrating something?”

I square my shoulders. “I held my first open house this afternoon, at the apartment we renovated.” I point in the general direction of the building.

“I saw your announcement about becoming a real estate broker on social media a few weeks ago.” She raises her wine glass toward me. “Congrats.”

“Thanks. Our apartment got eight offers, and we just accepted one.”

“Very impressive.” I slip my arm into the crook of Jesse’s. “I see you’re together now?”

“We are,” Jesse kisses my cheek.

Her question reminds me of what we had to overcome to get to this point. I wouldn’t trade a second of it, despite the heartaches. Makes today seem even sweeter.

“That’s great.” She holds up her finger as she opens her purse. Pulling out a business card, she passes it to me. “You guys have been on my mind a lot lately. I have something I’d like to discuss with you. Think you could stop by tomorrow afternoon?”

Jesse and I exchange a shocked glance, and he shrugs. Flipping the card over in my hand, I reply, “Sure thing. How’s two o’clock?”

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