“At the end of the day our parents are just trying to figure life out like everyone else. A beautiful woman once told me that.”
“You’re right. My bad I’m complaining about my mother when you’re dealing with the fallout from your dad’s actions.”
“No, I’m cool. Colin helped me to realize that sometimes when all else fails, limited access is the only thing you can do.”
“You and Colin are besties now?”
“No, far from it. But I bumped into him at the gym, and he made some valid points.”
“Look at us with our mommy and daddy issues, respectively.”
“After the season and the wedding let’s go on a vacation.”
“I can’t, I’m signing up for online summer classes.”
“Online means remote. So you can complete your homework just as easily on a beach as you can on that firm ass couch of yours.”
“I love my couch.”
“Try printing now.”
Danessa clicked her mouse and the familiar sound of a machine etching words onto paper kicked on. “You did it.”
“Don’t sound so surprised.”
She came over to where I was seated on the floor and draped her arms over my shoulders. “Thank you, baby. What would I do without you?”
I twisted her onto my lap. “I’m here to make your life easier.”
“You’re doing a very good job.” Danessa’s face lit up. “I found a house and I think you’re going to love it.”
“Tell me more.”
“Nope, I have to show you so you can appreciate it with your own eyes. I had Nori pencil me in on your calendar for Saturday morning.”
“Sounds good because I’m tired of living out of suitcases.”
“I’m not going to say this place is the one, but I have a good feeling.”
“I trust you with my heart and my housing.”
On the driveover I did my best to contain my excitement. I searched far and wide to find a home that met all of Aldi’s specifications. And this home in a hidden gem of a neighborhood ticked off most of his boxes. This two-story modern home had curb appeal and was just over five thousand square feet. Which was conservative for an athlete. Most were living in full-out mansions, but Aldridge wanted something a bit more intimate. In Kansas City, he owned a condo so this would be his first single-family home.
When we pulled up to the house, I could hear Aldridge gasp.
“Isn’t it stunning?”
“I’m impressed.” Aldi shifted the car into park.
“I’m not trying to overhype it, but I think you’re really going to like the layout.”
Walking toward the house, he asked, “What’s the neighborhood like?”
“Mix of young, rich professionals and established families. For entry into this area, you’ll need close to two million, and that’s for a basic build sans any add ons.”
“So expensive.”
“Baby this is Vegas. Everything costs. I’d be happy to show you a starter home for five hundred.”
