“Stop calling me that.”
“What would you have me call you?”
I blinked rapidly. It wasn’t that she was saying my name, but thewayshe kept saying it that bothered me.
“Aldi, this was just the meet and greet. I’m sure once you and Danessa get to know one another, she’ll have plenty of places lined up that meet your specifications.”
Once we get to know each other? I knew Danessa intimately. This client-realtor shit wasn’t going to work for me. “I don’t think this is a good fit. No offense.”
“I’m sorry, but I take all the offense.”
“Excuse me?”
“As your assistant stated, this is a meet and greet. The purpose of this meeting was for you to tell me what you were looking for. Your list of non-negotiables, nice to haves, and dislikes. As your realtor, I would compile that information and only show you listings that meet your requirements, neighborhood, price point, amenities. You’ve signed a twelve-week contract. Walking away now would be like throwing money into a blender.”
My jaw tensed. Danessa knew I hated to waste money. Growing up I clipped coupons and helped my mom make food stretch until next payday. I was the kid who wore the off-brand Air Force 1s from Budget Shoes and my brother’s hand-me-downs.
“Do you want to tell me what you’re looking for?” A different realtor. “Let’s sit in the backyard and chat. Nori, feel free to continue to look around.” I followed Danessa to the backyard. She was right, it was great for entertaining.
“It’s quiet back here.”
Danessa pulled out a portfolio to take notes I could only imagine would be added to my client file. “So, you like a quiet setting.”
I hopped my shoulders. “I don’t know. It’s nice to have a place to get away from all the chatter.”
“What else are you looking for?” Her tone was even and relaxed.
“Are you seriously going to pretend like this isn’t awkward?”
“It’s not. You’re the client and I’m your realtor.”
“I’m not your client, I’m your ex.”
“And that makes you uncomfortable?”
I tensed.Did she think I was bothered?Because I’m not. I released a chuckle that was more nervous than confident. “I’m not uncomfortable, I just thought you might be because of the way things ended.”
“I ended our relationship.”
“Yeah, and I’m sure now you see what a huge mistake that was. I’m not trying to toot my own horn but … rooty tooty fresh and fruity.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“I’m just saying I’m a world-famous basketball player pulling in millions.”
“The wordfamousis doing a lot of the heavy lifting in that sentence.”
“Wow. I’m about to be the face of the Ramblers.”
“Remind me again when’s the last time you won a championship?”
Rude. She was rude.Last year wasn’t my year, the Pioneers made it to the Playoffs last year but unexpected teammate injuries stalled our advance. Moving to the Ramblers would either be career defining or career ending. I was taking a real risk, but I believed in my ability to turn water into wine. “Do you treat all your clients like this?”
“Some clients are more stubborn than others.” Danessa leaned forward in her chair. “So, I’ll ask you again, what do you want?”
I wanted a time machine to alter the past. I’d return to my senior year of college and dump Danessa first, so she never had the chance to break my fucking heart. Or better yet, I’d go back to freshman year and drop out of Econ 101, preventing me from ever meeting Danessa Irwin. Shit, if I was being real I’d have gone back to the day she ended us and begged her to reconsider.She wasn’t the first woman I’d loved, but being with her rewired my brain, making it difficult to move past us.
“I want a place to lay my head. With a big closet. It doesn’t have to be fancy.”
