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We both glanced into the kitchen and out the window over the sink where several carved animals and a few new dragons sat, keeping guard.
“I guess it’s in God’s hands now. Let’s go get some breakfast.” I pulled her from the house, and we locked up.
Taylor Jane took the ‘for sale sign’ from the porch and pushed it down into the fresh sod grass Whittaker had laid down a week earlier. I planned to rip the sign up later once the check cleared. Getting into my truck, we headed to the diner.
33
Taylor Jane
Nervously I awaited the phone call that had the potential to change the rest of my life. Hunter was in the kitchen, making fried eggs and bacon. Coffee drifted into the bedroom, followed by his shirtless form. I loved Hunter with everything in my soul and I wasn’t sure I could leave him even temporarily if I won the house flip. He’d come to mean so much to me.
“Now what is that sad face for?” He sat on the bed next to me, handing me a cup of coffee just the way I liked it.
“I was thinking about the house and the contest.”
“Nothing to worry about. The realtor called and said you had a buyer snatch it up at above market value.” He coughed with a smile, genuinely happy for me, but I was having a hard time feeling it.
“I know, but I loved that house. Hunter, I was thinking that maybe, I mean, whatever happens, I don’t….” My rambles were interrupted by the phone ringing.
“You better answer that, love.”
“I….”
“Answer the phone.” He nudged me, taking the coffee from me so I could hold the phone in my shaking hands.
“Hello?”
“Taylor Bryant?”
“Yes, this is she.” Nerves rattle me and Hunter moved to sit behind me in the bed, hugging me, his head resting on my shoulder, listening in on the call.
“This is Rodger Culvers, the head of the contest committee.”
“Hi, great, I guess you have news for me then.”
“I do.”
Nerves threatened to make me hurl and Hunter rubbed my back, comforting me.
“Unfortunately you didn’t win the contest although the house was exquisitely beautiful in design and concept. We loved the video, adorable really. It just didn’t meet the mark for the contest itself.”
My heart fell, but it also bounced back up, knowing there was no decision to be made now. I would stay like I’d planned after all and now that I recouped my money, Dad would be okay. Taking a deep breath, Hunter continued to rub my shoulders reassuringly.
“Okay, I mean, that’s not terrible. I already sold the house and made my money back.”
“Oh, that’s fantastic. The committee reviewed the house portfolio and while it was absolutely stunning, we just felt the millions of tiny details wouldn’t translate to the broader market.”
“What does that mean?” I had to know.
“Well, all the crown molding, the handpicked fixtures and space saving shelves, teal accents, everything was just too you. I mean, it was great, but you presented us with your perfect house, not a house meant for another couple out there.”
“Oh.” So basically because the house was everything I imagined and more it wasn’t mainstream enough. It probably explained why I was having separation anxiety since selling my beautiful house. I got what Rodger was saying even if not winning kind of sucked at the moment.
“Listen, I do have another prospect for you, though.”
“What’s that?”
“My producers and I watched the video you had made of the project and we loved the chemistry between you and your boyfriend.”
