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Chapter 1
Parker
"I'm about to bring the party to you," I scream, opening the charter bus door. Today is all about my guys and not about me trying to fight the hollowness lurking inside me. I hope hanging with my besties and the potential to make a hefty commission is a perfect remedy to tackle the downward spiral of my internal debates. "I hope you paid your babysitters well because we're not returning until after bedtime."
The herd runs in my direction as I step outside the fifty-six-passenger bus. “Charlee stop pushing.”
"I'm childfree, and I got my man to myself…you better mind your business." She bumps me with her hip, and I buckle over to hear her laugh.
“Well, get your child-free butt on the bus crazy lady.” I hug her husband, Darius, smiling as they disappear onto the bus.
This is the first stop. I organized a multi-million-dollar home tour in the Austin Hill Country to celebrate the holidays. My guys, business partners, and best friends load the bus to help and relax for the day. They each are assigned a station on the tour.
Hunter and Ben board, followed by Harper and Liam. I shield my eyes from the sun as I watch Taylor and Zach head my way.
“How’s the remodeling going?”
Zach gives me a strong brotherly hug. “Ask my wife.”
“Oh brother, what happened Taylor?” Her hair is styled in some cinnamon brown faux dreadlocks, her new style of choice.
“I’m tired of having my house filled with workers and all of the dust. I’m ready for them to be done already.” She kisses my cheek.
“The addition of an art studio will increase the value on your home.”
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. I just want Zach to have a place to create." Taylor looks over at him, and I wish I could patent the look in her eyes. "So, if they have to keep hammering to make it happen…baby, please tell me this won't take forever."
"It won't take forever, love." Zach leans in to kiss her, and I turn away.
“Promise?” The whine in her voice causes him to chuckle.
“Promise.” Zach says with such assurance that I stop to admire them. They fought for love and won. I had that once.
“All right love birds. Keep moving.” I tease as they board with the rest of the guys.
The final guys, Chase, Jordan, Payton, Alex, and Ryann, pull up the rear. I climb the stairs signaling for the bus driver to close the door behind me. The charter rolls into motion, and I take the microphone.
“Welcome! I’m Parker Belle Hamilton your tour guide and trusted real estate agent.”
Thunderous clapping fills the bus as if they don’t know what I do. These women and their husbands are my family. We do life together. They’re the vertebrae to my spine. I can’t do life without them.
“Quiet down. We have a full day ahead. So, welcome to my Freedom Day slash 4th of July celebration. Thank you to my guys and your wonderful husbands for blocking out this day to assist me. We’re expecting forty tourists, and we'll visit ten houses."
“Are all of the houses still on the market?” I glance toward Liam, Harper’s husband, a few rows back.
"Yes, all of the houses are available. I'll gladly submit offers on your behalf if needed."
The group laughs. They each contribute to the success of my real estate business. Several of them have bought homes from me. I’m even working on a construction project with Taylor and Zach, on rental properties.
“These are upper tier clients. I’ve included all of your business details in the folders. But don’t forget, in the words of the infamous Charlee Grant, ‘Y’all heifers better have some fun!’” I snap my finger and roll my neck.
“Ha ha ha.” Charlee’s sarcasm sends the guys into a fit of laughter again.
I pick back up. “We have a few minutes to settle in and get ready. Spread out and mingle. You guys are my eyes and ears.”
“Don’t worry. We got you covered.” Alex leans forwards and squeezes my hand.
“I know that’s why I love you guys.” It warms my heart.
“Don’t you start that sappy stuff.” Charlee yells from the back.
“Hush! Okay. Let me get ready.”
