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“I think we need a general meeting space. The caliber of our clients is increasing.” Hunter states.
"But we can meet at their offices. Which will make us appear more accommodating without the additional overhead." Ryann offers, and the guys nod.
"Let's run a test. Ninety days of continuing without an office. I'll find a shared space as a backup, and if push comes to shove, we have my conference room and the VIP room at S&J.”
We agree and shortly after the meeting is closed out and I head to my parents’ house. I've discussed the Max situation with my guys. I'm curious about how my parents will react.
Chapter 8
The shift in Austin takes me by surprise. The highway extensions, the construction, the business opportunities. Growing up, it was all tech and politics, but now it’s a melting pot of cultures and commerce. The pace feels much slower than I expected, which makes it a perfect place for my parents, as for me, after a month here, I find myself missing the hustle of NYC.
I arrive at Parker Belle Realty to snag Parker for lunch. She also has a few more home options for me to review. The other house deal fell through, but my lady is scouting other options. But it seems like buying a spot here will have to wait.
I’ve been in and out of strategy sessions, and it turns out that talking with Hunter and Ryann on the tour was helpful. I spent the past few weeks in conference calls and meetings with Stephanie developing an approach for the next legislative session. But want I want most is to nail down Parker and it seems scheduling this house tour is the only way to make that happen.
The environment shifts from all city to all Parker. The office is open with glass where walls should be. The spots of greenery make the space feel natural and welcoming. Her receptionist nods as I approach but doesn't bother to get up. This is the only way to spend time with Parker during the daylight hours. She works nonstop between showing houses and Platinum Prestige.
I use a knuckle to knock on her door. She waves me inside, talking into the phone. I remove my jacket tossing it in the seat beside me. She holds up a finger signaling she'll need a minute I respond to text messages and emails until I realize it's been forty-five minutes. She mouths, "Sorry, can I call you?"
She returns to her conversation, not waiting for my reply. And this is a mirror of our "dating" for the past month. I need to find food. I step outside as my phone rings, and I don't recognize the local number.
“Are you available for lunch?” It’s Darius Grant, Charlee’s husband, and the man is right on time.
“I am. What do you have in mind?”
We talk, and he gives me the address to S&J. I enter the place minutes later. I see a few familiar faces standing with Darius. He quickly runs through the introductions.
“This place smells amazing.”
He chuckles, turning me down a walkway. "Wait until you step outside."
The doors to the courtyard open, and I feel like I'm back in NYC. I scan the open area with a handful of food trucks.
Darius stands back. "What do you have a taste for? I eat more barbecue than I should, but everything here is delicious."
“How about Thai?”
“Thai it is.”
We grab our food and head back inside. The food is better than expected, and I relax appreciating the music.
“How’s it going?” Darius asks the moment I push my plate away. The man has an easy-going nature that makes me feel as if I’ve known him forever.
“Business is good. Adjusting to life back in Austin, not as good as I’d like.”
“This isn’t New York at all. But it might help to do more than sit in meetings all day.”
“Yeah, it seems the timing of the legislative session had us scrambling to meet with a few elected officials. Plus trying to keep up with Parker.”
"Miss Parker …how's that going?"
I shrug not sure how much I want to reveal. “It’s going. How does Charlee balance her work with Delicious Chocolates and Platinum Prestige?”
He leans back. "It depends. They seem to have a lot of their operation automated, and once we had DJ, she works primarily from the house. They have meetings when going after large accounts and she travels from time to time. But we manage. Are you feeling the difference between your relationship before and your relationship now?"
Darius and I didn’t hang out in high school, but I recall he and Charlee dating when Parker and I dated. Then I went off to college, and after Parker and I didn't work out, I moved to New York.
“Yes, more than I anticipated.”
