Chapter 70 A Real Estate Find
“Okay, Mr. Real Estate, come in,” Emily said.
She wasn’t sure what he had in mind, but she was so glad to see him again.
They sat down at the kitchen table, and Byron opened up a folder filled with pictures and information on various homes for sale not far from her current place.
“I think you’ll find these more than satisfactory,” he said, “they’re in your favorite neighborhood, and you’ll enjoy the quiet, tree-lined streets and closeness to the beach while still being within easy reach of downtown. Maybe you and your boyfriend could make a new start there together?”
“You want to buy us a new house?” she asked. It seemed too good to be true!
“For you and Mr. Pomeroy, yes,” Byron said, not dropping his real estate agent act.
“Is Mr. Pomeroy okay with leaving the familiar comfort of his suite for a whole new house?” she inquired disbelievingly.
“Yes, we’ve talked about it, and he is quite happy to do it.”
“But would he really be happy away from the bustling downtown core?” Emily asked.
“Yes, he would be happy to live with you,” Byron said in his sensuous voice, dropping the real estate business-like tone, “wherever you choose.”
“Of course, you could help me choose,” Emily suggested.
“So you like the new plan?” he asked, his blue-green eyes brimming with hope.
“I think so... but what about your assistant and all the people you’re used to having around?”
“Honestly, I don’t need that many people. All I need is to have you close by. And anyway, it would be nice to have a break from my mother once in a while.”
Emily giggled. “I wonder what Sylvia would say!”
“I understand why you didn’t want to stay in the suite,” Byron said more seriously, “it is my place, and I’m used to having it a certain way. But now... new place, new rules.”
“I like that,” Emily said.
They went out to look at the houses, and soon had it narrowed down to one that was a stone’s throw from the beach. It was a spacious house with a roomy kitchen and a big yard where a dog could run around.
Emily started thinking of getting a dog of her own.
“I like Rupert very much, but I’ve always dreamed of getting a puppy,” she said as they toured the house.
“I have a feeling I’m going to live to regret this. How many dogs do you think this place can hold?” Byron asked, smirking.
“At least ten...”
They looked out the back window and saw the calm waters of the ocean stretching out to the horizon.
“Not surprising you wanted to get even closer to the beach,” Byron said. “Is this the house for you?”
“Yes,” she said, “definitely. What about you?”
“I like it too.”
Byron walked over to the real estate agent who was waiting for them to finish talking it over.
“We’ll take it,” he said. “I’ll write you a check for the full amount.”
Before she knew it, Emily was living in a gorgeous house by the beach. She didn’t have to move her belongings very far as it was so close to her old apartment.
She had never lived with a boyfriend before, and it was a wonderful new feeling. Now that the house was new to both of them, they didn’t fight over the space, and they worked together to allocate places for everything. The kitchen was the most contentious because they both liked to cook, but they made it work.
When all their stuff was moved in, they threw a small housewarming party for all their friends.
“This place is awesome!” Pam said, “I hope you don’t mind me coming over all the time.”
“I thought you were going on your honeymoon soon,” Emily said.
“No, I changed my mind,” Pam replied, “I’m going to live here with you guys.”
“You’re most welcome,” Emily said.
“But really, we’ve got to pick out my wedding dress tomorrow, don’t forget,” Pam reminded her.
“How could I forget?”
They went over to the back window to see the ocean view while Byron and his friends talked in the living room.
“Speaking of weddings, are you going to tie the knot anytime soon?” Pam said in a quiet tone.
“But we’ve just moved in here,” Emily objected, “This is all the commitment I can handle right now.”
Pam shook her head sadly. “Byron is a rich, handsome, sweet guy. He worships the ground you walk on. What more could you want?”
Emily wondered. It’s not as if she could picture herself marrying anyone else, but the beginning of married life seemed like the end of something.
“Maybe I’m too young to get married,” Emily said.
“Hey, are you saying I’m old?” her friend teased.
“Of course not. You’re just right. And you’re going to be so happy with Mike.”
“I can’t wait! Dress shopping tomorrow. Bring your boyfriend too! He has good taste in clothes.”
