Out of The Box Regifted (12 page)

***

We make it through the long line at security and settle into our seats. I’m excited, since I’ve never flown first class in my life, and find the service here to be pretty impressive. I guess I must look like Alice in Wonderland, because Ash looks over the top of his glasses smiling, and rolls his eyes. “Your first time in first class?”

I put my hands on my waist and look at him teasingly, as I stick out my tongue. “Yes this is my first time in first class. Forgive me, but I wasn’t born privileged.”

I reach into my bag and get out our phones and headphones. I smile, as Ash tilts his head allowing me to put the buds in his ears, and gives me a thumbs up. I’ve got my Beats headphones on and Ash comically remarks about them, as he pulls his ear buds out. “You look like one of those obsessive music lovers I’ve read about.” He points at my headphones and laughs. I pull my legs up in the seat, take out my book and readjust my headphones. I start listening to the playlist he made for me, appropriately called ‘
Soon to be OH
’. He looks over at me, cuddled up in my seat, and kisses the top of my head. I look down at my ring and marvel, shaking my head in amazement.

Ash lifts one side of my headphones off and asks, “Whatcha looking at?”

“I’m looking at this over the top amazing ring.” I matter of factly laugh.

“So, you still like it?” Ash asks, with a proud smirk on his face.

I giggle, “What’s not to like?” I blow him a kiss, as he fixes my headphones back to how they were before.

He’s tapping his fingers, listening to his music, while reading some material for work. I laugh to myself, thinking that he’s working, and I’m reading crotch novels. He holds my hand, rubbing it softly and I can’t wait to land, and land smack dab into bed with him.

Once we land in Houston, we quickly depart the plane, grab our bags and head to the rental car area. Lainey said she would pick us up, but Ash had insisted we needed a car to get around, and didn’t want to be dependent on Lainey for transportation. I call her, as we are leaving the car rental place, and I smile when I hear her excited voice.

“Mom I can’t wait to see you! We’ve got three places to look at today, and I hope one of them fits what y’all are looking for. If not, we’ll just keep looking until we do. Just hurry up and get here. I’m dying to see you.”

We hit a patch of traffic on the freeway and come to a complete stop. Ash chuckles, as he notices my leg shaking, and observes me nervously tapping on the arm rest. “Sunshine, tapping your nails and shaking your leg, isn’t gonna make the traffic move any faster. Just relax.”

I roll my eyes at him and mutter, “Damn Houston traffic.”

Soon enough, we pull up at Lainey’s office building and park in the garage. Ash leads us into the crowded elevator, and has his hand at the small of my back, rubbing it softly.

“You excited?”

“Oh I’m so excited. I can’t wait to see Lainey!” I put my arm through his and lean my head on his shoulder, whispering softly, “I hope we find the perfect place today. I want you to be happy with what we find.”

He nudges my chin and whispers in my ear, “Honey, if you’re happy, then I’m happy. Whatever you want, no matter the cost, we’ll do it.” It’s the end of lunch hour, and I’m getting annoyed with the elevator stopping on every floor. The ding of the elevator startles me, as the doors open on the 25th floor. I see the LPCI logo etched into sleek glass doors.

“Very impressive!” Ash remarks, as we enter the lobby. Contemporary and elegant dark wood furniture is strategically placed throughout the waiting area. The large custom reception desk is the same dark wood, with brushed stainless steel accents. The walls are a dark gray, with the same color carpet. Contemporary dimly lit sconces flank the walls, and there is alluring recessed lighting. I observe a long wall bearing numerous architectural renderings of all the LPCI projects, and I’m in awe. I’m so proud of Lainey. She’s accomplished so much in the little time she’s been in business. Ash is astonished, “Wow. Your little girl is one talented little lady.”

The receptionist walks into the lobby to greet us. She’s a tall slender young lady with jet black hair, that’s sleekly pulled back into a ponytail. She extends her hand and smiles. “Hello! You must be Ms. Petersen and Mr. Harper. Welcome to LPCI. I’m Hailey.” We each shake her hand, and she motions us to the chairs. “If you’d like to take a seat, I’ll let Lainey know you’re here. Can I get you something to drink? A coffee, water, or soda?”

I smile and speak for us both, “Oh no thanks, Hailey. We’re fine.”

We sit in the beautiful lobby and wait for Lainey to come out, as Hailey comes over to us. She holds up a finger, “She’s on the phone, and asked me to tell you she’ll be right out.”

In just a few minutes, I see my gal, with her bulging baby bump, smiling from ear to ear, as she comes out to greet us.

She covers her mouth with her hands, then claps, “Mom. Ash. You’re finally here!” She gives us both hugs and kisses.

“Let me give you a tour. We’ve expanded since you were last here Mom. Follow me.”

She proudly leads us into what she says is now 9,000 square feet of offices, and I’m floored. She has so many employees, and we observe everyone is working diligently on their projects. I spot Marcus immersed in his work, and I quietly pop my head in the door. “Boo!” I yell. It startles him, and he excitedly gets up from his desk. “Ahhhh Bonjour Belle! Finally!” He says in his beautiful French accent, as he swaggers over to hug and kiss me. I can tell Ash is a bit put off, by the show of affection. The look on his face tells me so. Hmmmm, a little jealous maybe? Ah ha! A side of Ash I haven’t seen. After all, Marcus is a very handsome man, tall, well built, dark hair, and beautiful dark eyes, with an ever so sexy French accent.

He extends his hands, “Olivia! Tue s Tres Jolie! Ravissant! Let me see you… Turn around... You look so happy.” He spins me around, and takes me into his arms.

I give him a hug, as he kisses me on the cheek.

With a flirty grin on his face, he notices Ash, “And who may I ask is this handsome man with you?”

I introduce him to Ash, and proudly display my left hand, indicating that we are engaged.

He gasps, “Your fiancé, Belle? Félicitations et meilleurs voeux !”

I have no idea what Marcus just said, but Ash sure does. Of course he knows French. Why would I think he didn’t? He knows everything. He confidently reaches out for Marcus’ hand, and gives him a firm handshake.

“Merci beaucoup, nous sommes très heureux ainsi!”

I put my hand on my hip and think, ‘
Okay, whatever that means’
. I have no idea, but the two seem to be entertaining each other with this banter.

Marcus throws his head back, laughs and the two of them continue to communicate. Lainey and I look puzzled, and have no clue what they’re saying, but Ash is smiling so I can only assume its pleasant dialogue. Marcus is disporting, testing Ash, and Ash is testing him right back. Male testosterone is dominant at this very moment, and it has suddenly become war of the words. I sense that Ash isn’t quite sure how to take Marcus, and thankfully Lainey quickly diffuses the situation. She holds her hand up signaling a time out. “Marcus, Ash, Mom—I was thinking we could all do lunch, and head out to look at the condos I’ve got scheduled for us. Kellan let me use the Suburban today, so we’ll all ride together if that’s okay…”

“Parfait!” Marcus exclaims.

Lainey’s made reservations for us at a nice Galleria area restaurant. Driving past the Galleria, I think back to when I lived in Houston. I would take the kids ice skating there, and we had so much fun. I would laugh until I cried, as we would ice skate - me holding onto the wall for dear life!

At lunch, Marcus and Ash immediately resume their conversation. Marcus seems to be interested in what Ash has to say, but I can tell by Marcus’ body language that he’s guarded. He’s reserving his opinion of Ash for later. Lainey and I are talking nonstop about the units she’s got lined up for us to see, and I can’t wait to get started. I’m not very hungry, and find myself just picking at my food, moving it around the plate, just hoping everyone will hurry and finish.

The first two units we look at are nice, but very contemporary, and are in the popular upper Kirby area. The first one is very small, and I can tell Ash isn’t impressed by the blank look on his face. I giggle, and whisper in his ear, “I don’t think this is us…do you?” He puts his arm around me, and suggestively remarks in a hushed voice, “Definitely not. It’s too cramped, and everyone would hear us.” I laugh, and suggest to Lainey we go on to the next stop. As we walk the second unit, Ash pulls me to the side with the same uncertain look on his face.

“Liv, I don’t know what you’re thinking, but I definitely think this loft thing isn’t gonna work for us. Much too small, and too damn contemporary. I don’t like it at all, but what do you think?”

In my mind, I’m thinking I’d be happy just to stay in a hotel when we come to Houston, or stay with Lainey and Kel, but what the hell do I know? I’m simple minded and budget conscious.

I affectionately put my arm through his, as we walk towards Lainey and Marcus. “I’m sorry but these lofts aren’t us. Call me old fashioned, but these are not doing it for me.” Ash shakes his head, laughs and agrees. “I agree with Olivia, contemporary and lofts suck. They’re okay for you kids, but for us old geezers… Don’t think so.”

She smiles and reassuringly gives us a thumbs up, “No problemo guys. I actually think the next one is going to be the one you fall in love with. The price is considerably more, but I think it’s more in line with what you guys want.”

With a twinkle in his eye, Ash ushers us all out the door, “Let’s get going then.”

We arrive at the next place, and I gasp as we pull into the circular drive. I feel this is it. The unit is on the 39
^th
floor of this classic building, with phenomenal curb appeal, and Lainey says it has a breathtaking view of the city. Beautiful mature trees adorn the property, and there are large lush abundant flowers in beds, lining the exterior. It’s truly a welcoming atmosphere, located in the posh medical center area. As soon as I walk into the lobby, I feel at home. Something about it just feels right. We take the quick elevator ride up to floor 39 and as we get off, I start getting excited. Lainey puts the key in the door and pushes it open. I gasp as I enter. It’s beautiful, and elegantly decorated. As we meander about the place, Marcus takes my hand.

“Venir avec moi ma douce!”

Ash hearing the words, raises an eyebrow. By the look on his face and his body language, I have a sneaking suspicion he’s not comfortable with this french affection. As if to claim his property, he places an arm around me. Marcus releases my hand, and has a snarky grin on his face.

I whisper in Ash’s ear, “Okay, so what did Marcus just say?”

Ash discreetly blows in my ear and kisses it, before he answers in a tone that sounds peeved

“He said ‘come with me my sweet’.”

I shake my head, “Ah.” Not wanting to spoil the day, Ash pats my rear and sends me back off with Marcus. I can tell he’ll be watching Marcus like a hawk.

We venture first into the living room. It’s spacious and open to the dining room. Floor to ceiling windows grace the wall, and the city view is truly beautiful. I can’t think of anything I would change. However, the wet bar area needs some work. It’s got hideous dark granite counters and outdated dark wood cabinets. Rubbing his chin and assessing every detail, Marcus reassures me. “Belle, that is no problemo! That can be changed very easily.” I nod with confidence, as we move into the kitchen, which is delightful! It’s done in creamy grey black and brown granite countertops, with prominent black beadboard cabinets, bearing very plain and simple pewter cabinet hardware, which I love! Marcus, once again knowing my taste, points at the sink and faucets. Grinning he remarks, “Again Mon Cherie, we can change this. An extra deep black granite sink and rubbed bronze faucet - see I know what you like and I’m taking notes.” He’s got his Louis Vuitton leather portfolio out and is scribbling ideas, as we walk the unit.

The master suite is large and perfect. I’m thinking it will only need paint and new light fixtures. Marcus puckers his lips, as he’s concentrating and he makes a clicking sound with his mouth, indicating he’s in deep thought. He gives his assessment of this room pointing up at the walls first. “A coat of paint, and removal of this
ghastly
chandelier, would be the first things I’d do in here. I’ll put recessed lighting in the ceiling and we’ll do a fabulous paint treatment, Belle!” Adjacent to the bed is a beautiful sitting area, with a view of the courtyard.

My face lights up, “A window seat, don’t you think?” I ask as I point to the window.

“Tout a fait!”

“And that means?” I curiously ask.

“Absolutely. It means absolutely, Chérié. I get carried away in french, forgetting you don’t know my beautiful language. I’m sorry.” He winks, as he leans into me. “Your decadently handsome husband to be, however, knows the language very well. I’m impressed.” He remarks, with a nod towards Ash.

The master bath area is almost perfect as well. Marble floors, fabulous city view, glass blocks similar to our home in Highland Park, and an oversized jetted tub, are just a few of the amazing attributes.