Page 61 of Chase
“Fine,” he huffs. “No waterfall. Can I at least keep the aquarium?”
“Yes, but half the size and move it to here.” I say pointing at a wall on the side of the house.
“Okay, I can work with that.”
“As for your sauna, why don’t we block off this end of the patio, close it off and put the sauna and a bathroom in there?” I ask showing him with my finger what I’m talking about. Everyone else has crowded around the design, including the elderly couple. Chase steps up behind me, letting me know he’s there. My body responds on its own and steps back into him.
“If we do that, it’ll block off the ground floor corner apartment and still give us our space. You could extend the patio out further to make up for the missing space,” I add.
“That could work. I’ll check with the builder when they come through soon.”
“It means that there will be a bathroom off the gym and when the tenant moves out later on, you can renovate it and leave it as a spare apartment for visitors.”
“Okay, so where can I put the stripper pole?” He asks. I’m not sure if he is joking or not.
“No.” Ally and I say at the same time.
“What about mirrors on the ceiling?” He asks hopeful.
“No, how about we compromise?” I ask sweetly. He doesn’t answer, but eyes me suspiciously.
“You can put mirrors on the roof and put in a stripper pole, in YOUR room.” Everyone agrees with me. Leaving Arden out numbered.
“Fine,” he huffs finally admitting defeat.
“I’m glad we got that sorted then,” The older gentlemen says. “Can you let me know when construction is going to start? I’d like to let my niece know so that she knows what is happening.”
“I’ll know more when I talk to the builder soon. I’ll let you know. But construction will be finished by Christmas. We plan to move in early January,” Arden says giving his full attention to the gentlemen. Chase pulls me into his arms, and I relax in his hold.
The elderly couple finally say goodbye, leaving us in the empty apartment.
“I haven’t even shown you the best part,” Arden says excitedly. Chase chuckles and Rhys rolls his eyes.
“What?” I ask dubiously. I don’t think I can compromise with Arden anymore today. If he is about to show me an indoor swimming pool or something else just as equally ridiculous, he’ll get what he wants.
He pulls away the top piece of paper and I look down.
“Holy shit… Is that a...”
“Yep,” Arden cuts me off.
“Arden decided that we need a workshop,” Chase adds.
“Where’s it going to go?” I ask looking at the plans. He has everything planned for a fully functioning workshop including a paint booth.
“Underneath,” Arden says.
“Underneath?” I’m not sure how that will work.
“Underneath is already a car park for the apartment building. But since we don’t need so many car parks, we are turning it into a workshop so that we can all work together on cars if we want.” Arden sounds a little uncertain.
“I love it. As always you’ve thought of everything Arden.”
“Not quite everything.” He says looking over my head at Chase. He spins me around so I’m facing him.
“Yasmin, will you move in with us next year?” Chase asks me quietly. My mind quiets. The world stops in that moment. I look into his eyes for any uncertainty that may be hidden. I can’t find any. I replay what Mumma Nat said this morning.
Fuck it. I need to take the chance. I’m not going to run away from the first family I’ve had that cares.
