Chapter 9 #2
“Cree, I’m not sure if Tristan mentioned, but this is a three-bedroom, four-bathroom unit with rooftop access. It’s the last available unit in the building and already has multiple offers.”
Okay, so Tristan had been telling her the truth.
The agent started her spiel, giving them a little history on the new construction, expressing it was the best of downtown and lake front living.
While they strolled from one room to another, Cathy not only talked about the space, but also the building’s amenities.
Based on the extensive list, the HOA fee was probably an arm and a leg.
“The luxurious amenities have been designed to meet your convenience, as well as your wellness needs. Once we’re done up here, I’ll show you everything the building has to offer.”
The secondary bedrooms weren’t huge, but what they lacked in space, they made up in views. What she didn’t like was that one bedroom’s view was of another condominium.
She had once thought living downtown would be fun and convenient, but the idea of someone being able to see into the bedroom didn’t appeal to her.
But when they reached the master suite, all thoughts of anyone looking in flew from her brain.
It had the same lake view as the living room, and it was breathtaking.
“This would be the selling point for me,” Tristan said as if reading her mind. “It’s a nice size, and I like the idea of not looking into someone else’s bedroom.”
Cree wondered if he was seriously thinking about buying the place. So far, the real estate agent hadn’t mentioned the price, but Cree assumed she had already discussed it with Tristan.
When Cathy’s phone rang, she excused herself while they checked out the humongous bathroom and walk-in closet. Both separately were the size of the secondary bedrooms.
“You’re right, this space would be the selling point,” Cree mumbled as she took in the two-person soaking tub that sat in front of a huge window with exquisite views.
The window might be a turn off, unless the glass was one-way glass, where they could see out but no one could see in. Still, she’d kill for a bathroom like this one. Then again, she would never get any work done because she’d never leave the space.
“So, you like the place?” Tristan asked. He was casually leaning against the doorjamb looking at her.
Never one for holding in her opinion, she said, “It’s beautiful. The views alone are probably worth every penny of the sale price. It has a lot of square footage, but why would you need all this space? Unless…”
“I’m not married, and I’m not seeing anyone,” he said quickly. “But that won’t always be the case. I want a place that’s big enough for the family I hope to one day have.”
Cree’s chest tightened at hearing him talking about having a family.
She tried not to react and kept her face neutral, but she wasn’t sure if it was working.
When they got married, she had vowed to be with him until death.
Yet, at the first sign of trouble, she cut him loose.
Thinking about that had her feeling sick.
Her mother often said she was too impulsive. That had been a prime example.
Shaking the thought free, she said, “What do you think of the place? Can you see yourself living here?”
He glanced around the bathroom and then pushed away from the doorjamb and gazed into the bedroom. “I don’t know. Maybe,” he finally said and turned back to her. “Could you?”
“It doesn’t matter if I can or can’t,” she hurried to say, making sure he didn’t get any ideas, assuming he didn’t already have ideas. “You’re the one who’ll be living here.”
After a slight hesitation, a slow smile spread across his face. “True.”
Cree moved past him, careful not to touch him because, deep down, that’s exactly what she wanted to do. His nearness was wreaking havoc on her senses. She stepped back into the bedroom.
“What’s this place going for, and how much is the HOA?”
“Eight million for the condo, and about ten grand a month for the HOA.” He said it so nonchalantly Cree could only stare at him.
“Holy…”
Her gaze took in the space again. Yes, it was beautiful, but she wasn’t sure if it was worth that. Granted, the views and the location probably accounted for much of that price, but still…
Cathy strolled into the room. “What do you two think, Tristan? Are you interested in putting in an offer?”
“Let me step out while you two talk,” Cree said and made a hasty retreat.
She strolled back through the place, still in awe of its beauty, but looking at everything in a new light.
The price tag reminded her of Tristan’s net worth, or what she assumed it to be, and she smiled to herself.
Again, she was so proud of what he had accomplished and was a bit in awe.
He’d done it. He had reached a few of his goals that she knew about—financial wealth to support her and his family, the ability to live anywhere he wanted, and being able to buy any number of cars he desired.
It wasn’t lost on her that this could’ve been her life.
She could be married to the world’s greatest running back, or former running back, and wealthier than she’d ever dreamed possible.
If they’d still been married, would she have still pursued her own goals?
Like having a successful sports agency or law firm?
Or like living in a beautiful home in Hinsdale or Lake Forest, Illinois?
Cree startled when she felt a hand on her hip. So caught up in her thoughts, she hadn’t realized Tristan and his agent had returned to the living room.
“Ready?” he asked.
She glanced from him to the agent who had a small smile on her lips. “Sure, if you are. Did you make a decision?”
“Yeah, I’m going to pass on this place and keep looking.”
“Really?” she asked, searching his eyes. He seemed to really like the place, but she guessed with having to make a quick decision, that probably didn’t appeal to him.
He smirked. “Yes, really. Besides, though I could tell you liked it, you aren’t in love with it.”
She sighed. “Tristan,” she started, but stopped since they had an audience.
She didn’t want him making any decisions one way or another because of her. They weren’t getting back together, and the sooner she made that clear the better.
But before she could say anything more, he said, “I know.”
Cree wasn’t sure what he thought he knew, but she hoped they were on the same page. They couldn’t go back. Yes, what they once had together was amazing, a dream come true, and she could admit she missed Tristan like crazy.
However, she was a different person. Heck everything was different now, and there was no way they could pick up where they’d left off.
Could they?
Those two words popped into her head, bounced around a few minutes, and then she shook them free.
Nope, they couldn’t. That was in the past. There was no more making plans to buy a house, have a couple of kids, and live happily ever after. They missed their chance, even though there was a tiny part of her that kept whispering, What if?