Chapter 14
Chapter Fourteen
Tristan followed behind Quincy and Jamal’s uncle like a lost puppy, and he couldn’t seem to snap out of the disinterest that plagued him.
They were touring the commercial building that his brother wanted them to purchase, and Jamal’s uncle, the owner, dominated the conversation.
He told them more than Tristan cared to know about the building and the tenants.
From what he had seen of the place so far, it was nice, but his heart wasn’t into being social today. Mainly because almost every thought he’d had over the last few days were centered around Cree. He had no idea where he stood with her because she was back to business as usual.
Guilt plagued him. He just couldn’t seem to get anything right with her, and it started years ago.
Back then, he had lost her because he failed to communicate his intention of getting a new agent, even if the decision had been a good one.
At least this time, the riff between them wasn’t his fault, not totally.
No, that honor went to his sister and her horrible timing and big mouth.
All the progress he’d made with Cree had taken a nosedive, and Tristan didn’t know how to fix it.
Cree, who didn’t embarrass easily, had told him that being caught like two teenagers making out in the back seat of a Chevy was extremely embarrassing. Especially at their age. It hadn’t helped that Bethany had revealed that Cree had been the woman behind Tristan almost giving up on football.
Thanks to his sister, any progress of getting Cree back was probably destroyed, and he’d have to start his pursuit all over again.
At least that’s how it felt. Cree had accepted his apology but gave no clue as to where that left them.
She made sure the few conversations they’d had since that day at his apartment centered around business, and he was sick of it.
“Since I knew I’d be selling the building, I didn’t renew most of the leases,” the owner said, cutting into Tristan’s thoughts.
“The info your accountant requested will show the building has been income-generating for the last twenty years. In this neighborhood, you won’t have a problem leasing out the space.
We housed a retail business on the main floor and an array of other businesses on the second and third floors. ”
They were currently near a set of elevators on the second floor, and Tristan finally started listening when the owner told them the type of companies that had leased the top floors.
In his opinion, the building was way more space than they needed, but the idea of further diversifying his portfolio appealed to him.
Owning a commercial building in a prime location near downtown Chicago might not be a bad idea.
He never wanted to be a landlord, but if someone else was managing the place, buying commercial real estate could be a win.
“We can head up to the top floor that is currently being leased by a law firm. They are closed on Sundays, and it won’t be a problem with us touring the space.
” As they rode the elevator, the landlord explained that the firm was one of the companies whose lease wasn’t renewed.
They’d be vacating at the end of this month.
A short while later, the owner unlocked the door to the law office and began showing them around. It was clear the firm had already started moving based on some of the empty spaces and packed boxes.
There was more space than Tristan expected, and he wondered if Quincy would use that floor for the nonprofit. Or if he would lease it to another law firm. Which would make more sense to Tristan. The nonprofit didn’t need that large of a space.
As they went from one office to another, Cree popped into his mind again, but not because of the distance she’d put between them. No, he had an idea, and it was becoming clearer as he toured the office space.
There’d been a time when Cree’s number one goal had been to own her own sports agency. But thanks to him, she’d had to close it. He wondered if she’d be interested in starting it back up, especially if he offered her office space and helped her build her clientele.
If not an agency, maybe she’d want to start her own law practice. Instead of a partner, she’d be an owner, and whatever tension he had witnessed between her and Warren would go away.
Tristan’s pulse amped, and he was starting to feel more encouraged as the idea bloomed inside of him. Yeah, this could be his way of making things right between them, as it related to him bailing on her years ago. In the process, they could get their relationship back on track.
But first, he needed to find out her plans for the future, and he had to make sure they included him.
“So what do you think?” the owner asked, snapping Tristan back into the conversation.
Though they had driven separately, they had talked on the phone on the way to the property.
Quincy had offered to take the lead, which was fine with Tristan.
Ultimately, they’d both make the decision, but technically, it was his brother’s idea to purchase a commercial building, then lease a portion of it to the nonprofit.
Tristan had to admit—it was a good business decision.
“I like what I’ve seen, but we’re not prepared to make a decision at this moment,” Quincy said. “Once we review the numbers, I’ll get back to you.”
They took the steps to the ground floor, and while Quincy asked the owner a few more questions, Tristan stepped outside. A cool breeze whipped around him, and he zipped his leather jacket and pulled the wool cap he was wearing lower over his eyes.
The fall weather had gotten chillier over the last few days, but it was Chicago. This time of year, he was just glad it wasn’t snowing.
He glanced around, noting the large amount of foot traffic, neighboring businesses, and the building’s location on a busy street. All that might be a good sign as it related to attracting small businesses interested in leasing office space.
There was minimum parking out front, but the building came with a parking lot. Though small, it would still appeal to potential business owners.
Tristan had just turned to his left when two women exited the spa next door.
They were laughing at something, and he froze when his attention landed on the tall one.
Taking in the woman’s short, camel colored coat and matching knee-high boots, he blinked several times wondering if his eyes were playing tricks on him.
Had his mind conjured up Cree?
When she turned slightly, giving him a better view of her profile, excitement leaped inside of him. Fate. It had to be fate, some supernatural power, that had them standing only a few feet apart.
“Okay, I’ll talk to you next week,” Cree said to the woman as they hugged goodbye. When her friend strolled away, Cree glanced down at her cell phone in her hand.
“Cree?” Tristan called out as he took a few steps toward her.
Her head jerked up, and she glanced in his direction, surprise registering on her face.
“Tristan, what are you doing here?”
He pointed toward the building that was for sale. “Touring the building. What about you?”
She gave a head nod to the spa. “Getting my hair and nails done.”
He hadn’t realized spas and salons were opened on Sundays, but why not? Busy professionals like her probably took advantage of the services on the weekend versus trying to squeeze in pampering during the weekdays.
As he looked at Cree, all he could think was that she was so beautiful, and it seemed she got more gorgeous with each passing day.
Everything about her appearance was on point, from her sexy haircut with her long bangs swept over one eye, to her perfectly made-up face, on down to her chic outfit.
She looked like she was ready to step out on the town, and he wanted to be right beside her when she did.
“Can we go somewhere and talk?” he asked, prepared for her to say no but hoping for a yes.
After a slight hesitation, she said, “I’m not sure that’s a good idea. Besides, I already called for a ride.”
“Cancel it. I’ll cover whatever the cancellation fee is, and I’ll make sure you get home safely.”
She eyed him warily, then broke eye contact and glanced around at their surroundings. He wasn’t sure what she was thinking, but her hesitation was a good thing. That meant she was considering his request.
Her attention returned to her cell phone, and he hoped she was canceling the ride.
“Please, Cree,” Tristan said. He wasn’t too proud to beg and would do anything to spend some time with her. “Let’s go somewhere and talk.”
She looked at him and shocked the hell out of him when she nodded. “Okay, but I pick the place this time.”
Tristan grinned. “Deal.”