“You two look fantastic. Come in, and let’s get you some cocktails.”
“Dean, this place looks fantastic! You have to show me around.” Sophie smiled, looking around the loft.
With everyone’s drinks in hand, Dean began his tour…
“At first, I was just looking for a luxury apartment for myself. But nothing I saw was blowing my hair back, and I was searching for my dream home. Then my realtor suggested new construction, and reminded me I could design my own space. That really intrigued me, so he started showing me parcels of land where we might be able to build," Dean paused before continuing.
"As fate would have it, we were driving back into the city one day, after viewing some lots south of the city, and we drove by this building. My realtor suddenly turned the car around and parked in front. He turned to me and said, ‘This building is for sale. It’s an old factory and warehouse. You could renovate the entire building, live on the top floor and sell the rest of the units as condos.’ I got out of the car and took a look at the building.” Dean said as he led them across the loft to his bedroom area, continuing the tour. “It was completely dilapidated from years of neglect, but at that moment, something clicked in my head. I wouldn’t sell condos, I could have my business office and housing for all my staff and myself in this one building. Right then and there, I made an offer on the building. We didn’t even tour the inside first. I knew this was what I wanted and that this was the perfect building for it.”
Dean continued showing Sophie the gym and recording studio. “I designed the layout and configuration of every floor. We finished construction and moved in about a year ago. The first floor is commercial businesses, second floor is my businessheadquarters, rehearsal studio, and common space for the staff, and third through sixth floors are residences. I give each staff member an apartment and charge them next to nothing for rent. They all seem to appreciate it.”
“Hell yeah! I certainly would!” Sophie proclaimed, sipping her drink as they finished the tour back in the kitchen. “You designed this loft? Did you decorate it too?”
“Yep! I designed the layout of the entire building. I did work with an interior designer, one of the best, but every design element in the building was my idea.”
“Shit! This is beautiful,” Sophie said with a smile. “You should be an architect.”
Dean laughed “Fuck no! That’swaytoo much math!”
“I know that’s right!” Sophie hollered, high fiving Dean.
Colton laughed. Being around Dean lifted his spirits. He was already in a better mood, just being near him.
Dean grinned. “But you haven’t even seen the best part yet…the roof!”
Dean led Colton and Sophie to the stairs, up to the roof and Sophie gasped at the space.
“Oh my God, that view is gorgeous!”
She turned to Dean. “A view like this shouldn't be wasted. Didn't Colton say your dancers live here too? Should we invite them up here?”
Dean grinned. “Yep, they're probably hanging out on the second floor. I can invite them up and we can make this a party.”
***
Dean
Dean pulled out his phone and opened the group chat with his dancers…
DEAN: Ladies! Sophie and Colton are here for cocktail hour. She’d love to see you! If you'd like, come on up. We’re on the roof.
After a quick tour of the roof, Sophie pointed to the cabana. “This is where I want to live!” She exclaimed.
“I know, right? I’ve spent many nights up here, lying on the pullout sofa watching the stars through the skylight. It’s pretty fabulous.” Dean smiled with a glint in his eyes.
The elevator opened and the voices of Sean, Jax, Harry, Nelly, and Justin spilled out into the warm night air.
When they stepped off the elevator, they all stopped in their tracks, taking in the scenery of the rooftop.
“Fuck me! This is gorgeous!” Justin exclaimed as Harry slammed into him from behind.
“Honey, ain’t none of us going near your crusty ass!” Jax snipped, and the guys giggled.
“This is spectacular,” Sean said, wide eyed, walking toward the cabana, surveying the area. “How did we not know this was up here?” He looked toward Dean.
Dean chuckled. “I designed this as a private space for me. But if you’re good little boys, I might be willing to share.” Dean winked, leading them around to the seating area.
“Dean, you can have my apartment downstairs,” Harry blurted, looking into the cabana. “I want to live right here!”
