“Are any of your bald-headed-ass first cousins there?” Kendrix asked next.
Kordai laughed. “Nah. Just Keyla.”
I nodded to myself. “That sounds about right.”
Our cousins never really fooled with Grandpa. They were raised closer to their other side. Our dad was the oldest and only son with two sisters, and his sisters got married and spent more time with their in-laws unless they wanted money. But Keyla always showed up to birthdays, cookouts, and anything that involved her family. She made the effort, and Grandpa noticed which is why he always made sure she always had the best of the best.
I cleared my throat. “I’m about to show this house to Ms. Nikki, but my phone is on loud. If anything changes, let me know immediately.”
“Bet,” they all said in unison.
I hung up just as Mrs. Nikki’s car pulled in beside mine. I stepped out, straightening my jacket, slipping back into the version of myself that clients loved.
But inside, I was still a grandson that grew up watching that man create the Givelle real estate empire. He was the oldest son just like my dad, so I always felt that it was only right for my ambition and work ethic to match theirs. I was trying to hold everything together while the foundation that built us all trembled in the background.
I forced on a smile as Mrs. Nikki stepped out of her car, already complimenting the landscaping and asking questions.
She hugged me tight like any auntie who hadn’t seen you in a while would.
“It’s so good to see you,” she said, pulling back but keeping her hands on my arms. Her eyes searched my face like she was looking for traces of the boy she used to know.
She smiled slowly, shaking her head in disbelief. “You look so much like your daddy,” she said. There was awe in her voice, like she couldn’t decide if it shocked her or comforted her more. “Every time I see you, it takes me a second. Same smile. Same eyes.”
I laughed, rubbing the back of my neck. “Thank you. I hear that a lot.”
She finally turned toward the house, her heels clicking softly against the driveway. “Now this,” she said, pointing up at it, eyes lighting up, “this is amazing. If the outside looks like this, I can’t wait to see what the inside is doing.”
“I’m excited too. I really think you’re gonna love it.”
The moment we walked through the front door, the house spoke for itself. High ceilings, neutral tones, and natural light pouring in through the oversized windows.
“This feels… expensive,” she said softly, running her hand along the entryway console table.
“It was renovated by the previous owner,” I explained as we moved further in. “He was a single guy with a high-level corporate job. He met someone and got engaged and relocated out of state. Apparently, he decided selling was easier than renting, especially since he won’t be back in Antionette much.”
“Mmm,” she hummed, nodding. “That makes sense.”
It was the kind of house that felt perfect for dinner parties and peaceful mornings.
“This is rich-auntie energy,” she said, laughing.
I laughed with her. “Exactly what I was thinking.”
But the moment we reached the master suite, I knew she was sold. Then she stepped into the closet and stopped. She just stood there before slowly turning in a circle. Built-in shelving. Glass-front drawers. A vanity tucked perfectly into the corner with a lighted mirror.
“Oh,” she breathed.
I leaned against the doorway, watching her fall in love.
“This,” she said, finally turning to look at me, eyes shining, “this is it.”
Relief washed over me instantly. We’d looked at so many places, but this one fit her. I could see it on her face.
I smiled wide. “Okay,” I said, already pulling my phone out. “I’m calling Kemi right now so we can start the process. This house won’t be on the market long, and I want to make sure we get ahead of it.”
She waved me off playfully, already drifting back into the closet. “Do what you gotta do. I’m going back in here.”
I laughed under my breath and stepped out, dialing Kemi as I glanced back once more at Mrs. Nikki smiling at her reflection like she’d already moved in.
