"Time is running out and there is still so much left to do! I'm kind of freaking the fuck out right now, Tony!"
I'm on the phone with my contractor, Tony Genusa. He's been my right hand guy for the last 8 years. I'm currently in the middle of a massive renovation of a large home in the middle of the Windy City. This isn't new to me though, it's what I love to do and has become my full time job. This is the 50th house that I've bought and renovated in the last 8 years. The house just happens to be the largest home I've tackled. I usually do smaller homes in the suburbs, as they consistently offer a large profit and don't require a ton of work. This is the house I've been working towards though. A huge two story home with basement, in a very popular neighborhood in the heart of the city. The house was built in the late 1890's, and the years have not been kind to it. The roof leaks, the windows leak, the foundation has issues, several families of rodents have made their homes here, it's just a disaster. It's my disaster though and hopefully soon it will be someone else's beautiful home. It's been 8 months since the project started and we are nearing the finish line. I have 2 weeks until the open house, and while the list of items to complete is getting shorter, I'm still nervous.
It's 6:00 pm on a Friday evening in April and spring is upon us. All work on the house is done for the night, and I'm here closing up and checking out the progress. I called Tony to go over the list of items we need to finish and to get an idea of the timeframe of getting them checked off.
"Allison, in the last eight years, have I ever let you down?" He asks.
"No, you haven't, and that's why you've been my guy for all of those eight years. I'm sorry, I might just be a bit overwhelmed by the scope of this job." I reply.
"Listen, don't worry about nothin', ya hear? I've got this. Don't worry your pretty little head. Go home, relax, drink a bottle or two of whatever, and relax." Tony advises.
"I can't argue with advice like that!" i chuckle. "I'm sorry I'm freaked out. I trust you and I know this place will be perfect. Good night, Tony." I say as I end the call.
I grab my bag and I'm out. I arm the alarm system, close the door and jiggle the handle to confirm it's locked. As I'm walking down the front steps, a red Ferrari pulls up and stops. I can't see in since the windows are tinted. The door opens and as the driver exits the car, I can't help but stare.
She is gorgeous. I'm 5'6" and this woman is probably 5'8"ish, long, curly black hair that shines, warm mahogany skin that seems to glisten in the evening light, and a voluptuous body that is hugged by a sexy red dress that matches her car. I'm standing there staring as she walks up to me.
"Hi, I'm Natalie, and I was wondering if you could tell me about this house?" she asks.
"Uh, well, it's... uhm... Hi, I'm Allison and this is my house." I manage to stutter out, surely sounding like an idiot.
"Oh, I noticed the realtor sign in the yard and I assumed it was on the market, but perhaps I was mistaken. It's a beautiful home. Sorry to bother you...Allison." she replied with a hint of sorrow. She turned to walk away.
"Wait!" I hurriedly announced. "Yes, it's for sale, well, it will be. I bought it 8 months ago and have been renovating it to sell." I inform her.
"Oh!" She exclaims as she raises her perfect eyebrows. "Do you have plans to put it on the market soon?" she inquires.
"Two weeks. I'm going to have an open house. It should be on a Saturday." I reply.
"Well, I will have to mark my calendar then!" she says excitedly. "Will you be there?" she asks as she reaches out and touches my arm with the tips of her fingers.
"Of course I will! I'd love to see you there. I'll even give you the grand tour!" I tell her as I feel goosebumps cover my arm from her delicate touch.
"Hmmm, I'd like that. I'm sure you're quite the tour guide." she said slyly as she shot me a grin.
"I might even wear my good work boots." I jokingly reply as I hold up my boot clad foot. That elicits laughter from both of us. I couldn't help but notice how beautiful she is when she laughs.
"Allison, I'm sure you would look stunning no matter what you did or didn't wear," she replied.
Her statement took me a second to process and I wasn't sure how to respond. Thankfully, I didn't have to.
"I've taken up enough of your evening. Thank you for being so gracious to spend the time talking to me. I'll hopefully see you in a few weeks, beautiful Allison...unless I see you sooner." Natalie stated as she softly squeezed my arm and trailed her fingers off as she turned and walked to her car.
I stood there staring again as the red Ferrari roared to life and Natalie sped away. The situation left me confused but intrigued at the same time. I definitely needed to stop by the liquor store on my way home.