Power Play - Brittney Mulliner Page 0,49

liked this location, and it was built over the outdoor mall so there were plenty of restaurants I could walk to.

Once we got back in the car, Mom sighed. “I’m not sure about that one.”

“Why not?” Joey asked. “It was perfect.”

I thought so too. It checked all the boxes for me.

“It didn’t feel right,” she countered.

“What does that mean?” I asked as I pulled onto the street and headed to the next address.

“It was just missing something,” she said vaguely.

“That’s the best you’re going to get boys. Don’t argue with her. When she knows, she knows.” Dad shook his head and looked out the window.

The second option was where Erik and Chloe lived before they both got married. They lived in one of the two penthouses. I’d never been there, and I worried about the price tag that might be attached to this one.

From the moment we stepped through the revolving door, I knew Mom was sold. We were greeted by a uniformed doorman, and the manager met us and led us to the elevator. She gushed over the chandelier and marble floors in the lobby and how quiet the ride up to the tenth floor was.

At least we weren’t headed to the top. I was feeling more confident about this place until the manager opened the front door. This was an open concept to an extreme. One entire wall from the living room to the very back door was glass overlooking downtown. From the entrance you could see the dining room, kitchen, and through to the bedroom that was only separated by glass doors that slid back to reveal everything. The cement floors and white fixtures added to the sterile vibe.

Joey glanced at me, and I grimaced.

“Are all of the units this …” It seemed like Mom was at a loss for words. A very rare occurrence.

“Modern?” Dad filled in, ever the polite one.

The manager turned with a wide grin. “No, our building is a mixture of leases and owners. Some have the original design while some have been updated. This one has recently been remodeled in the most current style.”

Right. Well, at least I didn’t have to call Erik and Reese and ask them what the heck they were thinking living in a place like this. Their units were probably a bit warmer.

“Well, thanks so much for showing us this one.” I took a step back to the hall.

“Is this the only available unit?” Dad asked.

“Right now, yes. It’s very rare we have an opening. Many of our residents are high profile and enjoy the privacy our staff is known to accommodate.”

Sure.

“We have one more building to see so we’ll be in touch. Thank you.” Mom smiled and we all turned and hurried to the elevator while the manager locked up.

Once we were back in my car, Joey burst out laughing first followed by me, my dad, and finally my mom.

“That was awful. It felt like somewhere you would slaughter animals.” Joey shuddered.

“Either that or run a lab for an evil genius,” Dad offered.

“It wasn’t that bad,” Mom said before laughing again. “Oh man. The rest of it was so nice. Why did they allow them to destroy that one? Could you imagine living in a glass box? There was no privacy at all. I’m sure even the bathroom had glass doors.”

“It would take a very special person to live there.” Dad shook his head. “Well, on to the next.”

Hopefully, this one would work. I didn’t want to have to go through all those brochures again for something I’d already passed on. Settling on where I lived didn’t feel right.

I wasn’t aware of anyone I knew living in this building, but it was close to where Wyatt and Noah lived. Just down the street from the café Kendall worked at, with several restaurants close by. I had to keep my hope in check. I didn't want to get too excited just in case it turned out to be a complete letdown.

“Ready?” Dad asked before we entered. I nodded and the door swung open. A smiling man stepped out and held the door for us.

“Good afternoon.” He smiled as we passed.

Mom raised her brows and gave me a pointed look.

“Welcome, Mr. Dumoulin.” A woman walked out and greeted us from a back door. I shook her hand before introducing her to my entourage.

“Lovely to meet you all. We only have two available units, and one is currently being looked at, so I’ll show you the last one.”

I nodded and