W: Sir, I thought we agreed? Laptop away! You promised!

O: It’s not work related. I’m just… *sighs* I’m scoping out Anchorpoint Wharf—

W: Obie!

O: It’s not like I called Imane! I’m just trying to get a ballpark.

W: *sigh* And?

O: It’s a wide range. The new construction & move-in ready places are pricey, but doable. The fixer-uppers are cheap but will need a ton of work. However, we could really make it our own. We’d just have to tighten our belts a little. Martin could give us a better idea on what a reno budget might look like. And maybe we should look for a long-term tenant for the condo, instead of making it a Sim-bnb.

W: Or, we just sell it.

O: Sell it? No, no-no-no-no—

W:  Yes. I know we talked about renting it out, but I don’t think it makes sense anymore. We’d be over leveraged and if we get pregnant sooner than later… that just seems like a lot.

O: Personally, I like the idea of holding onto an investment property for baby. But I understand your concerns. Let’s revisit this when we get home. We haven’t truly looked in earnest and like I said, it’s a range. I’ll just shoot Imane an email and—

W: Don’t bother. *sheepishly* I texted her last night *Obie laughs*  

The rest of our honeymoon sped by slowly, if that makes sense. We did everything and nothing at all. We saw the sights, swam in the ocean, Obie took a sword fighting lesson from a local and even tried his hand at sparring. We stayed in… We went out… It was all around a great trip.

*alarm goes off*

W: *sigh* Time for check-in.

O: *groans* How about we “miss” the flight and start a new life on the run? Pretty sure the office would let me work from home if I ask real nice…

W: *giggles* Sure, but it’ll be on you to explain to Mia why we’ll miss the family cookout. I just got off her shit-list and have no intentions of going back on it!

O: *laughs* Will do. C’mon! We’re still on vacation for another 22 hours. No work email!

W: *chuckles* It’s not work. Imane is asking for our availability next week and… woah!

O: What happened?

W: My mom wants to know if your family would like to join us at The Lodge for Winterfest.

O: What??

W: Yeah… she says it’s a big year for both our families and she and Daddy would love to have them. Also, renovations should be done by late fall so there should be lots of room. 

O: *stunned* Wow, that’s… wow. I mean… I can ask, but it might be a stretch.

W: *concerned* Maybe not… We’ve got five and a half months to plan.

O: For Clem and Martin, maybe. I’m sure it would be fine. But for Ani and Ethan—

W: Look, the lodging and food are, of course, covered. Really, it’s only the flights they’d have to worry about and there’s plenty of time to comparison shop. Plus, we can help if needed. I mean, between us and my folks, we have enough points to spare.

O: I don’t know… I mean, it would be amazing! Don’t get me wrong, but—

W: Let’s just ask when we get home. No pressure, just see if there’s any interest and take it from there.

O: Yeah… sure. I’ll ask.

W: It’s gonna be fine, babe. If it’s a no, it’s a no. My folks won’t be offended.

Honestly, as much as I loved Obie’s suggestion, I just couldn’t focus on house hunting… not at that moment, anyway.

Imane, understood, but agreed with Obie. Though she feared we’d be priced out the longer we waited, we all agreed that the hunt could wait a few more months, just no more than six. So, we stuck a pin in it and put all our energy into the wedding. 

Dev & Dirk came in clutch helping us secure The Pinnacle Gardens; and with the big wheels in motion, our attention could finally turn toward the fine details. The fun parts…

Noble Designs in Willow Creek | Two weeks later:

G: Welcome home baby girl! It’s so good to see you!

W: It’s good to be back! Thank you so much for doing this. I really appreciate it.

G: Chile, please! I’ve been waiting for this day since your mama told me you were moving West to pursue that boy.

N: I said no such thing! *Walker giggles*

G: Mhmm… Come. We have a private suite for you, and everyone is waiting upstairs.

W: Aunt Glo, that wasn’t necessary—

G: Nonsense! Nikki tells me you’re looking for the more fitted silhouettes— trumpet and mermaid—

W: Yes, but I’m open to being surprised.

G: Smart girl.

N: Tea length might be nice too.

W: Yeah. I’m leaning more toward romantic than sexy.

C: So, you’ll keep me posted?

W: Absolutely! I’ll give you a call as soon as Devon gets back to me.

O: Thanks for today. Drive safely!

W: Do you have to go back to the office?

O: *chuckles* If I want to keep my paycheck, I do.

W: *sighs* Paychecks are overrated… *both laugh*

O: Where did you park?

W: About three blocks over; near the docks. You?

O: Same.

W: Ooh! What do you think they’re building there?

O: It looks like a renovation of one of the old warehouses. It’s probably mixed use.

W: I wonder if Imane would know?

O: You really do like this area!

W: *giggles* I really, really do! You know I’m a sucker for an industrial space.

O: Then maybe we should call Imane.

W: Nah… you think?

O: I think this neighborhood is still very much in development and if we were going to buy, the time would be now. Once it’s done—

W: Yeah, but the wedding and honey—

O: – Are being generously financed by your parents. This… this would be ours.

W: True… but I thought we wanted to build more equity in the condo?

O: Maybe we don’t sell it? What if we rent it? Or list on Sim BnB?

W: *skeptical snort* You’re serious?

O: I mean… yeah. I think I am. You really love it here, and *surprised laugh* I honestly can see us here. It’s only 20-30 minutes from my sisters, and the city is just over the bridge.

W: *awed* You’re serious.

O: Only if you are… I mean, can you imagine the view from that place when it’s done? All the local restaurants and markets? Kid’s playing in the splash pad? Walking Tater by The Arboretum?

W: *smirk* I hear they have an incredible farmer’s market near Pier 2 on Saturdays ….

O: It looks like plenty of space to start a family and our house warming could be a BBQ overlooking the pier. Plus, it’d be move in ready—

W: Obie, this place is probably a fortune!

O: Maybe, maybe not. I’m not saying it has to be this warehouse, but I do think that maybe we should dedicate a weekend sometime soon to just look…  Maybe, we reach out to Imane; pick her brain?

W: *bites lip* I’ll give her a call when I get home.

O: You’re awfully quiet. What are you thinking?

W: Nothing really. I’m just taking it all in. It’s just crazy to me that a place as well off as the Valley could have such… poverty.

O: Most of the Valley isn’t like that; not even the poorer districts. The tent cities tend to be runaways and fame-seekers who life didn’t pan out for.

W: That doesn’t bother you?

O: Of course, when I think of it; but honestly? I rarely have to. It’s not something I come across regularly. It just makes me work harder to make sure I can provide me and mine. I want my wife and my children to want for nothing.

W: *amused* Your wife, huh?? Is there something you’ve neglected to tell me?

O: *grinning* My eventual wife— You know what I mean!

W: *smirking* And how many kids are we talking about?

O: *amused*A whole tribe! Just chubby, waddling, munchkins as far as the eye can see!

W: *giggling* Yeah, good luck with that.

O: *heartfelt laughter* What? No good?! *Walker is cracking up* Ok, how about this then: As many as we can…

W: *smirking, while internally beaming*Tell you what? After your 6 month performance review, we can open negotiations.  

O: *hearty laughter* Ok Pearson. I’m holding you to that.

P: *over Walker’s shoulder* Hi Obie! *whispering in Walker’s ear* You’re late missy.

W: *grinning* That would be my fault. We had a… um, *clears throat* late start…

P: *shaking with silent laughter* I’m sure you did. Welcome home friend.

W: It’s good to be back.

I: Did you get a chance to look at the listings I sent?

W: Yup, I did. Many in buildings we already visited.

O: What was the criterion you were using? I know of a few openings not far from me.

I:  Where are you?

O: Worthington & Alto.

I: *impressed* Nice! But unfortunately it’s out of the price range for now.

I: So! What do we think of the area? Not what you thought, huh?

W: *soft chuckle* No. It is safe to say that it’s not even close.

I: *knowing smile* Mirage Park is going through a bit of a renaissance at the moment. As you can see in the surrounding area, there are a lot of new businesses springing up. It’s a bit of mish-mash of new and old. I figured we’d start here because, in my humble opinion, this*gesturing to the room they’re in* is potentially your sweet spot.

I: You’re relatively close to the city, 2 exits to be exact, with a lot of cute local restaurants & boutiques close by should you decide you don’t want the hassle of driving to the Boulevard. This complex is a repurposed clothing factory, hence the industrial loft-like feel that I noticed you tended to gravitate to during our last hunt. Although this is a studio, because you own, you can reconfigure the layout a bit to meet your needs; within reason of course. Out here you’d be paying less for more amenities. *noticing Walkers’ eyes roaming* Go ahead, take a look around!

I: Because of the complex’s history and unconventional layout, you have a private entrance to your unit. There’s a pool, barbeque area and a greenhouse with rentable plots available in the commons out back.  You could grow your own herb garden! That’s not even mentioning that each tenant has a parking spot allotted to them by city ordinance to clear the roads.

O: *low whistle*Where were you when I was in the market?

I: *winks* You’ve got my card now, luv.

W: *whispers* What do you think?

O: I think I want whatever you want.

W: …It went. I offered to work remotely until they can find my replacement. That seemed to lessen the blow. I think Marilyn was relieved that I wasn’t going to “Taste” or one of the other foodie mags.

O: I’m surprised you want to do that.

W: A paycheck is a pay check. I can’t really afford to turn one down at this point, especially if I’m going the condo route.

O: I can respect that. You’re still uncomfortable with the idea of Mirage Park?

W: *sigh* I mean it makes sense. I get it, but—

O: It’s not a bad area. Imane is right it’s changing rapidly. I wouldn’t want you there if it were dangerous.

W: Ok. So I know I made a big deal about “feeling unsafe” but honestly? That doesn’t really worry me. It just seemed like the only objection that Penny & Imane would respect.

O: I don’t follow…

W: Little known fact? Long before my dad became an elder statesman he was military. He joined straight out of high school to help pay for college. My maternal grandfather was a police lieutenant in Twinbrook.  Julian and I learned how to defend ourselves before we were even allowed to cross the street alone. I was raised knowing that mi likkle but mi tallawah.

O: *laughing* I am simultaneously surprised, confused and aroused. What does that even mean?

W: Basically it means I’m small but tough.

O: That I can believe. Now I’m more aroused more than anything else. *Walker giggles* so if it’s not your safety that concerns you—

W: “Up and coming”? “Rapidly developing”? “Newly developed”? All polite code for gentrification; I don’t want to be that sim.

O: *surprised* Oh… I don’t quite know how to respond to that…

W: Yeah. I’m sure it sounds silly to you. It’s bound to start a conversation with them I’m not up to having.

O: You’re not a gentrifier. I mean, you’re just looking to start fresh.

W: So are most gentrifiers, but intent doesn’t negate results. I grew up privileged. My parents took great pains to make sure Jules and I knew not only how we may be perceived, but also how to move in this world and how our actions can affect it. We weren’t wealthy by any stretch, but we were comfortable.  I don’t know… moving there feels like a betrayal.

O: Then don’t. If it really bothers you, if it betrays your morals—

W: I’m probably over thinking it. Hazard of being the kid of a politician and an attorney I guess.

O: No… I’d say take a look at the place. Get a feel for the community. If it still feels wrong, then trust your gut.

W: Ok… you’re right. I’ll reserve judgment. Thanks. *relieved sigh, then playfully* So… I aroused you did I?

O: *laughing* You have no idea. I find your confidence… intoxicating…

*laughing to self* I should have invested in earplugs before my telling my crew about Obie and my new relationship status. You would think I told them I won the lotto. I was going to miss this support system when I moved. True, I had much to look forward to but I’d be a fool not to acknowledge what I was leaving behind.

It’s funny though, how quickly things can change… one minute you’re on your last leg in desperate need of a change, and the next you’re hurtling toward a new life.

My freelancing gigs were actually beginning to turn a profit thanks to The Collective. In addition to photo editing, I was beginning to fill out my portfolio as a photographer in my own right. Although in truth, I think that had more to do with my friendship with Dirk himself than my own talent.

Nevertheless, the money was good enough to help put my plans in motion. Apartments that were previously in the “meh” and “maybe” pile were now getting second and third looks.

P: …I know that you wanted to rent, but this is an incredible opportunity.  I couldn’t, in good conscience, not tell you about this. Just look at it as an investment.

I: Walker, this area is about to blow up. In a year or so you won’t be able to afford to rent here, let alone buy. My wife and I purchased a fixer upper 3 years ago, a few blocks south of here. Our initial plan was to flip it like we’d done in the past until Blackburn Industries & The Huntington Group started picking up properties left, right & center.

W: But until those buildings are completed and the area is developed, I will still be single woman living alone in a slum. That is not to mention that with all this talk of Blackburn scandal, the area may not be as viable as once thought. That worries me.  

I: 1- Mirage Park is a little rougher, yes. But it’s far from a slum. 2- The Blackburns are not the only developers here. Trust me on that. A new Coffee Warden opened up a few blocks away.

P: And you’re not exactly a single woman anymore. I’m pretty sure Obie will be spending a lot of time there—

I: Even pushing that aside, fiscally this makes sense. For the amount you were willing to spend on rent near Starlight Boulevard, you can own a condo with more space, and a decent car!

W: I don’t—

P: Did you put in your 2 week notice at Bite Club yet?

W: You know I’m not doing that until I have a more concrete plan for how things will go out there.

P: I hear you but maybe it’s time… How about you plan a dedicated trip? I’ll take off a week and Imane, you know what she likes. Get together the best listings you can come up with & let’s knock this out.

W: *mulls it over a second* Deal. Let me know when. I’ll try & set up interviews.