Page 26 of Talk About… Dramay
“Actually, yes, do you have a moment for an impromptu meeting?”
Her eyes dipped in concern but she nodded quickly, gesturing for me to follow her.
The office she led me to was even cozier. There were soft chairs and rugs, pretty art on the wall, and soft lighting. She’d stayed true to herself and it was just another sign that I’d made the right choice.
When we were both sitting, I dove right in. There was no point in beating around the bush.
“I’m leaving the city,” I started. Her jaw dropped. Whatever she thought this was about, clearly it wasn’t this. “Personal reasons. But I love the clients that I’ve accumulated. I’ve worked hard to make a name for myself and I didn’t make this decision lightly.”
“I can imagine,” she said with a small smile. “My clients are family at this point, too.”
“Charles Sanderson had helped me get started in some ways, but I just came from a meeting with him where he showed histrue colors… and I just couldn’t trust him to care for my clients the same way I do.”
A small gasp escaped. Emma was putting two and two together already.
“You would keep things personal, make them feel welcomed and cared for. They won’t be swindled or upsold to unsafe properties. You’d fight for them. I’d like to give you my client list, if you would like it.”
She blinked at me for all about two seconds before she yelled out her answer, startling us both.
“Yes!” she laughed at herself and took a few quick breaths. “I mean, I’d be very grateful and would, of course, treat them like family. I’d absolutely ensure they have me fighting on their behalf. Oh my god. This is…”
“You’re a great agent, I’ve read your reviews. You’ll do well by them. I’ll be reaching out to them all personally today and tomorrow. If you could wait to welcome them or contact until then, I’d appreciate it.”
“Of course, that’ll give me a few days to whip up some extra welcome baskets I use.” She gestured to the side table where three baskets rested. Things like Ryler Real Estate merch and some cozy items to add to their new space. It was an adorable touch.
“Then this is yours now.” I handed over the leather-bound portfolio full of my client’s files. She likely had her own way of doing things but this would get her more than started.
We shared a few notes and pleasantries before I left my contact information and walked out. The moment the afternoon sunshine hit my face I breathed in deep. A weight had lifted from my shoulders.
It had started the moment I made the decision to go home, but now it was official.
Just one last thing to do.
“I’ve been trying not to call you,” Brandon said, his voice sounding almost desperate. “I hate knowing you’re out there struggling and I can’t fix it.”
“I’m coming home, Dad.” I hadn’t meant to blurt it out but I couldn't stop myself if I tried.
He was quiet for so long I almost asked if he was there. His small sniffle filled the silence and I bit back a smile. Warmth spread through me. My parents all loved me, and the bond my dad and I had was strong. I couldn’t wait to see him.
I’d missed the family dinners, the noise, the love, all of it. We were a family that laughed and genuinely wanted to be around each other. We also communicated, so drama was rare.
Though Brandon and I were never afraid of sharing the town gossip any chance we got.
“What’s wrong?” Adam demanded. Out of my dads, he was always the most protective. I should have known he’d have felt Brandon’s tears through their bond.
“Our Little Bird is coming home,” he sniffled before it turned into a full on wail. Adam snatched the phone, his gruff face and full beard filling the screen as he turned our audio call into video. The hope that sparked in those ocean eyes that matched my own.
“Tell me you’re coming back,” he demanded. The pain in his eyes hit me square in the chest. Cameron hadn’t just rejected me and sent me running, he’d caused my family pain and that made me even more angry. Each bit of pain was more ammo I planned to hit him with the moment I walked into their family bar.
Because I’d done the running thing. I’d made a life for myself out here, but that was done now. I was going to reclaim the space I deserved.
“I am,” I promised. “Roman and I are tying up loose ends. Is grandma’s house ready for me?”
“It will be,” he snorted, glancing behind him to show Brandon already using someone else’s phone. “You’ve got the omega on it.”
He gave me a wink, his eyes crinkling around the edges in a way that melted all that gruffness away. This was the man who held me through every fall and bad mood, the man who ran out frantically and bought half the store when my first period hit.
“I can’t wait to see you guys,” I said with a small smile. It was funny that my dads were all the emotion and doting types while my mom wasn’t. We loved each other but she was never the touchy feely type. I had the dads for that. She was no less in my corner, though.