Life as I know it

Six

So the conversation was exactly what I thought it would be. The immediate attraction between myself and Lacey. My dad is a romantic at heart. Can't really blame him. The love he and my mother share is a once in a lifetime. I want that and I won't settle for anything less.

It would be nice to know another person away from my Career. Someone who doesn't know me because of my money or skills on the court. If Lacey knew who I was she didn't show it.

My parents also decided they wanted to go look around the town so when Lacey said the home was available for viewing my Cupid parents made up an excuse so here I am sitting in Laceys car with our kids in the back.

You would think it would be awkward, but it isn't.

So Rhyker why the move to Charlotte?

For work purposes. Do you have or know anyone I could contact for a nanny?

I don't, but the school should be able to help. I know they have aftercare and a summer program they offer to students. Other than that I'm sorry.

No need to be sorry. I'll look into the aftercare for emergency situations when I can't get to the school on time.

Are your parents moving here as well?

No. They will be staying in our family home. My youngest sister is a senior this year so after that I'm not sure what they will do.

Your family seem close.

They are everything to me. I owe them my life.

How old are you?

I'm 22 about to be 23. And you?

24. I've lived here since I was 18 and I love it. Charlotte is home.

I hope to make it home. It's going to be different having Luke all the time now that I'm out of university, but I'm looking forward to it.

Wow. So I'm assuming your parents had him?

Yeah. It's a tough subject because I didn't want to leave him, but my parents didn't want me to give up my dream. So they had him while I went to university. Every holiday and break I was back home caring for him myself or they would bring him to UNC to me if I couldn't get away. What about you?

Well. I'm a single mother. Had my daughter at 17 and never looked back. Oh look we arrived.

I was a little taken back by her response or lack of conversation on her end. Maybe I am looking to much into this.

I unbuckle a sleeping Luke while Lacey unbuckles a sleeping Blaire. Really if you didn't know she was just my realtor you would think we were a couple with two kids.

We walk into the house and set the kids on the sofa. The house is open. From the front door they have a grand staircase that is all open that splits the top floor. The kitchen is in the back of the house that is all open. I really like it. The stairs and balcony is a little off putting, but Luke is responsible and has been around stairs his entire life.

To the left of the staircase is the master bedroom with the biggest master suite I've ever seen. Walking back through the living area I walk into the garage which is perfect for one vehicle, but I'd use it for something else I'm sure.

The basement has a full movie theater with a bedroom and a full bath. This is going to be perfect for a play area for Luke and our hangout area.

Upstairs to the left is two bedrooms with a jack and Jill bath and the right leads to two more bedrooms and a bathroom.

The house is absolutely perfect. I want it.

As I looked around Lacey stayed downstairs with the kids while they slept. Once I arrived downstairs I advised her I wanted it and wanted to do a quick sale if possible.

I sat down on a chair while Lacey went into the kitchen to work numbers and call the owners agent. After about 30 minutes Lacey advised the house was $820k. So I offered $810 cash price with them paying closing costs for a quick sale.

We scheduled my wire transfer to be completed in 5 days and I'd be able to move in within 10 days. They offered to leave the house furnished, but I declined. I wanted to make it our own.

Lacey dropped us back off at our hotel and I waved like a teenage adolescent. At least Lacey laughed and we agreed we would finish our closing paperwork in everything went through.

That night I laid with Luke in my arms and dreamed of Lacey. Of a future I hoped I could have. I just hope I get to know her before she figures out who I am. I'd like her to know me as Rhyker not Bullet Pierre as everyone calls  me and knows me on the court.

Maybe. Maybe one day I'd find love like my parents.