Impress Me Not: Neon Underground

Chapter 11

Well, it was the best price for what Mateo wanted, and it was right by a beach that was basically private. The description said that no one typically went there at all. It would be perfect for what he wanted. Even if he only ever went to the grocery store and back, Mateo would happily enjoy the peace and quiet.

Thankfully, the owner was available for meeting right away. Mateo was shocked to hear that. He must have been eager to sell the place, which wasn't a good sign. That could mean that there were more problems than what was listed. In the description, it said that there wasn't any problems, which made him more suspicious.

It was a far drive, away from the city. It almost made him wish he bought a car first. But it worked out. He had gotten a taxi ride there without it being too expensive. It was nice to see the nature the city had, outside of the busy streets and buildings. Mateo loved the city, but he loved the beach more. And having somewhere quiet all by himself had always been appealing, even if it was still in the city that gave him so much strife.

He could just be a hermit and stay there for the rest of his life. Mateo could disappear from everyone's lives just by staying at this beach. Then he could truly be alone. He didn't need to have anyone around anyway. All he needed was himself.

The house was gorgeous. It was small, but still beautiful. The decorations made it feel like someone rich vacationed there for a long time.

"So, what made you want to sell a beauty like this, Mr. White?" Mateo asked the owner. He was an old man who had blue eyes and white hair. He didn't quite like his last name, but he wasn't going to complain to him about that.

"Well," The old man sighed. "I used to rent it out to people. It's a great vacation house, especially for people who just need a break with things."

"You used to rent it?" He asked. That could be good or bad, depending on what the previous residents did to it when they were visiting, and how attentive the owner was to finding things that were broken and fixing them.

"Oh, yes," he answered. "I own a lot of places, you see. I even own that old building up on that hill over there." He pointed over to a hill that had a beautiful old church. It was far away, but since it was white, it was easy to spot. "I rent that space out to people who wish to wed there. I absolutely love weddings."

"That's great!" He smiled, wondering just how many properties the man had. If he had known, he might have convinced Lucas to try and get him to sign a contract with them instead. He certainly seemed wealthy enough to make them a lot of money. "I love weddings."

"They are beautiful events," Mr. White smiled at the hill. "That building has a lot of origin behind it. I'm sure you're not interested in that, though. You might see some people up on that hill every now and then, but they won't ever come down here. There's a beach right at the bottom of that hill that they usually go and take pictures by. This house has been completely refurbished with all new appliances and cabinetry. You are welcome to keep all the furniture too if you'd like."

"You aren't going to move it to another place that you rent out?" Mateo asked curiously. He really wanted to know just how many properties he owned. The renting business was starting to sound the most lucrative right then.

"Oh, I'm afraid that other than the wedding venue, I'm not going to be renting any place out anymore," Mr. White answered. "I've gotten too old for that, you see. Now I'm mainly focused on trying to keep my bar up and running."

"You own a bar?" He wondered which one. "Is it in the downtown area?"

"Yes," he told him. "It has a funny story of people always breaking down in front of it." He laughed. "It wasn't on purpose, mind you, but it happened on that street more often than anywhere else in downtown. Some of my clients used to try and flirt with anyone who was stuck out there. It was so bad that a mechanic shop started up on the same street."

"That street must be pretty bad for people to always break down there."

"Actually, I made sure that it had new pavement," he told him. "I donated a part of my money to the mayor so that they could fix the downtown pavements as well as the roads in the neighborhoods near it. It used to be quite rough. But," he shrugged. "People still broke down right in front of my club. Whether it be a blown head gasket, or an overheating engine, it just so happened that their cars would always stop right in front of my bar."

"That sounds like some good business at least," He smiled. This old man was a great distraction from everything else he had been thinking about that day. It was nice to just have a normal conversation with someone. And now that he wasn't working for that old company of his, he didn't have to try and think if it was the right time to talk about contracts.

"It can be," he chuckled again. "Unless you're straight. It's a gay bar, and my clientele are always a bit outspoken when they see anyone on the side of the road. I had to put up a sign so that they would stop harassing the poor men that were stuck out there."

"That sounds hilarious," Mateo laughed. "I wouldn't have even stopped them."

"Well, some of those gentlemen are really nice," he told him. "And some are gay, but they simply don't want to be flirted with by them. There are also the times when there's children in the car. I feel as though it's best to just keep it inside the building rather than bring it to the streets."

"Is that why you need to focus so much on it?" He asked. "Is it going downhill because of the people getting flirted with outside of it?"

"Oh, no," he shook his head. "It's not going down hill at all. Actually, I made the most profit last year that I ever have. I just would rather focus on one thing rather than multiple. That's why I'm selling this lovely house."

It was lovely, that was for sure. Mateo felt like he could trust him after that conversation. He wasn't the most normal guy out there, but he was very interesting to talk to, and had plenty of funny stories to share about his gay bar. It was the best conversation he had in a long time.

"Oh, I'm having an event there, by the way," he pulled out his card. "I'm not sure if you would like to attend. It's not going to be an event that is too showy, but children and adult's underage are still not allowed to come in. If you're interested, it's to raise awareness about kinks, fetishes, and overall sexuality. We also have some great drinks and food, too."

"I'll see if I can," Mateo said, grabbing the card. "When is it?"

"It's this weekend," he told him. "I don't mind if you don't wish to come, I just thought I would spread the word. With that being said, though, how about we go and sign that paperwork?"

"Sure," He smiled, letting the old man lead him into the small kitchen. This man was definitely not what his first impression was. Out of all the properties he could have guessed, he would have never thought of a gay bar.

"I hope this place brings you as much joy and happiness as it has me over the years," Mr. White shook his hand once the paperwork was signed. "It might take a few days for this to be processed, but otherwise it is all yours. Thank you for buying this lovely little shack."

"I'm glad I could find it before someone else did," Mateo said. "You're a great salesman."

"I would hope so," he chuckled. "I used to sell homes for a living before the housing market crash. Then I decided it was best to simply rent off properties from then on."

"And now you're onto your next chapter of business?" Mateo asked.

"You said it better than I could," Mr. White winked at him. "Do feel free to call if you have any questions. And if you're interested, I look forward to seeing you at the bar this weekend."

"I'll be there," he told him. "Is there a dress code for the event?"

"Whatever you're comfortable with," he answered. "As long as it doesn't flash anyone, then you are free to wear it."

"Thanks," he laughed as he waved the man goodbye. He had already gotten the keys to this place at least, which meant that all he had to do was get his stuff from the motel and then he would make it officially his.

He really got lucky with it this time. For once in a long time, he was happy. He could walk around the little cottage and say that it was all his. And go onto the beach and enjoy the sunset there as well. It was the perfect place for him to rest.

He was glad to be making some kind of progress.

Now he just had to figure out the rest.