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“I guess it just resonates with a lot of people,” I tell them, shrugging.
We spend the next thirty minutes going through the entire house. Griffin can take care of not only the kitchen and laundry, but will also assist with joinery for a mini mudroom, wardrobes, and cabinets for the bedrooms. He’s also suggested I look at a small expansion, where I could put a master bedroom downstairs. It makes sense, I have the room, and he has offered to draw up the plans to show me what he is thinking. I don’t have the budget, but there is no harm talking about the possibilities.
“Give me a couple weeks to put it together and source the product. The stone countertop will be the issue, but I have a guy, so hopefully he can help,” Griffin says as we walk back to the main living area.
“Let’s take a photo. I can put it up on my socials today,” I say, and Griffin nods with a smile. “Make yourself useful,” I tell Tanner, thrusting my cell toward him as Griffin and I stand together in front of the amazing open fireplace that came up so well after a bit of scrubbing thisweek. Besides a small grumble, Tanner does as I ask, and I realize he has been mostly quiet for the entire time, letting me lead the discussions with Griffin and only offering an opinion when asked. In complete contrast to Josh, who always talked over me at every opportunity and used to like being the center of attention wherever we went. His scowl deepens as he takes some images. I have no idea why he is extra grumpy today.
“I need to take a call. I will wait for you outside, Tanner. Good to finally meet you, Victoria. Looking forward to our project.” Shaking my hand, he grabs his cell as he walks out the door.
I sigh, looking back at Tanner. “What's your problem?” My hand finds my hip, knowing something is up.
His jaw pops and his face hardens. “You need a security system,” he states, and I stand up straighter.
“What? Why?” I ask, totally bamboozled.
“Number one, your asshole ex is still calling you,” he grits out, clearly upset. Now the frown he had when taking our photo makes sense, as Josh probably called while Tanner had my phone. “Number two, you have fifty thousand website visitors; your socials are well into the hundreds of thousands. Your video of the new blinds yesterday went viral and had almost a million views.” He stalks toward me, stopping mere inches in front of my chest. I swallow at his closeness, feeling my heart thud louder.
“I am not worried about any of that,” I say, waving off his concern.
“What is this ex capable of?” Tanner pushes, not looking happy.
“He is harmless,” I counter quickly.
“He has called you at least five times since I have been here.” Tanner’s voice rises.
“It’s just calls,” I tell him, although even I can admit it’s excessive.
“You need some cameras.”
My shoulders tense. We are at it again. After the other night, I thought we had a breakthrough. A ceasefire. But he is back to his bossy, dominate self, telling me what to do. I don’t even reply before he’s continuing.
“Victoria. You are a single, beautiful young woman living here alone. You have already said your ex is a persistent asshole. You have just told me you have thousands of people now extremely interested in your renovation, not to mention that they know exactly where you are located.”
Shit, he is right.I promoted Whispers and this place because of what I want to do with it when it is finished. Open it up for others who are struggling, who need a new direction like I did. Given my thoughts on that, I need to be a little more anonymous with locations moving forward. But…
“I don't need security,” I tell him forcefully, because even if I did, my budget is not going to stretch that far yet.
“Let me get it for you,” he offers, and I look at him, wide-eyed.
“Tanner…” I start to say, shaking my head, because that is not happening.
“It would make me feel better knowing you are safe.”
My eyes thin even as my stomach flutters.
“Why? You want me gone anyway,” I state, and his face flickers with confusion.
“What are you talking about?” He steps even closer.
“I know what you are up to. I didn’t want to believe it actually. But now I know, you have been so nice and perfect and gentlemanly to me, when in reality, you are just trying to sweeten me up because you are trying to take my house straight out from under me!” My voice gradually rises until I’m yelling. I feel stupid for even thinking Tanner was anything more than a businessman wanting my property. He is silent, watching me carefully, his eyes never once moving from mine.
“What are you—” is all he gets out before I but in.
“I know all about your legal pitch to grab this property by adverse possession. I know you put in paperwork to get this house straight out from under me,” I grit out, my breaths coming quicker. His jaw clenches, and now he looks pissed.
“If you would stop talking for a minute, I could tell you that I already ripped up the paperwork and canceled the request.”
I am so angry that his words don’t register.
