26 | Caramel

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"Grew up on the East Side
She a college girl but she like the hood type
She the only drug, I need to get my mind right
I don't got to ask, she said that it's all mine
Had a boyfriend when I met her
But he a lame so you know I had to get her
Had to let go of my old things for her
But I don't mind" 
- Lloyd 

"I think this is it." I mumbled while looking up at the house. The address was nowhere to be found so I glanced at the GPS again which confirmed we are indeed here. 24051 Long Valley Rd.

"This definitely looks like some shit Bailey picked out." Ju joked while taking off his seatbelt. I followed suit and stepped out of the car. I looked at the front of the property and could already tell that it's going to be expensive. Good thing Bailey sold the house in Cambridge for thirty percent more than what we purchased it for. 

Neither of us have touched the joint account since we purchased the last house, yet both of our individual accounts have automatic monthly transfers set up so the account is sitting comfortably. The automatic transfer is something that was included in our contract to insure that were both equally financially contributing to the marriage.

"I love it already. It's far away from the main street, it's private, there's already a ton of greenery. Bailey would love this." Jade spoke up which surprised me since she hasn't liked shit all week, and she's made sure to express that to Bailey. Apparently Bailey trusts her opinion more than mine with this. Which she isn't wrong for since I would have had us moved into the three bedroom house across the street from my grandma's place months ago.

"It'll be easy to disguise exterior cameras in these trees and lanterns as well." Tone noted as we made our way down the lit path. The realtor was able to schedule us for the last showing of the day. Just by how hard it was to set an appointment to view this house I know if I like it I'll immediately have to put in a offer. I've been bringing everyone along with me just so l could get the extra opinions. Halfway down the path my phone started ringing in my hand. Once I seen it was Bailey with a FaceTime call I immediately answered.

"Flip the camera and show me the house please. I done packed up just about everything and y'all act like y'all don't know how to buy a house."

"We don't. This is a wife's job. As a husband, I should only be concerned about cutting the check." I joked while flipping the camera so she could see what I'm seeing.

"Yes, the landscape looks just like the pictures. Jerrell, hand the phone to the realtor." I shook my head as we made it to the porch and handed my phone to the realtor. The realtor let out a surprised gasp as her and Bailey excitedly greeted each other. Bailey sure knows a lot of people for someone who never gets out the house. Then again, becoming Ronald Rogers' heir put her name on the map overnight. It was such a big and surprising reveal to a world who didn't know he had any children.

"Sorry I couldn't be there personally, but if everyone likes it, well mainly me. I'm prepared to make an offer today. My husband has the money."

"Well you have priority. If you fall in love with this house today, it's yours. With what you've done for me I have no problem with returning the favor. Now let's get started. This house is just under twelve thousand square feet. There are seven bedrooms and nine bathrooms. One of the bedrooms are located in the guest house. There are two adjacent rooms that will be perfect for his and her office spaces like you requested." She explained to Bailey while leading us into the house. I immediately took in how open and bright the space is.

"Here we have a chef's kitchen and there is a built in espresso machine which comes in handy for two people with a busy work schedule."

"I love how bright it is." Bailey spoke exactly what I was thinking. I looked over, watching as Essence and Tone took pictures of each other in front of one of the windows. It's safe to say they're liking the house.

"Let's move into the living room." The realtor, Ashley, spoke while leading us into the connected room. From there we went to the game room, theater, gym and spa that had a built in steam shower and sauna. There was an indoor and outdoor pool. We went through the guest house and the barbecue area that was equipped with space heaters and a TV. The property even had a basketball court on it.

"Last but especially not least. Bailey expressed to me how important car storage is for you, Mr. Price. Here you have plenty of open and enclosed vehicle space."

"Alright, we're all in Ashley." I let her know before Bailey could get it out. This house fits both Bailey and I's checklists. It's in a good neighborhood in Hidden Hills, and it's private. Plus this is the first property that I didn't hear a complaint out of anyone.

"How long do you think closing is going to take? We're paying cash, so that cuts out approval times with financing." Bailey spoke up and I felt an instant wave of relief that she wants the house as much as I do. This is where we're stationing ourselves permanently, so I'm happy that we came across something so perfect.

"Seeing as my company owns this house I can advance the process for you. I'll give Mr. Price information on where to send in the payment. I'll head to my office now to work on the title transfer and the rest of the paperwork. Do you need insurance suggestions or will you be providing your own?"

"We have our own. Will I be able to get keys by tomorrow? There are some changes we need to get out the way before my wife gets here." She looked a little unsure about my request. I guess Bailey picked up on here hesitation so she quickly stepped in.

"Ashley, we can throw in a extra five percent. We just need access to the house so we can start installing our security system. We won't start moving furniture in until everything is finalized."

"Only for you, Bailey." She sighed before turning to me to hand me my phone back. "I'll have a copy of keys waiting at my office first thing in the morning, Mr. Price. Let me get you a business card and the financial details." After we exchanged everything we were on our way back home. I let Ju drive back so that I could talk to Bailey about the house.

"Bailey, y'all about to pay that lady in hard cash like a mob boss?" Tone questioned, causing us all to start laughing.

"Oh my God, no. All cash just means that I'm not financing. The money is coming straight from my bank account to theirs. Financing takes longer because you're going through a third party so there is way more paperwork. Plus it holds up the process as far as waiting for the approval so a lot of owners jump at all cash offers."

"Can I move into the guest house?" Essence asked from the back of the sprinter van.

"Hell no. My house ain't no shelter." I shut her down, watching as Bailey cut her eyes at me. I ignored the look and decided to ask her about the house.

"What did you like most about the house?"

"The kitchen, the built in wine racks in the dining room and the indoor pool. What do you think about the front doors being all glass?" She asked me. It had to be the one thing I didn't particularly care for about the house.

"It's not my favorite part of the house. I'm going to have it all replaced with some thermal tempered bullet proof glass. I'll see if I can get that done tomorrow. That'll provide me with enough security comfort. Tone pointed out that we can get cameras in the trees and lanterns that are spread out around the house. It should take about two to three days to have security and surveillance fully up and running. You have everything packed?"

"Yes, but-"

"No buts. Ship that shit and bring your ass down here. I'll stay in a hotel with you until our house is ready to move into. I just need you near me."

"Aww." Everyone in the van cooed making me shake my head. Bailey released a small giggle and I cut my eyes at her.

"Man, take down this payment information so you can pay for the house." I read off the numbers to her and after making sure had the correct information we ended our call. I'll call her back once we have some more privacy.

"My nigga finally made it to the neighborhood we used to hit licks in. We gotta celebrate tonight!" Ju called out making me laugh. I used to think people living in this neighborhood were corny as fuck. I didn't understand how people could own so much property for no damn reason.  To me a house costing anything over a million dollars was ridiculous and here I am purchasing a fourteen million dollar house and it didn't even make a dent in my bank account. Not once in my life did I see myself making these kind of purchases.

"Man, you niggas bet not try to rob me now that I'm apart of the one percent."

"Kindly go to hell." Essence called out making me laugh.

"Shit, we to the club tonight!" Tone yelled out.

Hours later I found myself leaving the club early so I could get back home and talk to Bailey to make arrangements on her coming down here, if she's still up. She needs to have already booked her flight back too. I hate being away from her for any period of time. Especially now that we're back on good terms. As soon as I was leaving from the club my phone was ringing with a call from her. I waited for my phone to sync to the car before answering her call.

"Why you still up? It's like two in the morning out East."

"Because I'm not out East. You know where to find me." I smiled and pressed the button to start my car, already knowing where to go.

"Same room number?"

"Yes. I just checked in. I'll order room service before I get in the shower. See you when you get here." We ended the call and I made a detour back home so I can grab some clothes. I need to know how long she's planned to come back down here, but I'll ask when I get to her.

It didn't take long before I was pulling into the valet of the Ritz-Carlton. I tipped the valet agent and made my way to the front desk to pick up a room key. I found myself releasing a groan when I noticed another bitch I used to fuck with working at the front desk. It took a lot to ignore the smirk on her face as I walked up to the desk and pulled out my ID.

"Hey, Rell. What brings you here?"

"My wife already checked in, I just need to pick up a key. My name should be on the room." She took the ID from me and I watched as she aggressively typed my name into the system.

"How long have you been married?"

"You done with that?" I nodded towards my ID while ignoring her question. After Bailey blew up on me the last time I figured I would no longer give unnecessary information about our relationship to irrelevant bitches.

"Oh, um, yes. Here's your room key as well, the room number is on the key packet." I nodded, sending her a quick thank you before walking off to the elevator.

The in room dining server was walking off from the door as I was walking up. I used my key to get in and by the way Bailey jumped I knew I caught her off guard. I dropped my bag just in time to catch her as she jumped into my arms.

"You better be down here for good, Bay."

"I am. I was hoping we would have had our house by now, but I don't mind staying here until it's ready." My mind immediately went to the fact that someone I used to deal with actually works here.

"Or we can get a Airbnb until the house is ready. It shouldn't be longer than a week or two. There's a lot that we're limited to being here in this hotel." I saw the wheels turning in her eyes before she nodded her head.

"Why do you have on jewelry? You were out?"

"Yeah. I was at the club. I left early to call and check up on you and come to find out you done snuck out here." I dropped my bag and zipped it open to grab a clean pair of boxers and shirt to change into. 

"I told you once everything was packed I was coming down here. I didn't expect us to find a house today, but it worked out. Are you getting in the shower?" I turned around, watching as she pulled a black silk slip over her head and onto her body.

"Yeah. I smell like smoke and cologne. What did you order to eat?" I walked over to the cart, removing one of the lids to see a seafood pasta. Checking under another one of the lids I saw salmon and vegetables.

"Nothing drastic. Hurry up and go shower so we can eat." I didn't waste any time showering and getting dressed. Bailey and I sat at the couch in front of the TV while eating our food.

"Where'd you put all your clothes and shit?"

"I hired a moving service. Everything should be here by the end of the week. I um, I need to talk to you about something." I put my fork down, turning to give her my full attention.

"What's up?"

"I want to explain why I got so upset about you posting our marriage certificate."

"I already kno-"

"No, you don't, because I never told you one of the main reasons my dad didn't allow me to leave the estate unless I was going to school. This marriage gained me my citizenship in this country. My dad had a Canadian birth certificate forged for me because he didn't want my birth documented in Jamaica, but I needed a way to get my passport. I got my first state ID a couple weeks after we got married. It's why our marriage certificate is from your home city. I just don't want anything put out publicly that would connect the pieces and put me in any legal trouble. I should have explained this to you before snapping the way I did." I sat my plate to the side and grabbed her arm, pulling her into my lap.

"Look, I apologize for that. I've been trying to work on being more private about things, and it's a struggle. I know I'm not supposed to care about what people think but when it comes to what we have going on I don't like people thinking that they can downplay it. I love you, and that was my point of posting it. Thinking back on it I realize there are a number of different ways that I could've proved that without posting our legal documents, so I apologize." She smiled and leaned in to kiss me.

"I apologize as well. I love you." She spoke against my lips.

They found their house! What do you guys think about it?

How do you feel about the talk Bailey and Rell had regarding the IG post?

Rell has ran into yet another one of his exes. Do you agree with them going to a Airbnb until their house is ready?

Do you think Jerrell should have told Bailey about his ex working at the hotel?

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