“What about this one?” Chase asked, as he pointed to his screen.
Looking closer, I noticed he wasn’t searching apartments anymore. This was a house.
“Chase that is a house. We don’t need that much space,” I pointed out.
“Why not? You could use a room for a study and I could use one for a gym. Just because I don’t fight MMA professionally anymore doesn’t mean I still don’t like to train. Plus, one day we could get a dog to run around that big space and maybe even kids.” He winked, and waited for my reaction.
It was insane to think that two people needed that much space, but I couldn’t help but get swept up in his dreams. It was hard being around Chase and not finding yourself living in some fantasy world.
“You really want all of that with me?” I asked, even though I was sure of his answer.
“Yes. I want all of that and more with you,” Chase said.
He picked up his cell phone and began dialing a number. “What are you doing?” I asked.
“I am going to call the Realtor assigned to this house and get us a private tour,” he said, like he was just ordering something as simple as dinner.
****
A few hours later, we found ourselves sitting across from an older lady in a real estate office.
“My name is Brenda. It was so nice for you to call today and schedule an immediate appointment,” she said, with a touch of sarcasm in her voice.
“Yes, well I want to give my girlfriend the best home we can find,” Chase said, as he held my hand tightly.
“So, please tell me what you all have in mind for a home?” she asked, as she smiled at both of us.
Waving her away, Chase only looked at me as he spoke. “Whatever she wants is what I want,” Chase said to the Realtor, who stood to stare at him like she wanted to jump him. If she wasn’t over fifty and overweight, I might just be jealous.
“Ok,” the lady said with a smile. “Should we talk about price limits,” she asked.
Shaking his head, Chase waved away that idea. “No. I can afford whatever she wants.”
“Ok,” she said, as she clapped her hands together. “When would you like to begin looking? I have some great apartments, townhomes, and houses I can show you,” she said.
“I can meet anytime, “Chase said, glancing at me. “Just make the appointment with Lizzie.”
“Can you give us some brochures or information to look at first? I don’t know what I want,” I admitted.
“Sure,” Brenda said, as she reached into her desk and handed me a pile of papers. “Each of these folders has links to some of our most elite and exclusive homes in the area. Review them and then email me with what you like and I will set up a private appointment,” Brenda finished as I took the folders.
Feeling dizzy and overwhelmed, we left the office with homework. I was nervous and excited but not sure about rushing into living together.
“Is something wrong?” Chase asked, as he noticed my far-away stare.
“I just want to make sure we are making the right decision,” I said. “Living together is a big step,” I finished.
“Yes, it is a big step. But we are ready. If you don’t feel comfortable living with me, you and Avery can move into the place until you are ready for me too as well. I just want you out of the casino. You shouldn’t call that place home,” Chase said, as he opened my car door for me.
As I got into the car, I felt worse than I did before. Now guilt took over. I didn’t want Chase to feel like he had to buy me a home and not be able to live in it, too. “Chase, I don’t want to live where you aren’t. I just don’t want you to feel pressured or anything.”
“That’s crazy. I am not pressured. I want to be with you all of the time. I need you near me. If you are in our home, I will know you are safe.”
I decided not to argue anymore. When Chase made up his mind that was all there was to it. I knew he was right. Living together in the safety of a home was where I should be instead of calling a casino hotel room home.
****
Three weeks later and about a hundred showings later, I finally settled on a nice two-story house nestled in a quiet suburban neighborhood. We had a small yard space that contained only plants, but it had a large covered patio perfect for when we wanted to sit out at night and watch the stars. My favorite part of the house was the study that Chase said could be for me to study for school. He had even purchased a new sleek, office desk for me to work on as I completed my graphic design assignments. I hated that he kept buying me gifts, but it seemed to make Chase happy to see me get things.