Part 23
I've been having quite a hectic week. I decided to go engagement ring shopping. Only the shops are all closed by the time I get off work and it's hard to give Donna a reason why I'm away considering she keeps my schedule. Which is why I have resorted to internet shopping. CJ had given me some good websites of jewelry stores that are in DC. I haven't made a final choice, but I have a clue on what kind of ring I want. I think I'll show them to CJ later today when Donna's goes out to get a haircut.
"CJ, could you come over to my office." I say popping my head into her office.
She follows me. I point at the computer screen to show her the rings I've had an eye on.
"These?"
"Yeah, what do you think?" She's still studying the rings as she clicks on all my bookmarks.
"Ermmm…" That's not good.
"There could be room for improvements." She hates them.
"They are awful aren't they?" I let out a big sigh.
"Well I wouldn't say awful, as much as completely not in style and way to gaudy." That's the same as awful I'm guessing.
"Great. I suck at this."
"Josh, you are a guy. You have no sense of fashion and style. Look, I have a friend who does these sorts of stuff. She helps people pick out clothes and other fashion accessories. I'll give you her number and you can tell her roughly what you are looking for, okay?" CJ's so resourceful.
"Wow, you just know where to get help for anything, don't you?"
"Yes, I have very diverse contacts." I'll say.
"CJ, in case I haven't mentioned it, thank you for everything. All that you have done for Donna and me….just when I think I can stop bugging you, there's just something else that comes up that I can't handle by myself."
"I'm happy to do it Josh. Really." CJ leaves my office.
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This had been a good week. Josh seemed a little stressed and unfocused but he'll be fine. I think it's just because he has to finally settle the education bill by Monday.
CJ and I are leaving for the day in a while. Josh wasn't too happy when I told him we're going on Friday evening. He wanted to leave early as well and have a nice dinner with me. It was so sweet. We decided to have a late dinner as usual. We haven't gone out together in ages. It doesn't really matter to us as we both are so content just being with each other. It doesn't matter where we go or what we do.
"Joshua, I'm leaving now. I'll see you at home." I love calling his place 'home' and it being true. I've tried redecorating it but I haven't had the time to do much of a good job. I'm enjoying the bath though.
"What? Now? You're leaving me now?" Here comes the whininess. I shouldn't have questioned my luck when he didn't make a fuss the last times.
"Josh, I told you days ago. I'll give you a call once I'm done and meet you at the restaurant. I've done everything you need me to for today and you can start on some work for tomorrow." Josh is silent. Get over it!
"Fine, have fun. I'll see you later." I quickly peck his cheek which brought a beautiful smile on his face. I can never get over those godforsaken dimples.
"Okie dokie, house number four, ladies." Tina is already waiting in front of the house.
Woah, gorgeous!! The red brick look is simply marvelous.
"Wow, this house looks so beautiful."
"Yeah, I can see that." CJ agrees with me.
It has this glorious entrance with such gorgeous plants. They were like bushes with little red and purple flowers on them. The house is sort of flanked by two huge trees. I don't know what tree it is, but it has sort of an autumn feel to it.
"This home also has a Craftman style to it. Come on in." We started to enter in the home but I keep looking at the entrance. I noticed a pair of adorable lamps near the very outside.
"Oh, my lord!!!" I gasp to see the most gorgeous flight of stairs towards the right when I enter the house.
"What a stunning staircase? The design on the sides, it's so wow!"
"Really?" CJ looks just as delighted as me.
"Yes. This is a double-open, free-standing staircase with all-custom welded iron panels and custom oak handrail. The chandelier complements these stairs, wouldn't you say?"
"I'll say. That is simple so elegant." The look up to see what Tina was talking about. The chandelier had a dark color, sort of like the handle on the stairs. It had lights mimicking candle lights on it. That just makes it so much more striking than other types chandeliers I've seen.
"Yes, let's move on to the living room."
"Oh wow!" The living room is magnificent.
"I'm glad you like it. This room has a wild-berry forest like theme to it." There were unique forest fruits decorated around the place. The fireplace was surrounded with large pebble-like stones. There's a fine-looking piece of art above the fire place. It looks modern yet authentic.
"Oh, you like the pebbles?" I nod enthusiastically to CJ who sees me feeling the pebbled wall.
"They are very unique I have to say. The previous owners were business people from Sweden. They had very unique taste and were really into decorating I was told."
"Oh, I see." CJ answers Tina.
"I love the furniture as well. They really fit into the theme." I say noticing the couches and the coffee table.
We head to the kitchen and just when I thought it can't get more remarkable, I was proved wrong.
"Oh, this is the most perfect kitchen I've ever seen!"
"Your friend is getting more and more excited with this house." I just smile hearing Tina talk to CJ.
"Oh, this kitchen has a natural pine finish. The geometrically styled wall-covering softens the formal elements of this kitchen. As you can see here the trim moldings and leaded glass doors add richness to its style."
"It feels so cozy and just the right size. Wouldn't it be absolutely amazing to be able to cook here?"
"Well, I'm not a great fan of cooking but it's so great that you like it." I turn to see CJ beaming away. Why does it matter if I like it? Well, maybe she's relying on what I feel to pick a house.
The kitchen has a much lighter color than the entrance and the living room. I think that's just wonderful and gives it a more homely feeling. The windows were big and are dome shaped at the top. There's just the right amount of sunlight coming in. I do believe kitchens need a lot of light.
The dining room was absolutely striking. It also had a grand chandelier right above the middle of the table. The furniture were dark reddish brown. There was a huge see through cabinet where place settings can be displayed. It was simple lavishing.
"Alright ladies, this is the downstairs guest bedroom. This room has a true architectural appeal with the generously proportioned bed posts with fluting that are carved of white oak, finished in a mellow gold tone. The room is softened by the sheer white drapery gracing the oval bronze finished canopy ring above the bed. There's an attached bathroom to this guest room."
"This room is so sweet. Boy, the previous owners did go through a lot of trouble to decorate this place. They must have put so much effort and time into this."
"I know. I love the bedpost and the drapery." CJ says to me. I nod agreeing with her. The past owners must be very design conscious people.
We walk up the staircase and I really am excited about what's coming next.
"There are four bedrooms, two full bathrooms and an office room which could be used as a study room."
We look at one of bedroom and the office room. They were both simple and well equipped especially the office room which is very suiting I think.
"Oh, how come these two bedrooms are not furnished?" I walk in to notice two empty rooms adjacent to each other.
"Well, they are meant to be the children's room. The former owners said they kept changing these rooms as the kids kept growing. They felt children should be able to express themselves with the appearance of their rooms. All children are different in personality and age wise so they assumed it would be best if the new owners decorate these rooms themselves." That makes so much sense.
"They gave a lot of thought to this house, haven't they? They must have loved it so much." I think they want the new owners to love the house and feel it just as much as they did. Oh, how lovely it would be to live in a house like this. I could fall in love with this house……that is if I already haven't.
"And this is the master bedroom." I think my jaw just dropped.
"Splendid! Absolutely alluring!"
"Calm down Donna. It's just a bedroom."
"CJ, look at it, the shape is awesome and those windows and drapes. The fireplace is gorgeous!" I think CJ thinks I've lost my mind. But who cares!
"Yes, this master suite is graced with barrel-vault ceiling, a see-through fireplace, and a deck. The cabinet above the fireplace is suited for a flat screen television."
"Oh, I've always wanted one of those!" There are different sizes of candle stick holders above the fireplace just making the whole area look so charming.
"You know what would be super? Silk sheets with mink blankets on that bed. Ooo…and fluffy pillows, potpourri smelling fluffy pillows. Many of them!!"
"Please excuse her Tina, she just lost control of herself." CJ tells Tina. Like I said, I don't care. This is the most incredible place I've ever seen!
"Look at the fan!" I just noticed the fan above the bed which had four pretty lights on it.
"Donna, you haven't seen the best part yet."
"I haven't?" No way.
"I saved the best for last. Come on!" I open my eyes wide and look at CJ. We excitedly follow Tina.
"This is the most one-of-a-kind master bath you would have ever seen. It has a romantic French theme."
"I'm lost for words."
"Me too. This is like nothing I've ever seen before." CJ says as she walks in.
There is such a unique shower place. It's circular and has a wooden surrounding. There are long floating white sheer curtains around the shower and windows.
"Yes, I told you. This is a large custom-made circular shower which is an 18th century French design. The steps on either side of the unit is to create a raised area for the sink, toilet and bath."
I turn to look at the bath which was at the far end. Goodness!
"Wicked!" CJ exclaims.
"Indeed. If you'll come here you can see a whole lot of space around the bath. This Jacuzzi bath is sunken in, increasing the feeling of space and order. There's all these space you can decorate with unique items or maybe candles and other bath aroma therapy products. It would be perfect especially for us working women."
"Amen to that."
"You said it, CJ."
"You know what sweet scented plant would be perfect to add to the romantic French feel of this bathroom?" Tina says.
"Lavender." Tina and I say at the same time. CJ looks at us funnily.
"Exactly. It would soften the edges of the units and terracotta tiles."
"Well, I just thought it would fit in lovely…but if the plant would do that too, that's great as well."
We walked around some more looking at every detail of the house.
"This house must cost a fortune though right?" I ask Tina.
"Actually, no. It costs just about the same as the other houses….your brother did give a price range and it fits." Tina looks towards CJ.
"But it's so unique and designed in detail." I continue.
"Yes, the owners are very well-to-so business people. They wanted the house to be sold as quickly as possible. They want in maintained well. Leaving it unoccupied would defeat that purpose." Oh, how they must have loved this house. I can actually feel the love put into making this house so charming.
"Oh, Ceej, do we have to leave?!"
"Donna, yes we do. Your boyfriend would have my head if I don't deliver you to him soon. Aren't you guys going out for dinner?" Dinner! Josh! I completely forgot.
"Ooops, I forgot. Funny, he didn't even call me."
"Oh, he's probably wrapped up with something new he can screw up." That's my Josh.
"Alright, I guess we'll have to leave." I say droopily.
CJ sent me to the Italian restaurant I was supposed to meet Josh. I gave him a call but I'd doubt he'll be there on time. I walk in and ask for my reservation.
"My, my. As wonders never sees. Hello Josh, you're actually on time."
Josh gets up and pulls out a seat for me. Being gentlemanly as well. There's a first for everything.
"Actually I've been sitting here for five whole minutes waiting for you."
"Five minutes? I'm so sorry to put you through the torture of waiting for me for five whole minutes Joshua." I mock and he glares at me. It's fun annoying Josh you know.
"Let's order. I'm starved." We order our food and drinks.
"So, how was it today?"
"Oh, you would never believe it!" I stop myself. I shouldn't talk about this house. I wouldn't be able to stop. Everything is so perfect with me and Josh finally, the last thing I need is for Josh to think I'm hinting on moving things faster with our relationship. It'll just mess his mind.
"What is it?"
"Oh, CJ almost hit a possum with her car today." What? I couldn't think of anything else.
Josh looks a little disappointed. Why in the world would he?
"Were…were you guys alright?" Oh, he's just worried about us.
"Oh yes, it was just weird seeing a possum in the middle of the street in DC." Note to self, inform CJ about incident with possum.
The dinner was delicious and Josh and I had a lot of fun. It's nice to do these things once in a while.
CJ and I have another appointment with Tina tomorrow morning at 9am.
This house was pretty nice as well. It was somewhat similar to the second house we saw.
"So, what do you think?" CJ asks me at the end of our tour.
"It's nice, practical, very in order."
"Well, that's rather different from the impression you got from yesterday's house."
"What can I say? I don't think anything can compare any house to that one from now on. You probably can't rely on me to make a good decision anymore." I smile at CJ. She gives me a huge grin as well.
"So, you think your brother would like that house yesterday?"
"Well, actually I don't think so. He's a more practical kind of guy. So is his wife."
"Oh." Why do I feel kinda happy? It's not like the house is going to wait for me. I should want CJ's brother to buy that house. At least I'll have a chance to see it again. But somehow I'm a little glad.
CJ and I say our goodbyes to Tina. We are going to the last two houses tomorrow morning and on Monday lunch time. Then the house hunting would be over. I think I'll be missing it.
"So, you really loved that house yesterday, didn't you?"
"Uh huh. I just got the most indescribable feeling when I saw it even just from the outside. Wouldn't you love to live in a home like that CJ?"
"Yeah, sure." She's clearly not as enthusiastic about that house as I am. Well, maybe it's just my kind of taste. I didn't even know I had a feel for houses.
"It's really weird, I've never had this kind of feeling looking at any physical thing. I even almost told Josh about the house but I stopped myself."
"What? Why did you do that?"
"Oh, we just moved in together. I don't want him to freak out about me getting so excited house hunting. He might think I'm putting ideas into his head. Plus, we only just started sleeping together." Did I say that out loud?
Indeed I did. CJ's smiling away with her mouth wide open and she's looking at me and at the road alternately. It probably wasn't the best idea to share this with her while she's driving.
"When? How did it happen?"
"Right, I'm going to give you the full detailed description." I joke.
"Come one, just tell me a little bit. Are you alright now? With the…."
"Yeah, it seemed to have completely disappeared. I don't really know how but I read this letter from one of the victims…I think it had a lot to do with it. I didn't show Josh or any of you guys that particular letter. I actually carry it with me, reading it now and then. Here, you can read it in the office." I take out Marissa's letter and place it in CJ's bag.
"Oh, that's wonderful. So, was it good?" She's not going to let this go, is she?
"It was..ah…heavenly. It was the best I've ever had or ever will. It was mind-blowing. He was so…"
"Okay, I should stop you right there. Don't want a mental scare."
"Suit yourself." I grin to the thought of making love to Josh.
"That good, huh? I knew I should have jumped him myself when I had the chance." We both laugh hysterically at that.
TO BE CONTINUED…………………...Wanna see the house Donna fell in love with? Go to :
There are more photos in the "more pics" folder. E-mail me if you have any trouble with it.
