Reese was greeted by her Russian blue cat, Loki, as she unlocked the sleek wrought iron double doors of her home. His silvery-blue fur shimmered under the soft glow of the entryway light, and his vibrant green eyes locked onto hers with a familiar look of expectation. Loki was a creature of habit, showing up only when his stomach rumbled, and tonight was no different. He let out a soft, almost imperious meow, rubbing against her leg as they both made their way to the kitchen.
The open-plan kitchen was a blend of modern elegance and minimalism, with white-quartz countertops that gleamed under the overhead lights. The stainless-steel appliances were immaculately clean, a testament to Reese's preference for order, though they were rarely used for anything beyond heating up leftovers or making a quick snack. She rummaged through her pantry and pulled out a cup of chicken-flavored ramen, not because she was particularly hungry, but because it was quick and required minimal effort.
As the microwave hummed, Reese shuffled through the pile of mail that had been gathering dust on the countertop. Bills, bills, coupons, and more bills. Each envelope was a reminder of the life she maintained—one of luxury and comfort, but also one that demanded a constant influx of cash to sustain. She set them aside, prioritizing them for a later date when she could summon the energy to deal with the mundane realities of adulthood.
The microwave beeped, signaling the end of its work, and Reese retrieved the steaming cup of noodles. She took a tentative bite, immediately grimacing at the overly salty flavor that assaulted her taste buds. She sighed, thinking that she should have opted for Thai takeout instead, something with a bit more spice and sophistication. Loki, on the other hand, seemed content as he devoured his meal with the enthusiasm of a creature that had no such culinary qualms. Once satisfied, he sauntered over to the couch, where he sprawled out lazily on the armrest, his eyes already half-closed in a post-dinner stupor.
Reese followed her feline companion, her footsteps barely making a sound on the polished hardwood floors. She reached for the remote, pressing a button to ignite the fireplace with a soft click. The flames sprang to life, casting a warm, flickering light that danced across the room, instantly transforming the space into a cozy retreat from the outside world. She draped herself under her favorite plush blanket, one she'd had since college, its soft fibers worn to perfection. With a glass of chilled white wine in hand, she allowed herself to sink into the deep cushions of her sectional sofa.
Her fingers swiped through her emails with a practiced ease, but each subject line offered nothing new—no updates, no urgent messages, no offers from her client about the luxurious property nestled in the hills. It had been four days since their last conversation, and the silence was beginning to weigh on her. She knew the offer she had was strong, possibly the best the seller would receive, but without the client's confirmation, it was all hanging in limbo. Her eyes lingered on the screen before she placed the phone down on the glass coffee table, the slight clink of metal against glass punctuating her growing frustration.
The quiet crackle of the fireplace filled the room, the only sound save for the occasional pop of wood as it succumbed to the heat. Reese's eyes flickered to her purse, where the edge of a dandelion-colored manilla folder peeked out, demanding her attention. Inside were the details of the property, a sprawling estate that could easily be the crown jewel of her career if she could secure the deal. The commission alone would be substantial, a testament to her skills as a top agent in a highly competitive market.
She stared at the folder, torn between the comfort of her current position on the couch and the pull of her professional ambition. With a reluctant sigh, she pushed aside the blanket, her body protesting the movement after settling into relaxation. She crossed the room, her bare feet padding softly on the plush rug, and retrieved the folder from her purse.
Reese returned to her seat, flipping through the glossy photographs and detailed descriptions of the property. The estate was exquisite—marble floors, grand staircases, sweeping views of the city below. It was the kind of home that would make any buyer swoon, the kind that practically sold itself. Yet, Reese knew that in her world, nothing was guaranteed until the ink was dry on the contract.
She picked up her phone and composed a text to Naomi, her colleague and close friend, who also happened to be dating her younger brother, Scott. It was a relationship that still felt surreal to Reese, mixing her professional life with her personal one in a way she hadn't anticipated.
7:30 PM Reese: Hey girl. Hope you're enjoying dinner! You know who would be perfect for this property?
She tapped her fingers against the edge of the phone, waiting for a response. Naomi was usually quick to reply, and tonight was no different.
7:35 PM Naomi: Please don't say it.
7:37 PM Reese: What? Lol...Do you think you can contact him for me?
7:42 PM Naomi: Ugh fine. I'll text him in the morning. BTW Scott said this is the 4th time you've turned us down for dinner. He's offended.
Reese smiled at the message, the corner of her lips curling up as she imagined her brother's mock hurt.
7:43 PM Reese: Oh no! Tell him I still love him. It's just weird that my baby brother is dating my coworker!
7:47 PM Naomi: Oh, is that all I am to you now!? Lol
7:48 PM Reese: You know what I mean. Anyway, I'll let you get back to your night. I'll see you tomorrow.
7:48 PM Naomi: Ok.
Reese set her phone down, the conversation leaving her with a sense of normalcy in an otherwise unpredictable career. She glanced over at Loki, who was now fully asleep, his small chest rising and falling in a slow, rhythmic pattern. She envied his ability to drift off so easily, his world seemingly free from the complexities that weighed on her own mind.
Deciding it was time to unwind further, Reese made her way to the master-suite bathroom. The room was a sanctuary of luxury, with marble tiles, a deep soaking tub, and a rain shower that mimicked the sensation of standing under a gentle waterfall. She turned on the shower, and within moments, steam began to fill the space, clouding the mirrors and creating an almost ethereal atmosphere.
Reese undressed, her clothes slipping off effortlessly as she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Her figure was lithe, toned from the early morning spin classes she never missed, even on the days when she'd rather stay in bed. Her skin glowed under the soft light, a testament to her meticulous skincare routine. But it was her eyes, deep and thoughtful, that reflected the weariness of a long day, the kind that not even the best skincare products could erase.
She stepped into the shower, and the water cascaded over her, instantly soothing her tired muscles. The droplets felt like tiny massages, each one easing the tension she hadn't realized she was holding. Reese closed her eyes, allowing the water to flow over her face, soaking into her thick curly brown hair. The warmth enveloped her, washing away the remnants of the day, both the good and the bad.
This was her moment of peace, the one time of day when she could let go of the constant demands of her profession and just be. She lathered her body with a luxurious soap, the scent of lavender and chamomile filling the air, calming her mind. The stress slowly melted away as the soapy suds washed down the drain, taking with them the worries that had clung to her like an unwelcome guest.
After her shower, she wrapped herself in a plush towel and padded back into the bedroom. The cool air of the room contrasted with the warmth of her skin, sending a slight shiver down her spine. She slipped into a set of grey satin pajamas, the fabric smooth and comforting against her freshly washed skin.
Reese climbed into bed, the soft mattress and pillows welcoming her with open arms. She reached for her phone one last time, checking her emails in the hope that something had come through, but there was still nothing. Her shoulders slumped slightly as she placed the phone on her nightstand. The silence of her inbox was louder than the distant hum of the city outside her window.
Sleep eluded her for the next hour, her mind refusing to quiet down despite the exhaustion that tugged at her body. She tossed and turned, her thoughts drifting back to the property, to her clients, to the uncertainty of it all. Finally, when her eyelids grew too heavy to keep open, she surrendered to the comfort of her grey satin sheets, letting sleep take her into its embrace.
The night settled around her, the storm outside a distant echo as she drifted into a deep, dreamless slumber, leaving the worries of the day behind. For now, at least, there was peace.