Cards on the Table - 32. Chapter 32 Four of a Kind

Cards on the Table

Chapter 32

The time spent driving home from the stone house of their dreams was a combination of excitement and planning. Everyone was talking at once about the virtues of what they had just seen. It was the first time Arron had viewed it, and he had the same positive reaction his friends did. The only real downside of the situation was the asking price. Michael, Arron, and Chet were all of the opinion that it was well worth the full amount, and Kendall agreed, but remained firm on trying for a better deal. He reminded Chet he’d been of the opinion that the owners may be flexible because it was sitting vacant.

Once the excitement part died down, the planning took effect, and Michael slowly came on board with the approach he wanted to pursue. As Kendall pointed out, they had good bargaining power if they went in with no conditions. He had talked with their bank, and the financial part was in order, so they wouldn’t have that as one. Another question was whether they could forego the house inspection clause since Chet knew the house inside out. Without hesitation, Chet said he was positive an inspection would reveal nothing, because his firm’s go-to contractors had checked out the Huntley place from top to bottom before he drew up his architectural plans for the clients. That included a structural engineer, electrician, and roofing and plumbing experts. He guaranteed them every aspect of the house was up to code. That endorsement was good enough for Kendall, and Michael confirmed his agreement.

The only thing remaining was the closing date… Chet was fairly certain the sellers would give some ground for an early one. After a bit of discussion, Michael and Kendall decided they could do as early as January fifteenth, giving them a month and a half to arrange everything; Their final month's rent was already paid so they would have to swallow two weeks of rent because the lease wasn’t up on their apartment until March first. The best thing was, if they gave it immediately, they wouldn’t be penalized for insufficient notice.

“How much do you want to offer, Ace?” All was quiet as Kendall, in the rear seat with Michael, waited for his answer.

“I don’t know… I think maybe $635,000--$640,000 would be pretty reasonable to start with? Is that too high, maybe? We don’t want to insult them. What do you think?”

“$630,000 to start, with no conditions and a quick closing, but let them ask for the quick closing, and then we will reluctantly agree to it. That’s what I’m thinking.”

His confidence had Michael concurring immediately. “Okay… I think that sounds like a good plan. How far should we go up, if they play hardball?”

“We’re not going to lose this house,” Kendall assured him as he leaned in for a quick kiss. “What’s your opinion, guys?” he asked the men up front.

Arron responded with, “I’d say it’s worth a shot.” He looked over at Chet for his take on it.

Chet let out a deep breath. “Normally, I’d say that was too low a number to start with, but this couple kind of jumped the gun on the new place they bought; it was a spur of the moment reaction to being disappointed they couldn’t go ahead with their plans. So, with it being winter and close to Christmas, which can be slow for real estate, and the fact they are carrying two houses, I agree with Arron. I have little doubt you’ve got the right idea, Kendall. I think it’s worth a shot, too… so I say try it, and see what happens.”

“Okay, we have our plan then,” Kendall said to the whole car, while his eyes never left his partner. “We’ll contact the listing agent as soon as we get home. Okay, Ace?”

“The sooner the better. I'm really stoked."

"Me too."

Talk returned to details of the house, with everyone commenting on the unusual but beautiful granite in the kitchen. It was a scene stealer, for sure. Arron was enamored of the gas range, while Chet raved about the period details, such as the four corner built-ins in the front parlor, a feature he deemed quite unusual in a special way. Mid-conversation, Chet’s cell phone rang and he pulled over immediately.

“It’s the Huntleys," he blurted out quickly. "Should I say anything?"

Kendall took charge, given the need to make a decision. “Go ahead. We trust you to talk on our behalf. This may be the best way to approach things, seeing as how they’re calling you.” He nodded encouragingly, and Michael did the same.

Chet nodded back before answering the call, motioning them all to stay silent. The car was dead-quiet as they listened to Chet talk to Richard Huntley. It was easy to figure out both sides of the conversation. He informed the owner that while the prospective buyers liked the house, they felt the price was a little too steep for them to manage, and they had some concerns about the amount of work needing to be done in the back section. It was impressive to watch the man as he played it cool. When he asked if the Huntleys would entertain an offer of $630,000, Kendall held his breath. It was quickly obvious the answer was negative, and he squeezed the hell out of Michael’s hand. His partner didn’t flinch as he listened intently to the conversation going on in front of him.

The owner’s less-than-favorable response just seemed to spur Chet on, and he went to work on his friends’ behalf. First he mentioned that the offer would be unconditional… firm from the get-go. He also said he had convinced them a house inspection wasn't required. That seemed to have a bit of sway with Richard. He then suggested that the prospective buyers might be conducive to an early closing, and brought up February fifteenth as a possibility, turning and winking at Kendall and Michael. When Chet was asked to hang on for a minute, he smiled and gave the guys a thumbs-up. It seemed like an eternity before the seller came back on the line with a counter-proposal, saying they would do a deal for $640,000 and a closing date of February first. Chet cautioned him that ‘these people’ were unlikely to go that high from what he’d heard them say, but he would let them know, and get back to Richard.

Ending the call, Chet beamed a brilliant smile at the pair in the back seat. “So, how did that sound to you guys?”

“Holy fuck, you were amazing,” Michael gushed. “I’d say that’s a hell of a deal. What about you, Babe?”

Kendall laughed at Michael’s exuberance. “It sounds like a great deal to me as well, but I don’t think Chet’s done yet… are you, Chet?”

“Nope, just say the word, and I’ll get back to work.” He grinned at his partner before turning back to Kendall and Michael. “This is fun,” he said with a laugh. “Maybe I’ll become a real estate agent on the side.”

“So is $635,000 doable, do you think?” Kendall was enjoying this too. His excitement was climbing as he could feel them nearing their goal. He gave his partner’s hand another squeeze, and was met with the same eager grip.

“Yeah, I got the impression it could very well be, if we let him wait a bit longer, and offer him the January closing. He sounded pretty excited, and like you said, he called me. I think they’re a little anxious… they’re rich as hell, but carrying two places must be rough on the nerves. They could be over-extended for all we know. So what do you say? Is that the plan?”

“Damn right. If you pull this off, I will kiss you,” Michael joked.

The response from Arron was immediate. “Like hell you will. Nobody does that but me, right, green eyes?”

“Right, Wolf,” Chet joined Michael and Kendall in full-out laughter, and Arron looked a little sheepish.

“I never knew you were such a firecracker,” Kendall teased him. “Trust me, Michael was just kidding. He knows if he kisses anyone else, I’ll cut his nuts off with a rusty saw, right, Ace?”

“Right. And something tells me Chet here, would suffer a similar fate."

Arron grinned. “Count on it,” he said to his partner. “I’ll admit, I’m a jealous man when it comes to this guy, but just look at him.” Arron’s compliment made Chet blush adorably, and this time all four of them ended up laughing.

They drove down to an actual parking lot before returning the seller’s call. Chet played it beautifully, telling Richard that his acquaintances, as he called them, would only come up to $635,000, but they would move up the closing to January fifteenth. The response was almost immediate. After a quick consultation with someone in the background, Richard said they had a deal, but he needed the offer signed and presented that weekend. That meant they would have to go straight to the listing agent’s office, as it was now well into the afternoon. Obviously the Huntleys were anxious for it to be over with, which was more than fine with Kendall and Michael.

Chet confirmed the deal and hung up, accepting accolades with a mildly embarrassed grace as they thanked him profusely. Michael joked that since he couldn't kiss him, was he allowed to shake his hand? Arron smugly told him that would be okay, amid happy ribbing from the group.

They had their house, and knew it was a great deal. The owners had called the agent, and he was waiting for them at his Markham office, and in no time at all the offer sheet was completed. The Huntleys arrived at the office shortly after they did, to sign their accepted offer back to them, so Michael and Kendall left with their papers in hand after shaking hands with the pleased-looking sellers. They were astonished by how quickly it had all happened, but Kendall didn’t feel overwhelmed like he thought he might. He just felt relief because this dream house was theirs. Now they just needed to hire a lawyer, and make a visit to their bank.

They proceeded to Arron and Chet’s place to celebrate. When Arron offered to cook chicken stir-fry, Chet insisted they take him up on it, saying the dish was his favorite, and bragging about the cooking skills his partner possessed. Arron, standing behind him, rolled his eyes at the praise.

They were soon taken on a tour of the house and saw for themselves why Chet was in love with it. It was a stunning home, oozing charm and quality in every detail. It made Kendall all the more sure they did the right thing in buying their own vintage home. Every time he thought of it, this incredible joy bubbled up in his chest… they didn’t just have a house… they had a house that could hold its own against anything else out there. It was truly special. Kendall finally understood ‘pride of ownership’, and in the middle of the tour, he wrapped his arms around Michael and squeezed him tight. The emotion of the day had gotten to him, and he knew his guy understood that as he squeezed him back in a tight embrace.

“I know what you’re feeling, Babe. I feel it too. It’s almost too good to be true, isn’t it?”

“I just feel so fucking lucky. When I think back to a few months ago, I can’t believe where we are now. We have the perfect house to raise our family in.” He buried his face deep in Michael’s neck, and held on, slowly coming back down to earth.

Kendall could hear Chet and Arron talking softly behind them.

“Do you two need a room?” Chet queried with a huge smile on his face. “We could leave you guys alone for a while if you want?”

“Fuck off, Chet,” Kendall answered, laughing. “We were having a moment.”

“We could see that.” He smiled, and then got a little serious. “We get it, right, Wolfie?”

“Yes, we do. It was a hell of a day, and you guys come out big winners, and it all happened so fast. We’re really happy for you. Chet kept telling me this Huntley place was the perfect house for you, and how he could picture you guys there. It turns out he was absolutely right. It is the house for you. We watched your reactions to the house, and I knew there be no walking away from something so special. Hell, we barely had the car stopped, and you two were out and walking up the driveway in total awe of the place. That’s the way it should be… the way you should feel. It’s like it was sitting there waiting just for you.” Arron looked a little embarrassed at his speech.

“Group hug,” Michael called, and with laughter and a few tears, these four friends further cemented their bond in an act of celebration.

“And now, to the kitchen, where my handsome partner will perform his magic.” Chet broke the hug. “I don’t know about you guys but I’m damn near starving.”

“See what he keeps me around for?” Arron complained with a pout. “All I am is his kitchen wench, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he chains me in there someday. It’s all about his appetite, guys. Don’t you feel sorry for me?”

Michael spoke up. “Well, if you’re going to be chained in there, could you give Kendall those cooking lessons you offered before? He could use the help.” Michael ducked away from Kendall’s playful punch.

“Wolfman, trust me… if I chain you anywhere, it will be our room. You’re a great cook, but the bedroom is where your real talent lies,” Chet teased, doing his best Groucho Marx imitation.

Arron turned a scarlet shade of red and took off for the kitchen, mumbling something about payback. He was followed by peals of laughter from the other three. Kendall and Michael watched with smiles on their faces as a happy Chet followed Arron, and wrapped him in his arms, planting little kisses over his face before latching on to his lips. They could hear Chet murmuring, but left them alone for their own little moment.

Dinner was delicious, and the four men enjoyed each others' company immensely. Kendall actually ended up asking Arron for some pointers and recipes so he could become more adept at cooking, much to an animated Michael’s delight. The conversation flowed as they covered a variety of topics. More and more, Kendall considered these two friends of theirs as good potential choices for godparents of their child. These were kind, responsible, and loving people who were very open about their commitment to one another.

Dinner wound down, and a tiredness washed over Kendall. It had been a tough couple of days, and today had been monumental in the thrill and satisfaction of it. The continual banter had started to slow and he could see the weariness overtaking his partner as well. It was Arron who brought attention to it.

“You guys look exhausted. Do you want to pack it in for today? No need to be polite if you want us to take you home so you can get some rest.” Arron’s hand was clasped in Chet’s on the tabletop between them.

“I don’t want to be rude, but you’re right. I am tired. What about you, Sunshine?”

“Oh, Babe, I so need a nap, and we have phone calls to make to our parents, about the baby and the house, and all I want to do is snuggle up with you for a week. You wore me out last night."

It was now Kendall’s turn to blush, but he was intent on turning the tables on his partner. “Hey, you were the one who was poking me awake in the middle of the night, so don’t blame me."

“I wasn’t blaming you... just thanking you,” Michael’s heavy eyes still managed to sparkle with adoration.

Chet laughed and said, “You guys are so cute when you do that… it’s like there’s no one else in the world when you talk to one another.”

Two sets of eyes turned to the man, but it was Kendall who spoke. “Seriously, that’s the pot calling the kettle black. From what I can see, you and Arron lose yourselves in each other all day long. You’re just as bad as we are… or is that as good as we are?” he pondered in amusement.

“Definitely ‘as good as,’ I'd say.” Chet answered. "We are four lucky men, and I hope we’re all friends for a very long time. Now let’s get your pathetic asses home before Michael’s head ends up on the table.”

Michael gave another sleepy grin, “Kendall told me you were a stand-up guy, Chet, when you were looking out for him, and he was right. I already knew you were a great guy Arron, and seeing you two together… well I couldn’t imagine having better friends. Anytime you need us, we’re there for you. I just know we’re going to be friends for life. Thanks for today, and for Wednesday night.”

Chet raised his water glass in toast. “Friends for life,” he pledged in an emotion-laden voice, and they all joined him, enjoying this moment of true closeness.

“Just one more thing, before you take our pathetic asses home,” Michael looked very serious. “Wasn’t that a homemade apple pie I saw out on the counter in the kitchen?”