Crazy in Love

In the past six years, I’ve used my connections to go from a floundering agent with a well-known last name to a top agent who has to turn away clients due to my busy schedule.

My dad made me work my way up to prove myself. He demands excellence at the expense of anything and everything else, including a personal life.

Kaz says, “Lara’s design business has outgrown her LA office. She needs a space when she’s here, a place to stay and work, and I don’t want her in a hotel. Although she’ll be splitting her time between LA and New York, I want twenty-four-hour security, a doorman, amenities.”

“Many of my California clients have multiple homes and regularly travel between the two coasts. For a client of your discretion and need for privacy, I’ll make sure you get all that and more.”

“So I’m your first New York client?” Kaz says, chuckling. “You must have been losing a lot of money to make it worth the effort to get your license here.”

He’s right. I’m not doing this for fun, although I have a good time. “I was handing over millions to local co-listing agents.”

“My brother, Andrew, was flipping the fuck out at the losses,” Nick says.

Kaz nods. “You’re working with him, too?”

“Nobody manages my money better than the Christiansens,” I reply. Look, I could lie to get my friends more business, but fortunately, I don’t have to. I grew up with Nick, so he’s like a brother to me. I’m basically a third Christiansen son. They do manage my money, though, so no lies are being told today.

Christiansen Wealth Management already handles most of the band’s money as well, so we’re safe in our discussions.

Kaz stands and shakes my hand. “I have to run but send the paperwork over. You did us right in LA, so I trust you in New York.” While he shakes Nick’s hand, he adds, “Ultimately, it’s not me you have to please. Lara has a whole list of other things she needs to make it feel like a home. Take care of her.”

“I will. You never mentioned a budget, though,” I say.

“It’s only a part-time home, so I’d like to stay under ten mil.”

Got to love that celebrity money. “I can do that. Let her know I have some listings I can send. If any interest her, we’ll take a look.”

“Will do.” He takes a few steps around to the other side of the table to the exit.

Balancing on the back legs of his chair, Nick says, “Break a leg.”

“I’m not superstitious,” Kaz says, laughing. “You guys coming to the show?”

I was in LA at the time, but I heard it was a nightmare to score any tickets to The Resistance’s tour, so I say, “Sold out in under a minute.”

“I can leave tickets if you want.”

Nick’s eyes land on mine. “I’m in, and I know Natalie would love it.”

My beer glass is almost empty, tempting me to order another. With this meeting out of the way, we can just fuck off for the rest of the afternoon until the concert. “Count me in.”

“Going solo?” Kaz asks. “I can help you with the extra ticket, Decker, but not the date.”

They’re laughing a little too hard. I can dish it, but I can also take it. Chuckling, I reply, “You guys are real assholes, you know that?” I can find a date just fine.

“We do,” Nick replies through a chuckle.

Still laughing, Kaz finally starts walking away. “Tickets will be at Will Call.” He points at me. “I’m giving you two, Decker. Don’t disappoint me.”

“Thanks.” I finish my beer, then look at my friend. “I don’t have a date.”

One tap on the screen of my phone lights it up. When I start scrolling my black book of contacts, Nick asks, “What about that flight attendant you were seeing a few months back? Wasn’t she out of LaGuardia?”

“Talon got engaged to a pilot two weeks ago.” I search New York but don’t see any names that intrigue me.

“Damn, she was ready to settle down. Fitting name as well.”

“Scarily fitting. I dodged those claws.” Jenny Marie rings a bell. Good time. Summer. Bonfire. Decent in bed. “There’s a girl out in Jersey I went on a few dates with when she came out to audition for a pilot. Broadway actress looking to make it big in Hollywood.”

I get the receipt and my credit card back and sign.

“Why’d you only go on a few dates?” he asks.

Setting the pen down, I close the book and slide it to the middle of the table. “She liked the access to my client list more than she liked me.”

“Man, you’re dropping some honesty like you might have gotten your feelings hurt.”

“Nah. You know what it’s like out there. Everyone has stars in their eyes until they’re burned and jaded and head back to their hometown.”