“Ladies and gentlemen,” Blake, started his address to the board members Friday midday in the Carter Industries boardroom. “I am so glad to inform you that our new project, Dreamkey Realty, has finally birthed its first baby, blue diamond luxury homes, and is in its final stage of completion as I speak to you.”
The board members clapped their hands.
“Thank you,” Blake looked into their faces with pride, while they looked at him with admiration. His hard work over the last few months had finally paid off. A few of them had been skeptical about the feasibility of building an estate of such architectural magnitude and luxurious masterpieces, which Blake had envisioned within eight months.
“I can tell you without a doubt that Dreamkey is here to stay and it will revolutionize the reality market in this country.”
They gave him another round of applause, with his father taking the lead.
“I am going to show you some slides today,” he clicked to the first slide on the projector and the general area view of the estate came to life.
“This is breathtaking,” one of the board members said aloud while the others looked on, nodding in agreement.
He continued to show them slides of the buildings and the general features within the estate. Such as the community center, which comprised a one thousand capacity multiple purpose hall, a grand ballroom for intimate occasions, a state-of-the-art spa and fitness center. And also, an Olympic size swimming pools at four different points with the estate.
Blake spoke about how the estate’s special features were going to be their major selling points by the time the sales began.
They all were charmed by the beauty Blake had created.
“So how far along are we in terms of completion?” The vice chairman of the board asked after they’ve seen all the slides.
“We are almost done,” Blake replied to him with confidence. “We’re just doing landscaping and exterior features now, and all of that will be completed in the next two weeks.”
“That is great,” another member said. “I must say that you, Blake Carter, are the true son of your father.”
The others agreed with him, all of them shouted “yes, yes,” as they clapped.
After the clapping died down, another of them asked, “is it the Cater industries marketing department that will be in charge of the sales and all?”
“Hmmm,” Blake cleared his throat, “about that, a new division will be formed and that is underway as we speak. It’s a world-class team of staff that specializes in luxury real estate marketing and management.”
They all agreed that it was the best way to go.
“I must say we are all impressed,” the vice chairman of the board said as he gave his last remarks. “I in particular. You have done well and we are going to support you on this.” I am inspired today by your determination as a young man and I, along with the other members of the board, look forward to the launch.”
Blake couldn’t be happier by the outcome of the meeting by the time it ended. He left the boardroom almost immediately, leaving his father and the others behind. Blake walked with a gait in his steps as he returned to his office.
“Mr. Carter,” Vanessa said the moment he stepped into her office. “Your two o’clock lunch meeting reservation has been confirmed at de’la fork restaurant.”
“Okay, thanks, Vanessa,” he checked the time on his wristwatch. “Call Jeff to bring the car to the front in twenty minutes. I need to make a call now.”
“Will do that, Mr. Carter,” she said to his back as he walked into his office.
He dropped his iPad on his desk and brought out his cellphone from his pocket.
Blake scrolled through the contract list and dialed Ethan, his cousin’s number. He walked to the window and sat; the phone pressed to his ear.
Ethan picked up and greeted him from the other end.
“How are you doing, old boy?” he replied, his voice a low murmur against that background hum of the air conditioner. “I just wanted to make sure you haven’t forgotten about the chamber’s program this evening. It’s the happy hour, remember?”
“Nah,” Ethan chuckled into the phone. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Especially not with that new investor you’re hoping to introduce me to.”
“Good boy,” Blake said jokingly, with a little smile playing on his lips. “I’ll see you later. I have to run. I have a lunch meeting.”
“Okay, later, man,” Ethan said.
They ended the call.
********
The venue of the business happy hour was agog with members of the youth wing of the New York city chamber of commerce. Members were engaged in different activities. The atmosphere was relaxed, filled with the sounds of laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses as people mingled.
The evening was off to a great start for Blake and Ethan. They had already finished their discussion with Clifford, the investor he promised to introduce Ethan to. Clifford seemed interested in investing in Ethan’s laundry company to take it to the next level. He had given him his business card and asked him to send his proposal to the email address on the card.
Blake went to relax on one of the blush sofas. Blake was a bit tired, and wasn’t that interested in moving around. He was waiting for Cassie, who promised to meet up with him there. He had already decided that they would take their leave as soon as she comes.
Ethan, on his part, had joined the people on the dance floor. He noticed a young lady standing near the dance floor during a break in music. Their gaze met and lingered on for a long time.
Ethan found her breathtakingly beautiful and the first thing that came to his mind was that his mama would love to have her as a daughter-in-law. He moved away from the dance floor even though a new song was playing now and went to approach her.
“Hello, I’m Ethan,” he said, offering her a captivating smile. “I am a fan of beautiful sights. You’ve caught my attention.”
“Aren’t you a charmer?” The woman’s eyes softened the more. “You are such a smooth talker.”
“Yes, I agree,” Ethan replied, with his hands in his pants pockets. “But I say only the truth.”
“Hmmm,” the lady smiled. “I’m Kelly. I’m glad you noticed me, Ethan.”
“You are welcome.” Ethan flashed her a smile, his testosterone flowing at the highest frequency.
“Are you a friend of Blake Carter?” Kelly asked. “I saw both of you arrive together.”
“Actually, we are cousins,” he told her.
“I see,” she fiddled with her hair. “My Dad is Mr. Gerald Carter’s friend.” “Really? That is awesome.”