by Sandi Lynn
I walked over to the window and stared out at the city. Neither one of us said another word. A few moments later, the elevator dinged. Turning around, an older man with salt and pepper hair, dressed in a dark gray Versace suit, walked in holding a cup of coffee.
“You must be Bella,” he spoke in a snide tone.
“And you must be Pete.” I smiled. “For me?” I grabbed the cup of coffee from his hand. “Thank you.”
“I’m sure Grant told you that I don’t like people wasting my time. The only reason I’m here is because I wanted to meet the overbearing woman who had the nerve to speak to me in such a demanding voice.”
“It got you here, didn’t it?” I smirked and Grant shifted his weight in a nervous manner.
“What’s the damn offer?” Pete asked.
“$11.5.” I brought the cup up to my mouth.
Pete stood there with his hands tucked in his pockets, shaking his head.
“You can tell your buyer I’m not accepting their ridiculous offer. And you, Grant!” He shook his finger at him.
“Come on, Pete. What is this really about?” I narrowed my eyes at him.
“What is this really about? I put $1.5 million in renovations. That’s what this is about.”
“I see. You purchased this place five years ago for $9.3 million, and put in $1.5 million into it, bringing the total price up to $10.8 million. You’re asking $13.5, expecting to make $2.7 million dollar profit. I get it. I really do. And two years ago, you would probably have got it. But right now, the market is down. I can tell you’re a smart businessman. You’re tough and you’re a no bullshit kind of guy. This is no bullshit, Pete. Based on the current market, this place is worth $11.42 max. I’m offering you $11.5 cash. No mortgage, no contingencies and an immediate closing. My clients are relocating from Germany, and they want a place secured to come back to.
He stood there with such anger on his face as if he was going to rip me to shreds.
“Are you married, Pete?”
“Why are you asking? Are you interested?” A smirk crossed his lips.
“Why did you buy this place?”
“Because the moment my wife saw it, she fell in love with it.”
“If she fell in love with it, why did you put $1.5 million into renovations?”
“It needed some updating and I wanted to make it exactly how she wanted it. She deserved only the best. We were going to retire in this apartment.”
“Were?” I cocked my head.
“She passed away a year and a half ago from cancer.”
“Gee, Pete. I’m sorry. I had no idea,” Grant spoke.
“I don’t like to talk about it, and it’s nobody’s business.”
“I’m sorry for your loss.” I placed my hand on his shoulder. “You don’t want to sell, do you?”
He took in a deep breath. “I do and I don’t. I don’t want to sell it because it was our home and there are a lot of memories here. But I couldn’t stay either because it was too painful. So, I put it up for sale and bought a new penthouse across town.”
“That’s why you priced it so high. Because you knew if it sold, another piece of her would be gone.”
He looked down and nodded his head.
I set my coffee cup down and gave him a hug as I looked at Grant and noticed the horrified look on his face.
“It’s okay, Pete. Life happens and it can really suck sometimes. You had amazing memories here and selling this place isn’t going to take those memories away. Those memories will always be with you regardless of where you’re at. It’s time you let another couple come in and make their own memories in this beautiful home.” I broke our embrace. “Isn’t that what your wife would have wanted? For another couple so in love to make what the two of you had in this beautiful home?”
He paced around the room for a moment as Grant stared at me with a look of panic on his face.
“You’re right, Bella. My wife probably would have wanted that. It’s time I let go. I’ll accept the offer of $11.5.”
“Really, Pete?” Grant asked with excitement.
“Yes. Really.” He shook Grant’s hand and then mine. “You’re quite a lady.” He smiled. “I have a building I want you to take a look at.”
“Me?” I pushed my finger into my chest.
“Yes. You.” He smiled. “She is working for you, right?” He turned and looked at Grant.
“Uh. Yes. Yes, she is.” A grin crossed his lips.
“Good. I’ll be in touch.” He walked to the elevator and stepped inside.
“Yes!” Grant did a little dance. “I can’t believe you did it! I could kiss you right now.”
“That’s okay.” I put my hand up. “You’re welcome.”
“I’m taking you to dinner tonight and we’re celebrating. We have a lot to discuss. Especially if you’re going to join my firm.”
“I didn’t do this to get a job working for you, Grant. I did it because of the money and the fact that it’s going to take me a while to build up some real clientele here.”
“I know, and I can help you with that. Part of this deal was that the agent or broker who closed the deal would come work for me. We’ll discuss it tonight. Text me your address and I’ll pick you up around eight. Plus, we have a lot of catching up to do.”
“Fine,” I spoke as we walked out of the building.
“Do you need a ride somewhere?” he asked.
“No thanks. I have a couple errands to run.”
Chapter 7
Myles
“Looks good, Tony. How much longer?”
“I’d say another month for total completion.”
“Excellent. I’ll get Grant working on finding buyers for these units.” I patted his shoulder.
My phone rang and when I pulled it from my pocket, Melissa, one of my assistants was calling.
“What’s up, Melissa?”
“Are you at West 21 building?” she asked.
“Yeah. I’m just leaving now. Why?”
“The bakery by the office is closed today and we need to get Tina a birthday cake. There’s a bakery one block over from the building. Can you pop over there and get a cake for her?”
“What’s it called?”
“Let’s Do Cake.”
“What kind of cake?”
“I don’t know. Whatever they have. She isn’t picky.”
“Alright. I’ll be at the office after I pick it up.”
“Thanks, Myles.”
I let out a sigh as I ended the call and walked across the street where my driver, Mitch, was parked. Opening the door, I climbed in.
“One block over is a bakery called Let’s Do Cake. I have to pick up a birthday cake for Tina.”
“Why aren’t the girls in the office doing it?”
“Melissa tried and said the bakery by the office is closed. Plus, I have them working on the building project practically 24/7. So, they don’t have time to run around looking for bakeries.”
Mitch drove around and finally found a parking spot. Climbing out of the car, I walked to the bakery and when I stepped inside, a woman with long blonde curly hair stepped out from the back.
“Welcome to Let’s Do Cake.” A bright smile crossed her lips. “How can I help you?”
“I need a birthday cake.”
“For when?”
“Now.”
She let out a laugh.
“I have some already made over here in this case. What flavor are you looking for?”
“I don’t know. My assistant just called and told me to get whatever.”
“Okay. This one is a moist white cake with a berry mascarpone filling. It’s my favorite and a popular one.” She smiled.
“It’s beautifully decorated.”
“Thank you.”
“I’ll take that one.”
“Excellent choice. Do you want any writing on it?”
“Happy birthday, Tina.”
“I’ll be right back.”
Damn
, she was beautiful. Long blonde curly hair, beautiful green eyes and a smile that immediately caught my attention. While she was putting the writing on the cake, I looked around at all the sweets.
“How is this?” she asked as she held up the cake.
“Very nice.” I smiled.
“Is there anything else I can get you?”
“Are these oatmeal raisin cookies?” I pointed.
“They sure are. Try one.” She reached in the case and handed me one.
“Thanks. But I’ll just buy some.”
“Come on. Don’t be shy. You have to sample one first. What if you don’t like it? Then you’re stuck with cookies you didn’t care for. Can I let you in on a little secret?” She smiled.
“Sure.”
“You’ll love them. Go on. Take a bite.” She shoved the cookie in my face.
Taking the cookie from her, I bit into it.
“Wow. Wow.” I took another bite. “These are the best oatmeal raisin cookies I’ve ever had.”
“Thank you. I made them myself.”
“Impressive. The owner did right by hiring you.”
“Can I let you in on another secret.” She slightly leaned over the counter.
“Of course.”
“I am the owner.” She gave me a wink. “My name is Cassandra.”
“I’m Myles.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Myles. How many cookies would you like?”
“Give me a dozen. My son loves oatmeal raisin as much as I do, and I’ll pass them out at the office. Maybe.” I smirked.
“A dozen oatmeal cookies coming right up.”
“How long have you been in business?” I asked.
“Almost a year.”
“How’s it going?”
“It’s great. I’ve been really busy.”
“Good to hear.”
She gave me the total and I pulled some cash from my wallet.
“Keep the change.”
“Are you sure?” She cocked her head.
“Positive. Your cookies are worth way more than what you’re charging. It was nice to meet you, Cassandra.”
“You too, Myles. Don’t be a stranger.” She grinned.
“With cookies like this, I won’t be. Have a good day.”
When I got to the office, I handed Melissa the cake and walked into my office.
“There you are,” Grant said as he stepped inside. “I didn’t think that meeting with Tony would take so long.”
“I had to stop at a bakery and pick up a cake for Tina. Today’s her birthday. You have to try these oatmeal raisin cookies.” I pulled one out of the bag and handed it to him.
“Holy shit. Where did you get these?”
“A bakery over in Chelsea by the West 21 building. Good, eh?”
“They’re unbelievable. What other kinds of cookies were there?”
“Um. All kinds. We’ll stop there later this week when I take you over to the building. We need to start finding buyers.”
“Great. I’ll have my team get on that. I have some amazing news.”
“Do tell.” I grabbed another cookie and leaned back in my chair.
“We sold Pete’s penthouse.”
“You found a buyer to pay full asking price?”
“Not exactly. He accepted an offer of $11.5.”
“Damn, son. That’s great news. Congratulations. I see your plan worked. Who’s the agent or the broker?”
“Her name is Bella Marcus, and she’s from California. Actually, you’ve already met her.”
I arched my brow as I stared at him.
“I did?”
“Yeah. Fourteen years ago in Hawaii.”
“That pretty little thing you were hanging around with?”
“Yep.” He chewed his bottom lip.
“I thought she was from,” I paused for a moment, “New Jersey.”
“She did live there and ended up in California selling real estate. I don’t know the full story, but I’ll find out tonight. Give me another one of those cookies.”
I reached in the bag, took one out and handed it to him.
“You’re seeing her tonight?”
“I’m taking her to dinner to discuss her coming to work for us. But she seems a little hesitant.”
“So let me get this straight. This woman, whom you haven’t seen or spoken to in fourteen years, came to New York and sold the penthouse you couldn’t for the past year?”
“Was it really necessary to say it like that, Dad?”
I let out a chuckle. “I want her working for this company. Make it happen, son.” I pointed my finger at him. “Why would she seem hesitant to work for you. Doesn’t she know we’re number one?”
“It might have something to do with the fact that I promised I would call her and never did. Then blocked her number so she couldn’t contact me.”
“Seriously, son? That was fourteen years ago. I don’t think she would even give that a second thought.”
“Trust me. She’s already brought it up.”
I let out a sigh.
Chapter 8
Bella
As soon as I left the building, I pulled my phone from my purse and called Krystal.
“Hey you. How’s New York.”
“Great so far. I sold that property you emailed me about.”
“Way to go, girl! I knew you would! How much?”
“11.5 cash deal.”
“You just made four hundred and sixty thousand dollars and you’ve only been there a day and a half. I think you need to head over to Fifth Avenue and buy yourself a new designer handbag.”
“I just might.” I laughed.
“Treat yourself, sweetie. I’ll talk to you later. My client just got here. Congrats!”
“Thanks, Krystal. We’ll talk soon.”
I was trying to catch a cab and just as I flagged one down and he pulled up to the curb, some asshole guy flew in front of me and climbed in before I could.
“Sorry, I’m running late.” He slammed the door.
“Asshole!” I shouted and he smiled at me.
Shaking my head, I decided to walk down the street. As I turned the corner, I saw five animal cages lined up outside a pet store. While I was walking by, my eye caught the attention of an all-white cat with deep blue eyes. I stopped as it looked up at me and meowed.
“She’s a beauty, isn’t she?” An older woman asked as she walked over to me.
“She is. Is she a Persian?”
“Yes, and she’s a year old. Her owners relocated out of state and decided they couldn’t take her with them.”
“Oh my gosh. That’s so sad. What’s her name?”
“Duchess.”
I knelt and stuck my finger through the cage and Duchess rubbed her head against it. She started to purr, and I was done for.
“She likes you,” the woman spoke. “She’s up for adoption if you’re interested.”
I shouldn’t. I should. I can’t. I can. I won’t. Damn, I will.
“I’ll take her.”
“Excellent. I’ll just need you to fill out this paperwork.” She handed me a clipboard. “The adoption fee is $100, and we take cash, check or credit card. This is the food she’s on. So, you’re going to want to go into the store and pick up a bag along with all the kitty essentials.”
“Great. I’ll do that as soon as I’m done filling out the papers.”
After filling out the adoption papers, I handed her a one-hundred-dollar bill and then went inside and did some shopping for Duchess. Once I paid for everything, including the fancy cat carrier, I got myself an uber.
“Is that a cat?” the driver asked.
“Yes.”
“Sorry, lady. I don’t allow animals in my SUV.”
“She’s in a carrier for god sakes and we’re not going far.”
“I have rules.”
Glaring at him, I reached into my purse and pulled out a hundred-dollar bill.
“See this?” I flashed it in front
of his face. “This is your tip if you let Duchess in your SUV, drive us home and help me carry all this stuff up to my apartment.”
“Fine. I guess I can make an exception.” He took the money from me, and I immediately snatched it out of his hand.
“Not until the job is done.”
As I sat in the back of the SUV, I texted Grant my address.
“250 West Street. Apt. 6C.”
“Look at that. We’re practically neighbors. I’m on Murray Street.”
“Let me guess. You’re in the One Eleven building.”
“I am. I’ll see you tonight. I just got to a listing pitch.”
“Good luck.”
When I arrived home, Duchess explored every inch of the apartment while I set up her litterbox, food, and water. Falling on my couch, she jumped on me and started purring. There was no way I could her leave alone tonight in her new home, so I decided Grant and I would have to order dinner in.
It was seven fifty-five when I heard a knock on the door. I inhaled a sharp breath when I opened it and saw Grant standing there in a dark gray silky dress shirt and black dress pants.
“Hi.” The corners of his mouth curved upward.
“Hey. Come in.” I gestured. “Change of plans.”
“What do you mean?” He stepped inside.
Duchess walked over to investigate him, and I picked her up.
“Grant, meet Duchess. Duchess, this is Grant.” I held her up to him.
“Wow. She’s really furry,” he spoke as he gave her head a scratch.
“I just adopted her this afternoon, and I don’t want to leave her alone her first night here. So, I thought we could just order a pizza or something.”
“Sure. That’s fine,” he spoke as he looked around my space with his hands tucked into his pants pockets. “This is great. Everything is so — white.” He smirked. “I love the arched eight-foot windows and this amazing view of the Hudson,” he said as he stared out the window. “Did you buy it? Because I don’t recall seeing this listed.”
“No. I’m renting. But I did get the seller to agree to sell it to me in six months if I want to buy it, taking the rent payments off the sale price.”
“Seriously?” he let out a chuckle. “Damn. I’ve never heard of a seller doing that before. What do you like on your pizza? I’ll call it in.”