Mason Wolfe (Wolfe Brothers Series, Book Three)

by Sandi Lynn

  I’d been here a week and still didn’t have any luck finding an apartment I liked or wanted to call home. I needed to find something ASAP before my contract with the owners of the Airbnb was up because they already had it rented out to someone else. I honestly didn’t think I’d have this much trouble finding a place. It had to be the perfect apartment for I wasn’t planning on moving again until I could afford a townhome. Before I moved to New York permanently, I had been looking at apartments and came to the city on my days off from the hospital to tour them. Nothing grabbed my attention except one, and unfortunately, there was a waiting list. I knew the moment I stepped inside; it was where I belonged. It felt right and very cozy. Even though the rent was higher than I wanted to pay, the best part was, every apartment in the building came fully furnished. All I had to do was move in. The thought made me happy because I honestly didn’t have time to furniture shop. But that was just a dream because there was no way I’d be getting a call anytime soon that one was available.

  Grabbing my phone, I scrolled through the listing of apartments in the city. I needed to stay in the area, so it limited my options. That was another perk of the apartment I fell in love with. It was the perfect location.

  After drying off and getting into my pajamas, I poured a glass of wine and set it on the nightstand while I climbed in bed. With my glass in one hand and my phone in the other, I scrolled through as many listings as I could and saved a few that looked decent so I could call tomorrow and see if I could take a tour since I had the day off.

  I sighed as I walked out of the last apartment I toured. Out of the four buildings I looked at, only one apartment was okay. The location was convenient; the price was right, but it was smaller than what I wanted, and it didn’t give off the homey vibe I’d been looking for. At this point, I really had no choice. I had one more apartment to tour, but I’d already had a feeling it wouldn’t work out for me. As I was heading there, my phone rang with an unfamiliar number.

  “Hello.”

  “Hi, is this Sara Davis?” the woman on the other end asked.

  “Yes.”

  “Hi Miss Davis, this is Renee from Altman Building Properties. You asked to be put on our waiting list when an apartment became available.”

  My heart started racing.

  “Yes. Do you have one?”

  “We do. It’s a twelve hundred square foot two-bedroom, two bath which will be available and ready to move in on Friday. It’s been fully refurnished with brand new furniture throughout, and the rent is ten thousand a month. I know you were interested in a one bedroom, but honestly, there won’t be one available within the next few months. So, I’m calling to see if you’re interested in the two bedroom we have.”

  Shit. Ten thousand a month was way more than I wanted to pay, but I hadn’t stopped thinking about it since I toured the model apartment a few weeks ago. It was bigger and who didn’t need more space.

  “I’ll take it,” I spoke.

  “Excellent. When would you be available to sign the lease?”

  “I can come now if that’s okay.”

  “That would be perfect. I’ll see you soon.”

  Excitement soared through me as I placed my phone in my purse and took a cab to my new apartment.

  Chapter 7

  Mason

  “Good morning.” I smiled as I walked into the kitchen.

  “Morning, bro. How did you sleep?” Nathan asked.

  “Good.”

  He poured me a cup of coffee and handed it to me.

  “Where’s Mom?”

  “She and Allison already left for the office.”

  “Should she be going to work today?”

  “She said she’s fine, and she ate some breakfast before they left. It’s not like I could stop her. She’s mom, and she’s stubborn.”

  “True.”

  “Good morning, Uncle Mason.” Ruby grinned as she gave me a hug.

  “Morning, peanut.”

  “I’m ready for school, Dad.”

  “Okay. Let’s go. Be ready when I get back and we’ll go for a run.” Nathan pointed at me.

  “Sounds good, bro. I need to go shopping today for some clothes. I go back to the station tomorrow.”

  “Okay. I’ll go with you. I’m not doing anything today, but we have to be back for Ruby.”

  Ruby and Nathan left, and I made myself some scrambled eggs. As I was sitting at the table looking at my phone, it rang with an unfamiliar number.

  “Hello.”

  “Hi, I’m looking for Mason Wolfe.”

  “This is he.”

  “Mr. Wolfe, this is Victoria from Altman Building Properties. I’m calling to inform you that a twelve hundred square foot two-bedroom, two bath apartment is available if you’re still interested.”

  “Victoria, sweetheart, you just made my day. I am definitely interested. When will it be ready for move in?”

  “Friday. I’m actually working from home today and I have the lease agreement with me. I can come by your place to have you sign it if that’s okay.”

  “Perfect.” I rattled off the address.

  “All I’ll need is a ten-thousand-dollar deposit, and the apartment is yours. I can take a check or credit card.”

  “Not a problem.”

  “Great. I can swing by your place in about an hour. Will that work?”

  “I’ll be here. Thank you.”

  I ended the call with a smile on my face. I’d been on the waiting list for that building for six months. If my previous building hadn’t burnt down, my lease would have been up in a couple of months and I was looking to move. Altman Building Properties was a newer and high demand building that was built three years ago.

  “Why aren’t you ready?” Nathan asked as he stepped into the kitchen and found me still sitting at the table.

  “Change of plans. I got a call from Victoria from Altman Building Properties. A two-bedroom apartment is available and she’s bringing the lease over for me to sign in about an hour.”

  “Wow. Talk about perfect timing. You were on a waiting list, weren’t you?”

  “Yeah for about six months.”

  “I don’t know why you just don’t buy a townhouse, bro.”

  “Why? I’m a bachelor, and a townhouse is way too much room for one person. Before you met Allison and Ruby, you would never have bought this place.”

  “I guess you’re right. Why is Victoria coming here? I didn’t know leasing agents made house calls.”

  “She said she’s working from home today. I’m going to hop in the shower. Can I borrow a shirt?”

  “Yeah. I’ll go grab you one. After you sign your lease, we’ll head to the stores. I was thinking maybe we should stop at the law firm and check on Mom.”

  “Good idea.”

  After I showered and dressed, I ran downstairs to wait for Victoria. The shirt Nathan gave me was a little tight, especially around my arms.

  “Bro, you really need to work out your biceps more,” I spoke as I walked downstairs. “This shirt barely fits because I’m so much bigger than you.” I smirked.

  “Shut the fuck up. I’ll out press you next time we go to the gym.”

  “You wish.” I playfully punched him in the chest.

  The doorbell rang, and I told Nathan I got it. When I opened the door, there was a woman standing there holding a baby and a briefcase.

  “Mr. Wolfe? Sorry about this. My babysitter cancelled at the last minute. Hence the reason I’m working from home today.”

  “Not a problem. Come on in and we’ll go into the kitchen. Can I get you a cup of coffee?”

  “No thanks. I’m good.”

  “Victoria, this is my brother Nathan.”

  “Nice to meet you. I’d shake your hand, but they’re a little full right now.”

  As soon as she took a seat at the table, the baby started to cry. She bounced him on her knee as she struggled with her briefcase. “There’s no reason for him to be crying. He’s been fed and chang
ed. I’m so sorry.”

  “It’s okay, Victoria. You can give the baby to Nathan while we do this. For some reason, babies love him.” I furrowed my brows.

  “Oh my gosh, do you mind?” she asked him.

  “Not at all. Come here, little guy,” Nathan spoke as he took the crying baby from her arms.

  He looked at Nathan and instantly stopped crying.

  “See. I told you.” I smiled. “How old is he?”

  “Seven months,” she replied as she took out the lease papers from her briefcase.

  I signed the lease, handed her my credit card, and it was a done deal. In a few days, I’d be moving into my new apartment and start living my bachelor life once again.

  Chapter 8

  Sara

  I packed up my things and took one last look around the Airbnb to make sure I wasn’t leaving anything behind. Finally, I was moving into a place I could call my own. When I walked into the building, Vinnie, the doorman greeted me. He tipped his hat with a smile and welcomed me to the building. It had already felt like home. Taking the elevator up to the nineteenth floor, I found apartment 19A and was caught off guard when I discovered the door wasn’t locked. Stepping inside, I rolled my two large suitcases in and shut the door.

  “I thought you weren’t—What the hell?” Mason emerged from the hallway and stopped dead in his tracks.

  “Mason? What is going on? Why are you in my apartment?”

  “I was just going to ask you the same thing, Sara. Why are there two suitcases sitting there?”

  My heart pounded out of my chest. What the fuck was going on?

  “Explain to me right now why you’re standing in my apartment!” I loudly voiced.

  “Your apartment? This is my apartment!”

  “No. No, it’s not. I have my lease right here!” I pulled the paper from my purse.

  “So do I!” He walked over to the island in the kitchen and held it up.

  My mind was confused, and I couldn’t comprehend what was happening. I was trained for chaos, but I couldn’t wrap my head around what the hell was going on. Setting down my purse, I placed my hands on each side of my head and paced around the room.

  “I can’t believe this,” I spoke in a panic.

  “I’ll call the leasing office and find out what the hell is going on,” he spoke as he pulled his phone from his pocket. “Victoria said she’ll be up in a few minutes.”

  “Who’s Victoria?”

  “The leasing agent. You didn’t deal with her?”

  “No. I dealt with Renee.”

  There was a knock on the door and Victoria stepped inside.

  “I—I can’t even explain what happened here with your leases,” she spoke.

  “Well, you better start because this is a tremendous problem,” Mason spoke.

  “Renee is new and handled things on her own when she shouldn’t have.”

  “Okay. So now what?” I asked her.

  “Well, one of you will have to vacate the apartment. It’s up to you who goes. I looked over both your leases and they were signed at the same exact time, so it’s no longer a matter of who signed first.”

  “You’re kidding me,” Mason spoke.

  “I wish I was Mr. Wolfe. I cannot apologize enough for this. I can assure you this will never happen again.”

  “Your assurances don’t help us in this situation, Victoria. How the hell can you let two different people sign two leases for the same apartment? I’m calling my brother, Elijah.” He pulled out his phone as I sat there in tears on the couch.

  “Why?” I asked.

  “Because he and my mother are lawyers and they’ll get this matter cleared up quickly. I have been on that waiting list for six months. Surely that says something.”

  “Yeah, well, I signed a lease too!” I stood up in anger.

  “We both did. So I’ll call Elijah and we’ll get this sorted out. There isn’t another apartment available?” he asked Victoria.

  “No. I wish to god there was, and unfortunately, nobody has plans on moving out anytime soon. I’m so sorry about this. I’ll need your decision by tomorrow. If you both work it out and stay, I will draw up another lease for you with both your names on it for you to sign.

  “And what if you were in my shoes?” I snapped at her. “Would you live with a total stranger? You messed this up.” I pointed my finger at her. “And I expect you to fix it! You know what, call your brother, Mason. I think a good lawsuit is in order here.”

  “I’m sorry you feel that way. I’ll talk to you both tomorrow.”

  She walked out of the apartment and I let out a scream.

  “Seriously, just calm down,” Mason spoke.

  “NO! I won’t calm down, and I’m not leaving my apartment!” I shouted as I stood there with my arms folded, staring at him.

  “Well, I’m not leaving either.” He brought his phone up to his ear. “Elijah, I have a problem and I need your advice ASAP. No, I’m not being sued for sexual harassment.” He rolled his eyes. “It’s an issue with my lease. Okay. I’ll be there in a few. Make sure you have your lease and let’s go,” he said as he grabbed his key from the counter and headed towards the door.

  We both climbed into the back of a cab and I didn’t say a word as I stared out the window. I couldn’t believe this was happening and with him of all people. What were the odds of this happening? One in a trillion? The ride to his brother’s law firm was silent. He didn’t speak a word, and neither did I. We entered the building and took the elevator up to the 37th floor. When we stepped out, a young blonde woman sitting behind a mahogany desk flirtatiously greeted Mason.

  “Hey, Mason.” Her teeth grazed her bottom lip.

  “Good morning.” He smiled at her as we walked by. “Hey, Marie. Is he in there?”

  “Hi, Mason. He said he’ll be right back and to have a seat. Who’s this pretty lady with you?” She grinned.

  “Dr. Sara Davis. Sara, this is Elijah’s secretary, Marie.”

  “It’s nice to meet you, Marie.” I extended my hand.

  “Nice to meet you too, Dr.”

  “Mason?” Allison walked over. “What are you doing here?”

  “Hey, Allison. I’m having some trouble with my new lease and I need Elijah’s help.”

  “Let’s go in his office. He’s finishing up with a client. Hi, I’m Allison.” She extended her hand.

  “Hi, I’m Sara Davis.”

  “As in Dr. Davis, who treated your mother?” She glanced at Mason with a smile.

  “Yes. Allison is Nathan’s fiancée,” he spoke to me.

  “You’re here,” Elijah spoke as he walked in and stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Sara standing there.

  Chapter 9

  Mason

  “Dr. Davis. It’s nice to see you again.” Elijah extended his hand. “What is going on here?” he asked as he took a seat behind his desk and Allison walked out, shutting the door behind her.

  “The leasing agent at my apartment building leased the same apartment to both of us.” We both handed our leases to him.

  “To both of you?” He pointed at each of us as he let out a chuckle.

  “This isn’t funny, Elijah.”

  “Oh, but it is, little brother.”

  He looked over the identical leases and let out a sigh.

  “How did this happen?” he asked.

  “One agent called me, and another called Sara without the two of them knowing they were renting the same apartment.”

  “It is illegal to have two active leases for the same property. What did the leasing agent tell you?”

  “She said one of us has to move out and we have until tomorrow to let her know who it’ll be. The problem is neither one of us will leave.” I shot Sara a look. “So I need you to advise me on how to make her leave.”

  “Excuse me!” she snapped. “It isn’t my fault they screwed up.”

  “And it’s not mine either!”

  “Okay. Let’s calm down. The only thing
I can tell you is one of you has to move out.” He closely looked at the lease again. “How is it possible that the two of you signed these leases at the same exact time? Didn’t you see each other in the leasing office?”

  “I didn’t go to the leasing office. Victoria, the leasing agent, came to Nathan’s, and I signed it there. She was working from home that day.”

  “Ah, I see.” He let out a sigh.

  “I’m sorry to—” My mother walked into the office and immediately came to a halt when she saw us sitting there. “Dr. Davis?”

  “Hello, Ms. Wolfe. How are you feeling?”

  “Please, call me Caitlin. I’m feeling much better. Thank you. Why are the two of you here? And more importantly, why are you here together?”

  “Apparently Mason’s new apartment building leased the same apartment to Sara,” Elijah spoke as he held up both leases.

  “What? So they’re collecting rent from both of you? That is highly illegal.”

  “The landlord is giving them until tomorrow to decide on who will leave the apartment.”

  “I see. Who signed the lease first?” she asked.

  “They both signed it at the same exact time,” Elijah replied.

  “Oh. Wow. That’s weird.” She cocked her head at us.

  “Well, you two work it out. Elijah, I need you to sign these documents by this afternoon. It was good to see you again, Dr. Davis.” She smiled at her. “I’ll talk to you later, Mason.”

  “Sure thing, Mom.” I sighed. “Okay so what are we supposed to do?” I asked my brother.

  “One of you has to decide who moves out. If either of you decides to sue the landlord, it can be arranged. We’d go for punitive damages and emotional distress. We’d win, but it would take some time. My advice to you is that you go somewhere quiet and talk it out. You’re both adults and there are a million apartments in New York to choose from. Mason, you’re a captain for the New York Fire Department and Sara, you’re a doctor. You’re both professionals and you need to discuss this situation as such. I’m sorry this happened, and I know it isn’t fair, but there’s nothing we can do about it. The leasing office screwed up. I can’t force them to make another apartment available.”