Resorting to Romance

by Franky A Brown

  “Are y’all ready?” Raelee got behind them and tapped them both on the shoulder.

  “Of course.” Josie stood straighter and studied the paper in her hands.

  “You sure?”

  “Absolutely.” She clenched her teeth, took one step back, and waved a hand to the side.

  Luke turned his attention to his own page.

  “This home is in a beautiful historic neighborhood,” Josie said. “Four bedrooms, two full bathrooms, three thousand square feet.”

  Luke pretended to survey the imaginary house. “The size is great, but it looks like my great-aunt’s house. It would need some serious work to modernize it.”

  Josie glanced back at her scenario. “The house has great character and is actually in very good condition.”

  “I’ll want to ditch the porch and repaint it.” Luke folded his arms. “Neon green is my Zen color.”

  “Your Zen color?” A smile sneaked onto her lips.

  “The color that brings me tranquility.”

  “Interesting.” She adopted a straight face. “The historical society has to sign off on any changes to the exterior of the property. They will need to approve the paint color and they likely won’t agree to removing the porch unless it was a later addition made to the house.”

  “You mean I can’t do what I want to my own house?”

  “Unfortunately, not. The society’s goal is to preserve the history and the character of this neighborhood. Property values stay high when—”

  “I love the neighborhood; it’s close to work. I need this house.” Luke slammed a fist into his palm. “I can make an all-cash offer today.”

  “That’s great.”

  “But the porch is going down and the place is going green.”

  “You can’t do that without approval.”

  “I’m blowing up the porch on day one.”

  Josie’s eyes narrowed. “I am obligated to inform you, if you choose to do so without approval from the society, you may face fines.”

  “I’ll also be gutting the landscaping and going with a western rock garden theme.” He managed it all without laughing, even though Josie’s face contorting from humor to annoyance nearly cracked him up.

  “Rock theme?” Her eyebrows lifted.

  Luke tilted his head. “That wrought iron fencing has to go as well.”

  “The fencing is from the nineteenth century. It’s a beautiful work of art. Crafted by German immigrants…”

  “I don’t care for nineteenth-century art.” Luke checked the house description again and it didn’t include such detail.

  “It would highly detract from your property value and anger the historical society and the homeowners association.”

  “Okay, let’s stop there.” Raelee stepped between them.

  Could they even be friends after that kiss? Their kiss on the beach had been pretty amazing, at least for him. But she wasn’t ready for a relationship. Getting left at the altar was beyond harsh. Or perhaps it was him that she didn’t want. He may never know for certain.

  “Now,” Raelee said, “this scenario has a very difficult buyer. On the one hand, he’s highly motivated with cash in hand. That’s ideal for us, right? But explaining the regulations that come with purchasing a home in a designated historical district is essential, while also detailing the benefits of living in that area.”

  Raelee squinted at Joselyn’s name badge. “Miss Bell. I didn’t feel like you really wanted to sell this house.”

  “Really?” Josie’s eyes went wide.

  Luke thought she’d done well with a difficult client.

  “You need to outline the benefits of living in this area, the charm and value of keeping the property’s original exterior. Perhaps suggest an alternate paint color that would be more likely to be approved.” Raelee rolled her hands in circles. “Make him want this place the way it is with only minor improvements. He needs to know why this house is amazing.”

  Josie smirked. “I don’t really believe I’d come across a customer who wanted such extreme changes.”

  “You’ll run into all kinds of people in this business,” Raelee insisted. “Are you new?”

  Josie stood up straighter. “Not at all. I haven’t sold in historical districts yet, but that doesn’t mean I don’t know what I’m doing. If Luke would portray a more realistic character…”

  Luke shrugged. “The instructions stated that I was a difficult client.”

  “We must be ready for anything and everything.” Raelee nodded confidently. “I enjoy when people are creative with these roles. Why don’t you two switch characters and try it again.”

  Before Joselyn could respond, Luke handed over his paper and took hers. His fingers briefly brushed hers and left a tingling sensation behind. How dare he be so attractive when he was being ridiculous?

  For all her trust issues, she had an incredibly inconvenient crush on this guy. The one she’d kissed on the beach. She needed to snap out of it. And certainly needed to stay away from Luke. This exercise was not helping.

  “I want to buy this house, all cash and close fast. This place is perfect to host my dance studio.”

  “That is the beauty of this house: large spacious rooms and spectacularly refinished hardwood flooring,” Luke said confidently. “It would be wonderful for dancing.”

  “It needs modernizing. I’ll need to remodel the front of the house to install more windows. We need plenty of light. The high ceilings will be great for hanging our ribbons.”

  “What kinds of ribbons?”

  “My group dances with ribbons. Have you seen Cirque du Soleil?” She winked at him. “A lot of acrobatics are involved and we’ll probably want a window that goes from the ground floor to the second floor so the entire neighborhood can see what we do. It’s essential for recruitment, you see. The porch is in the way, especially those old stone steps. Then we’ll have room for our huge trampoline out front.”

  “Honestly, ma’am. The homeowners association will probably fine you for having a large trampoline in your front yard, but they will have nothing against it being in the backyard. It has a privacy fence and plenty of space. The historical society must approve any changes to the home’s original exterior, and the porch may or may not be deemed part of the original structure under their protection.” His tone was flat as he spoke what sounded like a legal contract. “However, the benefits of living in this area are numerous. If you leave the porch, you’d have an additional space to dance and be able to both get fresh air and allow your neighbors an excellent view of your work. These are the original floors that have been refinished. Every line in the wood has a story. You are literally going to be dancing on the past, becoming a part of this home’s long history.”

  Luke went on and on about the imaginary house until Joselyn found herself wanting to buy it.

  Man, this role playing was getting on her nerves. What kind of rotten luck did she have to be stuck partnering with him?

  “Great job, Mr. Callaway.” Raelee clapped her hands. “Let’s give these two a round of applause, everyone.”

  Finally, they got to take their seats. Several other people stepped up to practice sales pitches. Trying to concentrate on it was difficult when all she thought about was how Luke was nearby.

  The thought of leaving Southern Homes to go off with Luke sounded both amazing and terrifying. How could she risk leaving Victoria’s company for something that might well go wrong? A romantic relationship with Luke was probably more of a shot in the dark than anything. She groaned in frustration. Had her stupid ex left her unable to trust anyone ever again?

  Raelee wrapped up the class, and Joselyn opened a notepad app on her phone and typed in a few notes from the discussion. The parts she’d actually listened to. Once the class was released, she practically sprinted to the door.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Josie had cut out of the room as fast as she could without looking in Luke’s direction. He breathed in, remembering the sweet sc
ent of her perfume. His stomach sank. He wanted Josie to be happy, even if it wasn’t with him. But not having her as even a friend really stunk. He especially hated the way Victoria was treating Josie. The thought of Josie staying with Victoria bothered him. He wondered if she would change her mind about working with him, if nothing else.

  Luke walked out into the hall, then wandered aimlessly through the resort’s main lobby. As he neared the elevator, the doors slid open and Luke came face to face with Victoria.

  “Luke, glad I caught you.”

  He wasn’t the least bit happy to see her, but he dutifully curled his lips.

  “Meet me here in the lobby at six o’clock.” She patted him on the shoulder as she stepped past him. “I have a surprise for you. Don’t be late.”

  As she turned around and started to leave, he swallowed hard, then called out, “Victoria.” She stopped and whirled around to face him again. He really wanted to tell Victoria the truth and get it over with. “Victoria, there’s something I need to speak with you about.”

  She took a step closer. “Yes?”

  He laced his fingers together in front of him, determined to get this over with. “Gina and I are—”

  “Victoria,” Kelly interjected and tapped Victoria on the shoulder. “I have an issue with a client I need to speak with you about.”

  Luke hadn’t even heard anyone else walk up. Kelly seemed to be in his way a lot lately. He watched Kelly and Victoria talk shop and rubbed the back of his neck. He’d been so close to confessing.

  “Okay, let’s go back to my room. I can pull up the contract on my laptop.” Victoria pointed a finger at Luke. “See you at six.”

  Luke nodded. “See you then.”

  He wanted to kick the column to his left. He’d been ready to rip off the bandage and come out with the truth. Maybe it was for the best. He should give Gina the respect of letting her know first. It would only be right since they’d made an agreement. He made his way back to his room and called Gina, but it went straight to voicemail.

  He checked his email on the phone again. Still no good news.

  The elevator doors slid open and Joselyn saw Luke sitting on one of the couches beside a large tropical plant. His face leaned into his hand, propped up with his elbow on the armrest.

  Joselyn should probably be avoiding him. Somehow, her feet went on autopilot and carried her right to him. She slowly sat beside Luke. “Hey.”

  “Hey.” He sat up and rubbed the back of his neck.

  “Did you get something to eat yet?”

  “No, not yet. Victoria asked to meet with me at six o’clock this evening.”

  “Oh, really?” Joselyn checked her watch. “It’s five till six. Did she say why?”

  “No. I’m not sure what she wants to talk about.”

  He met her eyes for the first time since she’d sat down, and her resolve began to crack. “Luke, I…”

  The sound of heels clicking on the tiled floor sped toward them. “Hey, you.”

  Luke’s eyes snapped toward the familiar voice, then bulged. Joselyn’s mouth dropped. “Gina,” they both said at once.

  Gina stood in front of them, hands on her small hips. Her long dark hair was perfectly curled in waves and hung down to her waist. She slipped her oversized sunglasses up to rest on top of her head.

  “I’ve missed you.” Gina raised her hands and squeezed her fists tightly as she squealed. “I’m super excited!”

  Victoria strolled over and wrapped her arm around Gina. “Surprise, Luke! I know you two will want some time alone.” She gave Luke a wink and Joselyn’s stomach lurched. Was this really happening? What was Gina doing here?

  Luke stood. “Gina, I had no idea you were coming down.”

  “Come on, Joselyn.” Victoria walked around Gina and waved Joselyn over. “Let’s give these two some space.”

  Joselyn watched Luke and Gina, saying nothing. He glanced between the two of them, and Joselyn clenched her fists as she got to her feet.

  “Nice to see you again, Gina,” she managed, though it was more of a grumble.

  Victoria took Joselyn by the arm and led her away.

  “Have you been taking good notes in the classes so far?”

  “Yes, of course.”

  “Good. I expect nothing but a vast improvement from you when we get back to Atlanta.”

  Joselyn clenched her teeth and stopped herself from saying what she wanted to. It wasn’t at all polite. What was Victoria’s problem? She was acting like Joselyn was inept at her job. It was as if she’d forgotten Joselyn held the top sales record right before Luke.

  She withstood the urge to look back at Luke until Victoria got on the elevator and Joselyn hung back and let the doors close. She peeked around her shoulder and wished she hadn’t.

  Gina had her arms wrapped around Luke and was nuzzling his neck.

  She realized that Victoria knew nothing, so was Gina trying to keep her mother from becoming suspicious? Hanging on Luke that way certainly wasn’t necessary. What was she doing here?

  Joselyn’s muscles tightened and she punched the up arrow on the wall. The elevator door opened and she marched in and punched her floor number. She decided she needed a swim to cool off.

  Luke searched in vain for the right words. “Gina.”

  Gina threw her arms around his neck and the shock began to wear off.

  “Gina, look, what are you doing here?” He took her by the arms and gently pushed her back.

  “I want to work this out, Luke.” Gina’s hands remained on his shoulders.

  He lifted her hands off of him. “Gina, I’m sorry, but I don’t want to work it out. It’s over between us.”

  “But, aren’t you willing to at least talk about it?” Gina took his hands and squeezed them, stepping closer.

  “We don’t need to talk.” Luke backed up and pulled his hands away. “I really meant for our breakup to be permanent.”

  “Is this about Joselyn? You two were sitting a bit too close together when I arrived.”

  “Josie and I work together and we’re friends. That’s all.” The truth was a little more complicated than that. But that’s all they were for now.

  “You’re friends who have cute nicknames for each other?”

  “It’s really none of your business what we are. We aren’t together anymore.”

  She reached out a finger and traced his jawline. “Let’s talk later, sweetheart.”

  “No, let’s not.” Luke gently but firmly moved her hand away from his face. “Goodbye, Gina.”

  He spun and walked swiftly to the patio doors. Time for some air.

  He breathed in slowly and sank into a lounge chair by the pool. Where did Josie go? Victoria had led her away from him and he’d lost sight of her with Gina in his face. He hoped Josie wasn’t caught in a horrible conversation with their boss.

  He slid his phone from his pocket and called Josie.

  Her voicemail message began immediately and he couldn’t think of a single thing to say when the beep sounded.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Joselyn was so keyed up she determined to swim at least twenty laps before she stopped to think any further. She walked over to a lounge chair near the pool, dropped her mesh bag on it, and slipped out of her flip-flops. Before she could pull off her bathing suit cover, someone tapped her shoulder from behind and she jumped.

  When she turned around, her stomach clenched. “Gina. Hi.”

  Gina ran a hand through her long hair. “Do you mind if we have a little chat?”

  “Of course not. What can I do for you?”

  “I only want the truth.”

  Joselyn gulped. “Truth about what?”

  “You and Luke. You like him, don’t you?”

  Joselyn’s face warmed and her mouth went dry. Luke had told her that he and Gina had made an agreement not to tell anyone about their breakup, and she had no reason to believe Luke would have told Gina that Josie knew. “Luke and I are friends and colleagues.
That’s all.”

  “Hmm…” Gina looked her up and down, and a chill ran through Joselyn’s body. “That is exactly what Luke told me. But I’m not convinced.”

  “Gina, there really is nothing going on between us.” At least not anymore. They wouldn’t be kissing again.

  “I hope you’re right. Be sure to keep it that way. At least if you enjoy working for my mother.” A chime sounded from Gina’s purse and she pulled her phone out to check it. When she met Joselyn’s eyes again, her voice went from menacing to downright chipper. “Anyway, great seeing you. Have fun.”

  Gina spun around and went back into the hotel.

  Joselyn clenched her teeth. Gina was threatening her. Between Victoria’s snide comments and Gina’s paranoia, she’d probably need forty laps to work off the nervous energy.

  She pulled off her suit cover and dove into the deep end. Cold water shocked her senses for a moment; then when she surfaced, she felt refreshed. Smoothing her hair back, she then swam to the other side. Her heart pounded as she swam her laps, pouring her frustration into propelling her body through the water.

  Why on earth was Gina here? Joselyn couldn’t believe Gina was convinced something was going on between her and Luke. It really was embarrassing that Gina and Kelly were both picking up on Joselyn’s attraction to him. She really needed to figure out how to hide her feelings better. Her heart certainly wasn’t listening to her head.

  After the first several rounds, Joselyn lost count. Too many thoughts occupied her mind, all of them involving Luke. It only increased her annoyance with herself. She kicked her legs harder, pulled her arms through the water faster, and decided to see if she could break records for herself with her speed.

  She popped her head out of the water once she again reached the concrete wall. Joselyn held on to the side of the pool, breathing rapidly, heart racing. Perhaps she had overdone it a little, but a good workout was what she needed.