by H.H. Fowler
Chapter Three
In the luxurious coves of SandyPort, The News Café was a popular ole town breakfast and lunch spot. It offered a full delicatessen style menu, along with an ice cream parlor. The waitress came over and took my name before escorting me to a table for two. Taj stood up when he saw me approaching. He was so gorgeous that I often wondered how his parents looked – to have created such startling beauty.
I sighed inwardly as I stopped within a few feet of his stare and extended my hand for a professional shake. Simply put, it was blasphemous for a man to look the way Taj did. He gently lifted my hand to his lips and pressed the soft flesh against my skin, making my toes twist in my shoes. Lord, Jesus, if only you could bless me with a man like this!
“Sierra Lloyd, I’ve been meaning to have this talk with you,” he began and then arrested me with those hazel eyes. “Jennifer raves about your work incessantly. I just had to bite the bullet and see for myself.”
I gave Taj a cautionary glance. “Does Jennifer know we are having this meeting?”
Showing just how much of a gentleman he was, Taj walked to my side of the table and pulled out my chair. He made sure that I was properly tucked in before venturing back to his side. The waitress placed two menus in front of us, took our drink order and then left us to resume our conversation.
To my question, Taj clasped his hands on table, and said, “There’s nothing that I don’t share with Jennifer. Secrets somehow always return to bite you in the butt...”
I was a bit crestfallen by his response and I couldn’t understand why. Maybe it was because deep down, I wanted this meeting to remain a secret between us, which then would be a serious red flag as it pertained to my real intentions. Of course, the obvious showed that I enjoyed being in Taj’s presence, but did I have the courage to admit that there could be something inherently wrong with me? Oh God, how do I end this? I prayed as I focused on a sensible comeback. “Well, that is commendable. With traits like those, you will certainly make Jennifer a fine husband someday.”
I looked away, but I felt his eyes piercing deep into my soul.
“Thank you. But I haven’t completed what I was going to say. While it is true that I don’t keep secrets from Jennifer, this meeting with you is an exception.”
I turned my gaze back to him. “I don’t understand.”
“Well, it’s rather simple. I want to surprise Jennifer with the home of her dreams. And that’s where you come in. We are going to find Jennifer the perfect place on Paradise Island. No other property will do.”
I should’ve been happy for my best friend – actually, I was excited for her, but I couldn’t get past my disappointment. My expectation of the meeting was not going as I’d thought. But what did I expect from this man anyway? Roses and a box of sugary chocolates? Reality check, Sierra: Taj loves Jennifer and is going to marry her within four short months. I took a deep breath to adjust my mood. How wicked of me to even allow myself to be smitten by another woman’s man. There, I finally admitted it.
I replied, “You do know that the properties I negotiate – especially on Paradise Island – start around 2.5 million dollars and up? I can refer you to someone else if that amount exceeds your budget –”
“You are referring me to someone else? You didn’t say that yesterday evening.”
“Well, as part of what I do, I was merely making a suggestion, or broadening your options, so to speak. As for example, you can rent for much cheaper but will still be able to enjoy the amenities that Paradise Island offers. Properties such as Lyford Cay and Westridge are other hot spots for affluent living but could be purchased at a price less intimidating.”
Taj smirked. “You don’t think I can afford four million dollars?”
“I did not say that, Mr. Brooks – ”
“You’re typecasting me because I drive a limo for a sweet, seventy-year-old woman. Please, call me Taj. Mr. Brooks is too formal.”
“Well,” I said, wanting to cut to the chase, “do you have four million dollars?”
“Why are you upset?”
“I am not upset…” I paused to lower the tone of my voice. “I simply tell my clients how it is. You moved here from Florida three months ago and you are probably not aware that properties on Paradise Island are highly sought after. I wouldn’t want to waste your time… or mine, for that matter.”
Taj was right. I was upset, but I couldn’t really say why. Maybe I had been too judgmental. However, it was part of my job to ensure buyers were not in over their heads. How much did a limo driver make? Five hundred to a thousand dollars a week? Hardly enough to rent a two-bedroom condo on Paradise Island.
“I’m no stranger to the Bahamas,” Taj said. “How much I can afford is my decision, isn’t it? I would like for you to show me some listings that are available on Paradise Island. Nothing more; nothing less.”
I stared into that handsome face sitting across the table from me. The eyes, the nose, the jawline were in perfect symmetry with each other. Why was I so taken by this man? Maybe it was his relaxed composure, being able to handle my craziness without getting all bent out of shape about it. I respected a man who was not moved by my candor.
When the waitress returned with a pad to write what we were having from the menu, I explained to her that I would take my order to go. My excuse was that I had a mountain of things to do. Taj kept his gaze locked on me while I spoke to the waitress.
“Are you meeting with another client?” he questioned when we were alone again.
“As a matter of fact, I am,” I lied and asked the Lord to forgive me within the same breath. I pushed away from the table and stood to my feet. “I will call you in a few days to let you know what is available. Keep in mind, Mr. Brooks…er, Taj, that buying real estate on Paradise Island is very costly – and not just in terms of simply purchasing it, but maintaining it.”
Taj stood as well, showing me that dimpled smile. “Thank you, Sierra. I know you will do your best to make Jennifer happy.”
There he goes again, throwing my friendship with Jennifer in my face. He knew I would do anything for Jennifer. However, showing him around the available properties meant that we would be spending a lot of time together. Should I follow through with referring Taj to another broker and save myself from being tempted to commit the unpardonable? Because I didn’t see any good coming out of us spending more time together.
But a small part of me desired to be in Taj’s presence, looking at his perfect face and imagining it was me that he was getting married to. But that desire was usually shrouded in the voice of my conscience, which persisted I should cut my losses and wait for God to bless me with my own husband.