Page 50 of His to Love
I typed a quick reply and hit send.
Would love to. Fireside Grill? Have to look at some apartments and I have news for you.
Without waiting for his response, knowing he might not see it right away, I slipped my phone back into my purse so I wouldn’t be distracted.
Throughout the afternoon, I sat in meetings with Simone about other upcoming events and answered the surprisingly complex phone system. On top of meeting Simone, I also met four of her other event planners, two more assistants, and the small IT department. It was a small office, but everyone was warm and welcoming. I quickly learned that while Simone was direct, sometimes even coming across as cold, she held the respect of everyone in the office, and they seemed to genuinely like her.
I almost wanted to thank my father for tossing this opportunity right into my lap.
By the time my workday was done, I was equal parts exhausted and thrilled as I picked up my purse and slung the strap over my shoulder.
“There isn’t anything else you need from me today, is there?” I asked Simone, stopping at her doorway.
Clicking fingers on the keyboard paused briefly enough to wave me off before they returned to rapid typing. “Nope. We’re good. Thank you.”
I turned to leave when I heard her call my name again.
“Yes?” I tilted my head and waited.
Her hands paused on the keyboard and hovered. “I meant what I said earlier. I might be giving you this opportunity because of your father, but you’ll have to earn your spot.”
I got it. I actually liked that. “Understood.”
Her red lips stretched into a small smile. “I also want you to know that based on what you’ve shown me today, I have no doubt you’ll do just that.”
“Thank you,” I said, my voice a bit breathy. Stress that I hadn’t realized I was carrying melted from shoulders.
“Don’t thank me. Just continue to work hard. We’ll see you tomorrow.”
Without another glance, her fingers began moving and her eyes refocused on her computer screen. Earlier, I had learned that she usually worked long into the night and was often at the office hours before anyone else. The woman was a workhorse.
With a slight pep to my step, I left the office and boarded the elevator. As soon as I started my car, I grabbed my phone from my purse and checked the screen while I let the car cool down from the humid heat it had sat in all day.
Three missed calls. One from my father. Two from Malik.
One text from Tyson:
Blackbird: Fireside at 7?
I typed out a response letting him know I’d meet him there and then put the phone in my cup holder. My father and Malik could wait a while.
I had a new home to go find.
—
The apartment was perfect. I spun in a slow circle, taking in the beautiful architecture of the old-style building. Peace flooded my veins. How was it possible that in a matter of hours, everything I had wanted seemed to be falling into place?
This place felt like home.
There wasn’t a single thing about this apartment, the first I’d seen, that didn’t meet every qualification I had for a home. Secure entrance with a doorman—while I wanted my freedom, I knew my family had enemies. Security was important.
The complex had been recently built but the architecture kept the feel of historic Latham Hills. Doorways were curved, the woodwork a deep, rich oak that could have come straight from the 1920s, but the kitchen was outfitted with the most top-of-the-line appliances, new cupboards, and a modern worktop. Everything about the place screamed elegance.
I absolutely loved it.
“I’ll take it.” Finishing my slow spin, I looked at the apartment manager.
Nancy Maskin had been nothing but helpful and kind. “Excellent.” She opened a file folder filled with information along with a leasing contract. “We can take care of this now, if you’re not in a hurry.”
