“Oh, yes, of course. I’m curious. What is your business partner’s name?”
“Chris.”
Huh, I’ve worked with a few people named Chris, both men and women.
He doesn’t offer any more but goes straight into the building. “The building I want to see is vacant, and I’m hoping we can see it today if that works for you,” he says.
He rattles off the address, and I look it up. It is indeed vacant and for sale. It’s about a thirty-minute drive, and one of my favorite lunch spots is on the way.
“Could you meet me there in an hour?” I ask.
“Sounds great. See you then.” He ends the call.
I submit my lunch order online so it will be ready when I get there. Then I grab my coat.
“Oh, are you leaving?” Susan asks.
I turn to see her leaning in the doorway of her office. “Yes, the contact you gave me wants to see a building today.”
She claps her hands together. “That’s wonderful!”
Susan doesn’t have an online log system set up yet, so I left the address on my desk. Although she’ll only need it if I manage to sell the place.
“Don’t forget to take the company car.” She waves toward the garish beast.
I reluctantly grab the key fob for it. Truth be told, I’d prefer to use my own car. Don’t get me wrong, the car is nice enough, but it’s bright baby blue and has a large butterfly painted across the back, with Susan’s name and number on each side. I get that she wants it to be seen, but I don’t really like being seen in it.
It’s my first month, and I’m not going to fight this battle now. I drive the blue beast to pick up lunch and eat it in the car while in the parking lot. What I hadn’t counted on was how many little kids would be excited by this car. Not one small child has been able to walk by without commenting on the butterfly.
I manage to scarf down the soup and sandwich without wearing any of it. Something I consider a win. I should have allowed more time. But it all works out, and I arrive at the vacant building one minute early. The building is more than vacant. There are vines growing up the side of it, and the property is overgrown with bushes. Between that and the long driveway, it can’t be seen from the road. That’s not a good thing for a business.
I park next to another car. It must be Tom’s, but he’s not inside. He can’t get into the building without me, so Iwonder where he went. I exit my car, and he walks around from the back of the building.
“Mr. Smith?” I ask.
He smiles and holds out his hand. “Yes, Ms. Williams?”
“Yes, nice to meet you.”
“You too.”
He’s wearing an expensive suit, and his nails appear to be manicured. This man takes care of himself.
Unfortunately, he stands too close for my comfort, so I take a step to the side and motion to the building. After everything I’ve been through, I need more space than I used to.
“Can you tell me why you picked this place? It seems to be in disrepair,” I say.
He laughs as he steps close to me again. “Yes, but that usually means I can get a deal on it.”
I take a step back, plastering on a smile. “True. Sounds like you know what you’re doing.”
Trying to create some space, I move toward the front door where a lock box is located. I managed to get the key out, despite my shaking hands. My mind goes back to when Hunter asked if I was scared during showings. I have been, but today, it’s more.
I unlock the door and open it to allow Tom inside first. He walks in and looks around. I sigh with relief. He really is interested in the building, and I’m being paranoid. Of course, the last few weeks would make anyone paranoid.
He walks around inside, looking closely at the walls, which is odd.
“Do you have any questions about the building?” I ask.
