"Mmmhmm." She gave him another folder, this time handing it over carefully. "This one is from your lawyer and you'll want to read through it carefully. He said the language on the letters of intent are a bit wonky." Gwen used air quotes for that last word. "But if you're okay with most of the details, you could offload your DC properties with a huge profit."
"Sounds good. Anything else?" He couldn't summon up enough energy to care about any of this.
Gwen blinked obnoxiously at him several times and flared her nostrils. "I guess not." She tapped the remaining folders. "Here's the rest of your homework for tonight. Make sure you review everything and let me know how to proceed tomorrow."
"Will do." James turned back to the view, noticing the lack of contrast between the concrete and steel against the gray sky. His phone pinged behind him and Gwen called out as she strolled out the door. "And for the love of god, please answer your messages. Everyone's driving me nuts."
He snatched his phone from his desk, hoping to see another message from Anna. His thumb pressed the text app, and he growled when he saw Gus’s name.
Hey man, we haven’t seen you around in a while. We have some updates for you, so let us know when you can talk. It’s all good news.
With another heavy sigh, he typed out a quick response, letting Gus know he was traveling and out of pocket for at least the next couple of weeks.
That done, he stood and stretched his sore limbs. He'd pushed himself hard yesterday in a grueling workout and today he was paying the price. Now all he wanted to do was go home and go to bed.
His eyes landed on the stack of folders, and he groaned. There'd be no sleep for a while until he went through that paperwork. Gwen would have his head if he didn’t do his “homework”.
He stuffed the pile into his bag and left his office, determined to get home. But his first stop would be his mother's apartment. It was time he found out what she'd left for him.
Two hours later, James strode through the doors of The Lotus. His mother had lived in this building for close to twenty years and it had been her favorite residence. He’d bought her several homes over the years, but she’d always refused to leave this place.
The doorman tipped his hat. “Good afternoon, Mr. Armstrong. Nice to see you again.”
“Hello, George. How’s the family?” James asked as he pulled several bills from his pocket. George had watched over his mother in her later years, something James would always be grateful for.
“Growing!” The burly man boasted, his chest puffing out. “Our first grandchild arrives in a month.”
“That’s fantastic!” He handed over the tip with a nod and pressed the elevator button. “Give my best to your son and daughter-in-law,” he called over his shoulder.
The elevator doors opened and he stepped in, selecting the fifteenth floor. He ignored the pang in his heart as the car doors opened and he stepped out. It had been eight months since he’d been here, just after his mother had passed, and he’d been consumed with grief and guilt. Packing her belongings had been one of the most difficult tasks he’d ever completed and the feelings came back to him with a rush.
This was the last place he wanted to be right now.
Firming his jaw, he unlocked the door and walked in, noting immediately the stale air. When his mother had been alive, the space had always smelled fresh, like the various flower arrangements she’d had throughout her home. And every inch had been crammed with her various keepsakes and antique furniture. She never liked to throw things away.
After packing her belongings, he’d left before the movers removed the furniture. It was strange to see it so empty now.
James walked to the east window that looked out over Central Park, his finger tracing along the window casing, his heart heavy. She’d sit in this spot for hours every day and drink her tea, watching people stroll along the sidewalks, going about their lives.
That’s exactly what he had done—gone about his life without making time or her a priority. He’d give anything to have that time with her again.
He could almost feel her here now, as if she were standing next to him, gazing down on her favorite view, a half smile on her face. She always said she could tell which people were stressed out, depressed, or happy, just by the way they walked in the park. At least it brought her a measure of joy.
James glanced toward her bedroom hallway, her message ringing in his ears. He pushed away the image of Anna, her body stiff as a board, her eyes glassy and voice different, as she’d channeled his mother’s words.
I left something for you in that special hiding place in my apartment. You know where—the closet beside my favorite window. You missed something when you packed up my things. Trust me, you'll need this.
Grumbling out a determined sigh, he moved to her empty bedroom and spotted the misplaced board on the wall between the window and walk-in closet. It was an ingenious hiding spot—most people would never spot the defect. But behind it, was an empty space that was the perfect spot to hide valuables. He’d been so absorbed and shocked when he'd cleared out her belongings that he’d completely forgotten it.
Firming his mouth, he popped the board out and squinted into the dark hole. There was no telling what could be in there, so rather than blindly sticking his hand in, he shone his cell phone’s flashlight. He spotted the small jewelry box immediately, sitting by itself, and carefully retrieved it.
A memory of his mother showing him this box flashed through his mind. He’d been ten, if he remembered correctly, not long after his father had passed away.
This is very important for you, James. This ring is blessed with good fortune and someday, when you’re grown, you will need this. You’ll give this to the woman you’re going to marry and it will bring you a lifetime of happiness. Never forget it.
James choked back the tears as he opened the lid. Of course his mother would remind him of this. Thank god for that—he would have missed this eventually. And there was only one woman he wanted to give this ring to.
Anna…
