Maya

 

 

"Maya?" I hear a man's voice to my left but when I turn in that direction I'm greeted with a throng of people all waiting to cross Fifth Avenue.

I shake off the interruption as a mirage and continue walking and typing on my phone even though I know it's hazardous to my health.

"Maya, wait." The voice is louder and closer this time so I pocket my phone, saving the draft of the note I was working on to remind myself of everything I have to do today, including the most important task.

Irene and Tom Clarkson want another look at the penthouse when they come to town next week so as soon as I'm done with my morning showing at the Warton place, I'm going to give them a call to schedule that. 

I turn when I hear the man call for me again. "Jason? Is that you?"

Technically, it's Dr. Jason Hunt.

We dated more than a year ago. It was fun, he was interesting until we both realized that the only thing we had in common was sex.

Fascinating discussions were never part of our dynamic. We'd eat take-out at my place, head to my bed and he'd be out the door within minutes after finishing.

"You look incredible." He pulls me into a tight embrace. "It's been months since I've seen you."

"How are you?" I step back and look at his face. He's handsome. I always thought that. His face isn't sculpted like Julian's, but he's definitely attractive.

"Good. I'm good." He shoves his hands into the front pockets of his jeans. "I've been meaning to call you."

I smile. I know where this is headed. We hooked up twice after the end of our relationship. It was within weeks of our breakup and it only prolonged the inevitable. The next time he hit me up for a quickie, I shut him down. I haven't heard a word since.

"About?" I raise a brow.

"I'm on the market for a new place."

I squeeze my eyes shut. "I don't handle rentals anymore, Jason."

"You're a full-fledged broker now."

I look at him again. "You know that?"

"I take a peek at your profile on the Carvel website from time-to-time," he admits. "I like your hair like that."

It's the same as it was when we were sleeping together. It's just longer now. I, on the other hand, am wiser.

"Thank you. So you're looking to buy?"

He nods. "Exactly. I want to invest in a decent property. It's time to throw my money into a mortgage instead of rent."

"I'm swamped right now but I can set you up with another broker from my firm if that works for you."

I can tell by the obvious disappointment on his face that it's not the answer he was expecting. "When will you have time to show me a few places? I trust your judgment, Maya, and besides, you know what I like."

The inference is there in his words. He's not talking about white cabinetry and oak floors. "I'm in a relationship."

"Is it serious?"

That's none of his business but I answer anyway. "I'm not sure, yet. It's new. It's early."

"If that changes, call me." He lets out a sigh. "It would be good to catch up."

I don't respond because I have no idea what to say. As much fun as I had in the past with Jason, it doesn't compare to what I have with Julian now. I won't risk that by taking on an ex as a client. There are plenty of brokers in this city who would be more than willing to help Jason find a place to call home. I just don't happen to be one of them.

 

***

 

I finish my work day with a coffee meeting with Jen and then a call to Julian. He doesn't answer. I try his assistant who once again tells me that Julian is unavailable unless it's an emergency.

My desire to sit in his lap and ride his cock isn't really a life or death situation even if I'm desperate to come.

I decide to invite my sister out for dinner. Our time together has been limited as of late. With all the hours I'm putting in trying to sell the Warton residence and the Bishop Hotel penthouse, I feel like I've lost my grip on my life.

Falon is in Memphis this week with Asher while he works with a new group of musicians on a song he just wrote. I made a note in my calendar to touch base with her before the week is out so I can see her once she's landed back in New York.

"Where do you want to go for dinner, Tilly?" I ask as soon as she picks up my call. "Name the place. It's my treat."

"I have a blind date."

"Why is this the first time I'm hearing about it?"

She laughs. It's light and filled with joy. "Maybe because you've been ignoring me for weeks now. I've had to risk life and limb to meet strange men on my own."

"That ends tonight. I'll spy on you like the good old days."

I hear movement. "I'm just about to walk out the door. I'm meeting him at a bar on the corner of Forty-Second and Third in twenty minutes."

"You need to haul ass if you're going to make it there in time," I point out. Since I'm less than three blocks from there, I start walking in that direction. "I'll see you there, but ignore me unless he's a jerk."

"Thanks for having my back, Maya. I've missed you."

I bite back a tear. "I've missed you too, Tilly."