Maya

 

 

This is it. I'm showing the penthouse to the Clarksons again. They are my last hope. 

When I showed it to Simon the other day, there was no excitement in his eyes. He walked through the space sullenly, not asking any additional questions. He left in a hurry, and I haven't heard anything from him or his representative, Todd, since then.

I hear the ding of the elevator and I smooth my hands over the blue dress I'm wearing. It's a simple sheath dress. I've pulled my hair back into a tight ponytail, and I've applied the barest hint of makeup.

I did all of that while texting Julian this morning. As I was leaving his place yesterday morning, he told me that he'd be consumed with work for the next few days. I didn't take it as a brush off. I heard his phone ringing periodically through the night as I tried to sleep.

He's opening a new hotel in Paris soon and with everything else he's trying to juggle, that has to put even more stress on him.

Isadora might be part of every decision he makes right now, but she's not the one who spent the night with him. I am. I feel more confident in his feelings for me after the intimacy we shared.

"Maya," Irene Clarkson approaches me as they round the corridor and enter the main living space. "You look beautiful."

"Thank you." I step toward her when I sense that she's coming in for an embrace. She does. "You look rested and well, Irene. Tom's been treating you extra well?"

Tom leans forward to kiss my cheek softly. "I treasure this woman. I make every single day as special as I can."

This is what I want with Julian. I'm falling in love with him. I haven't admitted that to anyone yet, but my heart is screaming it constantly. It's much too soon to tell him, so I'll hold onto the feeling myself until the time is right to share it.

"How's Julian?" Irene bumps her shoulder against mine. "He's a handsome fellow, Maya. I think he runs a close second to Tom."

I smile at her. "Julian is well. He's caught up in work but that's what happens when you run one of the premier hotel chains in the country."

"Speaking of that." Tom wraps his arm around Irene's shoulders. "We have to thank him for the spa day and dinner at Axel. What a treat that was. The man certainly knows how to treat his guests."

And his lovers.

I'm still nursing a tender ache in virtually every one of my muscles after our marathon night. Once I finally did fall asleep, I woke to the wet heat of Julian's tongue on my nipple. He licked me to an early morning orgasm before he took me in the shower from behind.

I left his apartment more satisfied than I've ever felt and more sure of his devotion to me.

"If all goes well, maybe we can meet him for a drink." I wink.
"We love this place." Irene looks toward the bank of windows directly in front of us. "We've worked hard for a retirement that includes a place just like this."

Those words are music to my ears.

I sweep my arm in the air. "I want you both to take your time and look around. I've arranged lunch to be delivered on the terrace for you so you can get a feel for that. Cut a rug here in the main room if you'd like. Just see if this place connects with the two of you and your vision for the future."

Irene's eyes well with tears. "You are a dear. It's a big decision. We want to be sure."

"As you should be." I squeeze her hand. "I'm going to be in the office down the hall doing a bit of work. If you have any questions or you need to hear a little Sinatra, let me know."

They both smile as I wave my phone in the air.

"Thank you, Maya." Tom takes in a deep breath. "We think we know what we want to do, but this opportunity will settle those nerves for us."

I feel my heart leap. They're close. I think this might be it.

"I'll leave you two to enjoy the space together." I walk away with a feeling that the Clarksons just found their New York home.

 

***

 

"You had an interview with Julian today?" I motion for Charlie to close my office door. "For what?"

He shuts the door behind him before he settles in one of the guest chairs in front of my desk. "Senior counsel for Bishop Hotels."

That's Isadora's job.

"I know what you're thinking, Maya." He crosses his legs. "He's getting rid of Isadora."

I smile at his choice of words. I'd like to get rid of her too. If I had my choice, she'd be on an airplane headed to some remote location that doesn't have any return flights.

"Did he say when you'd start this job if he offers it to you?" I push because I'm curious.

Julian and I haven't discussed Isadora since the day after I saw her at his office. I've been tempted to ask about their involvement on business projects, but that would cause friction between us that isn't necessary.

I know Julian cares deeply for me and that Isadora is just a co-worker. At least, in his eyes that's the case, I obviously can't begin to imagine how she views him.

"About a month from now." He slides his fingers along the arm of his glasses. "I haven't told Anne yet, or anyone for that matter. I know you're involved with Julian now that he's no longer with Isadora. I thought you'd like to know that I may be working with him soon."

Charlie and I haven't discussed my relationship with Julian because we've both moved on. He's been dating the woman from accounting. I've seen the two of them together in the breakroom. He's happy and I'm glad for that.

Our connection may have been brief, but I want him to find the same kind of fulfillment that I'm finding with Julian.

"I appreciate that," I offer with a small smile. "Has Isadora left Bishop?"

"No." He shakes his head. "I had to meet Julian at the hotel in Tribeca for a coffee. He didn't want me at the office. He said Isadora wasn't aware that he was interviewing and he wanted me to keep it quiet. He told me that Isadora talked to him about hiring me on as a junior attorney before they broke up."

"Really?"

"I was surprised too but he said that's why she invited me to the launch party." He stops to scratch his chin." I don't think he'll mind that I'm telling you all of this."

I don't think he will either, but I'm mildly surprised that he didn't mention it to me already. We shared a string of text messages this morning, but those were mostly flirtatious offerings.

"Will you take it, Charlie?" I ask with a grin playing on my lips. I already know the answer. Charlie's potential isn't being utilized here at Carvel. He spends most of his time reviewing sales contracts and working on closing documents.

He told me during our first date that he wants more challenge to sink his teeth into. Working at Bishop will give him that.

"In a heartbeat, Maya." He holds up his hand, showing me two crossed fingers. "Keep your fingers crossed for me. Or better yet, put in a good word with Julian. I want that job, Maya. I really want it."