Maya

 

 

I feel like an idiot. After hearing Julian explain what was happening with Isadora, I wanted to crawl under a rock. I couldn't. I sat down at the dining room table with him and enjoyed a delicious dinner and a bottle of champagne.

By the time the chef and server were leaving, I was tipsy.

Julian took me home in a taxi and walked me to my door before kissing me goodnight. I thought he'd take me home with him, but that didn't happen.

I spent the night alone, wondering why I had allowed myself to get so jealous that I lost sight of what was right in front of me.

"I finally got in touch with that Simon guy," Jen interrupts my thoughts when she walks into my office. "He's interested in a second showing. I set that up for this afternoon. I emailed you a schedule for today."

I'm grateful that she's as aggressive as she is with chasing down leads.

I don't have much time left to sell the Bishop Hotel penthouse. When I first took on the job, I was certain that I'd have it sold in a week, but it's been a challenge.

It's made me realize that I don’t have the same contacts as many of the other brokers at Carvel. Anne has encouraged everyone to work on this deal together, but they all know that if I fail that opens the door for another broker to take over.

It's smart business.

Why should they work their asses off to help me sell a property that they may end up selling on their own? It's no secret that the broker who lists the penthouse and sells it also gets the exclusive to the other eleven properties.

"Has anyone else called with an interest in seeing it?"

It's a useless question. Jen lets me know the instant anyone calls or emails about the penthouse.

"No one." She shrugs her shoulder. "I'm not giving up hope yet, Maya. We still have time and the Clarksons are super interested."
I'm starting to feel like they're my only remaining hope.

"I think it would be wise for us to start pursuing new listings." Jen looks down at her phone. "I've been sending out some queries to my old contacts to see if any of them are thinking about moving. We may be able to snag a listing or two through them."

I'm grateful. Jen knows that if I don't sell the penthouse that I'll have to let her go. Her salary is paid for by me, not Carvel and although I'm fine covering it now, I won't be able to afford it unless I earn that huge commission.

"I'll send out some emails to my contacts too." I pick up my phone. "I think that was all I needed."

"Don't give up, Maya." She steps closer to my desk. "You just sold a multi-million dollar property. That's a huge accomplishment. Keep pushing on the penthouse and you'll get that sold too."

My eyes meet hers. "We'll get it sold. I couldn't do this without you."

She beams. "I'll get back to work. I'll send you a text reminder before your showing with Simon this afternoon."

 

***

 

"See how that works?" Julian ushers me into his office with a hand on the center of my lower back. "You tell my assistant you're here and she lets me know immediately."

I manage a smile. It took all the courage I could muster to come down here today and it wasn't just because I half expected to see Isadora following Julian around.

I have no idea if she's here or not. It doesn't matter. I had to see him after what happened last night. I turned what could have been a wonderful celebratory dinner into a difficult and awkward evening.

I wait until he closes the door behind me before I say anything. "I'm here to apologize. I didn't handle things well yesterday and I'm embarrassed."

He takes my face in his palms and plants a soft kiss on my lips. "It's forgotten, Maya."

I stare into his eyes. They're such a beautiful shade of blue. They match his tie to perfection today. That paired with the black shirt and suit he's wearing gives him an edgy, yet elegant look.

"I shouldn't have tested you like that." I want to put it behind me too, but not before he completely understands that I'm not normally the kind of person who tests someone she cares about. "I'm sorry that I did."

His hands glide down my neck to my shoulders. "I shouldn't have handled things the way I did either, but we're learning how to navigate one another, Maya. That's a good thing. It's healthy and important."

"You're incredible." I lean forward to kiss him. "I always thought you'd be the wisest person I'd ever met. You're proving me right."

"I'm far from wise." He steps back to unbutton his suit jacket. "I'm learning as I go."

I narrow my eyes as I consider his words. "I'm learning too. I'm learning that breaking my rules was one of the smartest choices I've ever made."

"Having dinner with me tonight would be a smart choice as well."

"As long as there are no alcoholic beverages involved, I'm on board." I roll my eyes. "I had way too much champagne last night."

"No drinks tonight," he agrees. "We'll have some dinner and then you'll show me what you have under that dress. I'll pick you up at your place at seven."