Chapter Twenty-One
Tony Greer is a lovely man. I met him through another client, Jacques, who assures me that Tony wants love, but he doesn’t think he’s ready for it. Tony was widowed young about five years ago—I would guess he’s in his late thirties or early forties—and has settled into a solitary life. Hence, my new client is under the impression that I’m a great realtor and nothing more.
“Tony,” I call out when I walk into the Century Cathedral building. My client is probably five-feet-ten inches tall. He’s handsome in an understated way. He could be a real stunner if he stood taller and carried himself with more confidence. As it is, he has a hangdog quality about him, which I know is sadness, but others might assume is shyness or awkwardness.
“Emily,” Tony leans slightly to kiss my cheek as soon as I get to him. “I’m surprised you want to show me something here. I was thinking more of a house. I don’t like having a lot of people around.”
I shrug. “I thought it would be nice to have a frame of reference when it comes to choosing where you want to buy.”
He nods his head amiably and responds, “I guess.” It’s going to be hard doing what I do without my client knowing what that is. But Jacque assures me that Tony will run for the hills if he thinks someone is trying to get him to move on.
As soon as we get to the elevator, and the doors open, I know without a shadow of a doubt that this is the building where Tony is meant to live. A bright light surrounds him that is so blinding I’m tempted to put my sunglasses on.
Totally distracted by the display of colors radiating off of him, I hit the button for the sixth floor too late. The elevator passes our destination and keeps rising. When it finally stops and the doors open again, Abril walks in. The color display that encompasses both her and Tony is like watching fireworks from way too close. It’s positively blinding. Why didn’t I realize Abril was the one for Tony when I ran into her the other day?
Abril pulls up short when she sees me, but her eyes quickly move over to my companion. When they come back to me, she says, “Emily.”
“Abril,” I say like there was never a harsh word between us. “I’d like you to meet Tony Greer. I’m showing him the place on the sixth floor.”
Tony looks mildly stunned as he reaches to shake Abril’s hand. “Do you live in the building?”
“I do,” she replies somewhat breathlessly.
“Abril is one of my clients. She’s looking for a nice family home,” I interrupt.
“Oh, you have a family.” Tony sounds disappointed.
“Not yet,” Abril assures him. “I am all alone for now, but I have decided it is time to get busy and rectify that situation.” She glances at me excitedly. I usually only get to see my love connections after the couple has fallen for each other. Seeing one before it’s formed is downright exciting.
When the elevator stops on six, I say, “I know how busy you are, Abril, but I was wondering if you’d mind seeing the condo with us? That way Tony could ask you about the building and the neighborhood.”
“I would be delighted.” I don’t think Abril and I are fighting anymore.
She holds out her arm to Tony and says, “We have the best coffee shop in the lobby. They get all of their pastries from Sunshine Sweets in Beverly Hills.”
“So, you like living in this building?” Tony sounds only mildly uncomfortable by Abril’s outgoing manner.
“I adore it!” she gushes. “My parents own the condo I am living in, and they want to sell it, but I’m looking to stay here in the building.” She flashes me a smile that is both enthusiastic and apologetic. Meanwhile, I’m thinking her parents? So much for my assumption she was in a failing romance. It sounds more like a family squabble.
I decide now is the perfect time to invite both of my clients to Sky’s and my party. “While I have you both here, I was wondering if you’d like to come to a party I’m throwing on Valentine’s Day, in the evening.”
“Why would you throw a party then? Surely everyone will be otherwise engaged,” Tony says.
Abril looks between us, but wisely doesn’t say anything about what I do. Instead, she declares, “I would love to come. Just text me the details.”
“What about you, Tony?” I ask trying to keep the excitement out of my voice. I don’t want to scare the man away.
“I … I guess,” he stammers. “I’m not really a party person …”
“I think we owe it to ourselves to have a little fun,” Abril tells him. “Plus, at least we will know each other, so it won’t be like going to a party full of strangers.”
Is that a blush creeping across Tony’s face? “I suppose you’re right,” he tells her before turning his focus to me. “I’ll be there.”
“Excellent!” Now all I have to do is get Jonathan to okay the use of his house, because we’ll never find a public space on such short notice. No pressure.
Overall, Tony likes the unit on the sixth floor, but he has some concerns. “The view is nice, but I’d love to see a condo higher up for comparison.”
“I will take you up to see my place,” Abril offers before I can suggest it.
“I don’t want to impose,” Tony says.
“Nonsense. My parents would be thrilled if I found the buyer for their investment property.”
“Well, if it’s not a problem, then.” Tony looks happier than I’ve yet seen him.
“Why don’t you two go on up and I’ll meet you there in a few minutes,” I suggest. “I need to make a quick call.” I want to give them some time alone.
Tony doesn’t have a chance to respond because Abril grabs his arm and pulls him toward the door. “Take your time,” she says. “He is in good hands.”
Flashing a nervous grin, Tony asks, “You know where to find me?”
“I’ll be up in ten minutes,” I assure him.
Once they leave, I plop down on the couch and pull out my phone to text Sky.
Me: I’m going to ask Jonathan today if we can use his place for our party.
Sky: Steven says not to let him say no.
Me: Um, okay. Short of gagging him and tying him up, I’m not sure how to do that.
Sky: Do you want me to be there when you ask? He might have a harder time saying no to both of us.
Me: No, I’ve got it. That way if he does say no, you can use your wiles on him and ask again.
Sky: My wiles?
Me: You know, your boobs. You could wear something tight and stick your chest out, so he’s blinded long enough to agree to anything.
Sky: First of all, I am not going to use my boobs on Jonathan. I like Steven. Second, I’m sure someone in his business is immune to the power of my wiles, as you call them.
Me: I didn’t mean to offend you. It’s just that sometimes I feel invisible in this town with my skimpy B-cup.
Sky: I think it’s great that you love yourself enough to be yourself. It’s the rest of us I worry about. We spend so much time primping and preening, I think we’ve lost the thread of what’s really important.
Me: Not you, my friend. You’re lucky enough to be grounded and gorgeous. You’ve got it made.
Sky: The grass is always greener, Em. All I want is a nice guy who will love me no matter what I look like. Can you imagine the shock if I find a guy now and then decide to go natural? He’d freak.
Me: Would Steven freak?
Sky: I don’t think so. I think he’s the real deal.
Me: Well then, there’s nothing to worry about, is there?
Sky: I guess not. (smiley emoji)
Me: I’ll see you at home tonight. Will you be there for supper?
Sky: Steven is cooking for me at his place. Hopefully you’ll already be in bed when I get back.
Me: If that’s so, wake me up and tell me everything!
Sky: Whoops, gotta go. Lucy is sniffing around your desk. I’m going to go smack her hands.
Me: Don’t worry if you miss and slap her face.
I continue to sit on the couch for another ten minutes to give Abril and Tony more time together. By the time I get to Abril’s apartment, my phone pings with an incoming text. It’s from Tony.
Tony: Abril and I went for coffee. I’ll call you later this afternoon.
I look at my watch and realize I have plenty of time to get home for lunch, so I decide to make a quick stop first.