Until April (Until Her 6)

Once I write it up, Harris and I take off to our next showing, and by the time the day comes to an end, we have three offers out to sellers, which means his trip to The Bahamas is even more possible than it was this morning. When I drop him off a few hours later, I can tell he’s exhausted, so I walk him to his door, say a quick hello to Molly and her mom, then take off.

Unlike Harris, I have no one to get home to, I just have work to keep me occupied until I call it a night. And even though I tell myself that I’m not lonely I know, deep down, that I am.

Chapter 2

April

I WALK INTO Frank & More and stop in front of the receptionist, trying not to get annoyed with the pretty blonde behind the shiny counter when she doesn’t even acknowledge my presence. As I listen to her talk to someone who is obviously a guy she hooked up with a few nights ago and not a client, I fight the urge to reach over and hang up the call. If I weren’t here for a listing, I would do it. After what feels like minutes but is probably seconds, she tips her head back my way and covers the receiver, plastering a plastic smile on her face.

“Hi, can I help you?”

“I’m here to meet with Frank,” I tell her, and she looks down at the top of the desk.

“April Mayson?”

“Yes.”

“He said you could go on back when you got here,” she tells me, pointing to a set of glass double doors at the side of the counter.

“Thanks.” My heels click as I walk across the white tile floor and push through into Frank’s office.

“April.” He stands to greet me as soon as I enter, giving me a slimy, sticky-sweet smile, and I return one of my own.

“Frank.” I take hold of his bicep and lean up on my heels to kiss his cheek.

“I was surprised to hear from you.” He takes a seat and leans back in his chair, linking his hands together before resting them over his stomach as he eyes my chest. “What can I do for you?”

“I have a client who is looking to purchase a bar or a club downtown, and I know that’s your area of expertise.” I sit in front of from him and cross one leg over the other, settling my large leather bag on the seat next to my hip.

“So you want my help.”

I don’t want your help. I just didn’t have a choice but to come to you for help, I think as he laughs and leans back farther in his chair.

“What’s in it for me?”

“If you help me find the spot, I’ll split my commission with you. My client is looking to pay cash, so there won’t be a lot of red tape for us once we find the perfect place.”

“Who is this client?” His eyes fill with curiosity—a look that isn’t surprising, given we are talking about millions of dollars.

“That’s for me to know and you to find out if you agree to help me.”

“All right, I’ll take you up on your offer.” He turns to his computer. “Tracy, who owns The Drop, spoke to me recently about selling his bar.”

“Really, did he say why?” I ask, knowing Tracy from my former bar-hopping days. He and his brother, Iggy, were both the reason I always gravitated to his bar. Well, that and the drinks were cheap, and the live music was always the best on the strip. I lost contact with the two of them when things between Cohen and I came to an end, which was unfortunate but necessary, since he started playing at their bar regularly.

“His girlfriend got knocked up. I imagine she’s nagging him about all the hours he works.”

“Or maybe he’s tired of working so much and wants to be around to raise his kid.” I don’t bite my tongue. I hate when men blame shit on women or make it seem like a man is less of a man for wanting to be with his family, especially since it’s the complete opposite.

“Right,” he grunts. “I’ll call and talk to him and put you two in touch if he’s interested.”

“That works for me.” I push out of my chair and grab my bag. “You have my cell.”

“I do.” He stands, and I feel his eyes on my ass as I walk away, which makes it really hard to stay professional and not flip him off over my shoulder.

I walk out of the building and head for my car, checking my phone when it beeps, and see a text from Maxim. Biting my lip, I open it up and shake my head at the audacity.

Maxim: About to jump into the shower and then head down to the bar. What time are you planning to meet me?