“That’s mag.” Relief had her barely resisting a dance. “I’ll clear you in so you can come right up. You have the address.”
“Right here. I love this neighborhood, Karlene. It’s just what I want.”
“Wait until you see the space.” She walked over to shut down security for him. “I swear, if you don’t snap this up, I’m buying it myself.”
“Just tell me nobody else is looking at it yet. I’ve got a good feeling.”
“I contacted you first, as promised. Nobody’s due to see it until tomorrow as I told you. We’ve got a jump on it.”
“Perfect. I’m on my way up. Hey, love the elevator. Ten seconds.”
She laughed, closed the ’link. And greeted him with a stunning smile.
“Really sorry I kept you waiting,?
? he said as he came in. “But I brought a makeup gift.” He offered her one of the two go-cups of coffee he had in a takeout bag.
“You’re forgiven.” She toasted him with the cup. “Where should we start?”
“Let me just stand here a minute.” He shifted the bag on his shoulder, looked around the open living area. “This is . . . look at the light in here.”
“That’s what made me think of you, straight off. So much natural light. Tailor-made for an artist. You could use this whole space for your work. But if you actually wanted to use it for living, for entertaining, the second bedroom has the same exposure, and skylights.”
“Privacy screens? I don’t like to feel anyone watching me while I work.”
“Of course.” She held up a finger. “Computer, engage privacy screens, all windows.”
With a quiet hum, the clear screens lowered. “As you can see, they’re top-grade. They don’t affect the light. You can darken them if you want to cut the sun.”
“Perfect.” He smiled at her. Young, charming, attractive. “Absolutely perfect. How’s the coffee?”
“The same.” She took another sip. “To move to location for a minute, you’ve got it all. Restaurants, galleries, clubs—and mag coffee shops as you’ve already discovered.”
“It’s where I want to be.” He stepped away from the elevators, wandering now behind the screened windows.
“The furniture’s staged to give you a feeling, an idea of one use of the space. The fact is, Drew, you could do anything with this area. Work, play, a combination. I know you said you didn’t cook, but you have to see the kitchen. It’s perfect, ultra and efficient. Maybe a girlfriend would enjoy using it.”
He grinned, wagged his finger.
“I know, no girls right now,” she said with a laugh. “Art first. But artists can entertain like minds, right? And have to eat. You can zap leftover takeout, stock the AutoChef, and there’s a built-in D and C—for checking out takeout spots, deliveries, menus.”
“Now that works for me.”
“Oh, and the security system. You can take a look at the camera zones.”
He waved that off. “Let’s see the rest first.”
“We’ll take the master bedroom then. It’s staged, too, so you’ll have an idea how it could be used. And the advantage of being on the top floor? Skylights there, too.”
She took a few steps, weaved a little.
“Okay?”
“Wow. A little light-headed.”
Concern shone in his eyes. “Why don’t we sit down a while?”
“No, I’m fine. I’m good. Just putting in a lot of late hours, trying to get everything done.”