The Property Brokers by Sandi Lynn
Chapter 7
Myles
“Looks good, Tony. How much longer?”
“I’d say another month for total completion.”
“Excellent. I’ll get Grant working on finding buyers for these units.” I patted his shoulder.
My phone rang and when I pulled it from my pocket, Melissa, one of my assistants was calling.
“What’s up, Melissa?”
“Are you at West 21building?” she asked.
“Yeah. I’m just leaving now. Why?”
“The bakery by the office is closed today and we need to get Tina a birthday cake. There’s a bakery one block over from the building. Can you pop over there and get a cake for her?”
“What’s it called?”
“Let’s Do Cake.”
“What kind of cake?”
“I don’t know. Whatever they have. She isn’t picky.”
“Alright. I’ll be at the office after I pick it up.”
“Thanks, Myles.”
I let out a sigh as I ended the call and walked across the street where my driver, Mitch, was parked. Opening the door, I climbed in.
“One block over is a bakery called Let’s Do Cake. I have to pick up a birthday cake for Tina.”
“Why aren’t the girls in the office doing it?”
“Melissa tried and said the bakery by the office is closed. Plus, I have them working on the building project practically 24/7. So, they don’t have time to run around looking for bakeries.”
Mitch drove around and finally found a parking spot. Climbing out of the car, I walked to the bakery and when I stepped inside, a woman with long blonde curly hair stepped out from the back.
“Welcome to Let’s Do Cake.” A bright smile crossed her lips. “How can I help you?”
“I need a birthday cake.”
“For when?”
“Now.”
She let out a laugh.
“I have some already made over here in this case. What flavor are you looking for?”
“I don’t know. My assistant just called and told me to get whatever.”
“Okay. This one is a moist white cake with a berry mascarpone filling. It’s my favorite and a popular one.” She smiled.
“It’s beautifully decorated.”
“Thank you.”
“I’ll take that one.”
“Excellent choice. Do you want any writing on it?”
“Happy birthday, Tina.”
“I’ll be right back.”
Damn, she was beautiful. Long blonde curly hair, beautiful green eyes and a smile that immediately caught my attention. While she was putting the writing on the cake, I looked around at all the sweets.
“How is this?” she asked as she held up the cake.
“Very nice.” I smiled.
“Is there anything else I can get you?”
“Are these oatmeal raisin cookies?” I pointed.
“They sure are. Try one.” She reached in the case and handed me one.
“Thanks. But I’ll just buy some.”
“Come on. Don’t be shy. You have to sample one first. What if you don’t like it? Then you’re stuck with cookies you didn’t care for. Can I let you in on a little secret?” She smiled.
“Sure.”
“You’ll love them. Go on. Take a bite.” She shoved the cookie in my face.
Taking the cookie from her, I bit into it.
“Wow. Wow.” I took another bite. “These are the best oatmeal raisin cookies I’ve ever had.”
“Thank you. I made them myself.”
“Impressive. The owner did right by hiring you.”
“Can I let you in on another secret.” She slightly leaned over the counter.
“Of course.”
“I am the owner.” She gave me a wink. “My name is Cassandra.”
“I’m Myles.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Myles. How many cookies would you like?”
“Give me a dozen. My son loves oatmeal raisin as much as I do, and I’ll pass them out at the office. Maybe.” I smirked.
“A dozen oatmeal cookies coming right up.”
“How long have you been in business?” I asked.
“Almost a year.”
“How’s it going?”
“It’s great. I’ve been really busy.”
“Good to hear.”
She gave me the total and I pulled some cash from my wallet.
“Keep the change.”
“Are you sure?” She cocked her head.
“Positive. Your cookies are worth way more than what you’re charging. It was nice to meet you, Cassandra.”
“You too, Myles. Don’t be a stranger.” She grinned.
“With cookies like this, I won’t be. Have a good day.”
When I got to the office, I handed Melissa the cake and walked into my office.
“There you are,” Grant said as he stepped inside. “I didn’t think that meeting with Tony would take so long.”
“I had to stop at a bakery and pick up a cake for Tina. Today’s her birthday. You have to try these oatmeal raisin cookies.” I pulled one out of the bag and handed it to him.
“Holy shit. Where did you get these?”
“A bakery over in Chelsea by the West 21 building. Good, eh?”
“They’re unbelievable. What other kinds of cookies were there?”
“Um. All kinds. We’ll stop there later this week when I take you over to the building. We need to start finding buyers.”
“Great. I’ll have my team get on that. I have some amazing news.”
“Do tell.” I grabbed another cookie and leaned back in my chair.
“We sold Pete’s penthouse.”
“You found a buyer to pay full asking price?”
“Not exactly. He accepted an offer of $11.5.”
“Damn, son. That’s great news. Congratulations. I see your plan worked. Who’s the agent or the broker?”
“Her name is Bella Marcus, and she’s from California. Actually, you’ve already met her.”
I arched my brow as I stared at him.
“I did?”
“Yeah. Fourteen years ago in Hawaii.”
“That pretty little thing you were hanging around with?”
“Yep.” He chewed his bottom lip.
“I thought she was from,” I paused for a moment, “New Jersey.”
“She did live there and ended up in California selling real estate. I don’t know the full story, but I’ll find out tonight. Give me another one of those cookies.”
I reached in the bag, took one out and handed it to him.
“You’re seeing her tonight?”
“I’m taking her to dinner to discuss her coming to work for us. But she seems a little hesitant.”
“So let me get this straight. This woman, whom you haven’t seen or spoken to in fourteen years, came to New York and sold the penthouse you couldn’t for the past year?”
“Was it really necessary to say it like that, Dad?”
I let out a chuckle. “I want her working for this company. Make it happen, son.” I pointed my finger at him. “Why would she seem hesitant to work for you. Doesn’t she know we’re number one?”
“It might have something to do with the fact that I promised I would call her and never did. Then blocked her number so she couldn’t contact me.”
“Seriously, son? That was fourteen years ago. I don’t think she would even give that a second thought.”
“Trust me. She’s already brought it up.”
I let out a sigh.
