She held the phone out to me, covering the mouthpiece. “This guy’s assistant says he’ll only speak to you personally. Mentioned triple our normal consultation rate if you meet him tonight.”
“Tonight? It’s almost ten.” I narrowed my eyes. “What’s the catch?”
“No idea. But the assistant says he’s got the cash. And she made him sound desperate. My favorite combination in a client.” She wiggled the phone at me. “Plus, he apparently asked for you specifically. Said he’s heard you’re the best.”
“Flattery and money. A dangerous combination.” But I was already reaching for the phone. “This is Anica Marcel.”
A woman’s voice responded. “Hello Ms. Marcel. My name is Erika, and I’m calling because I’ve been told you’re the best wedding planner in the city.”
“I am.” No point in false modesty when it was simply true.
“Good. My boss is in need of the best. He’s currently at the Apex Building, penthouse office. I’ll meet you in the lobby in half an hour.”
I blinked. “Ma’am, we don’t typically do same-day consultations, especially after business hours?—”
“Triple your rate, as I already mentioned to your colleague. Plus a five-thousand-dollar consultation fee just for showing up tonight. Cash.”
My eyebrows shot up, and Mari, who could practically smell money through phone lines, leaned closer.
“May I ask what the emergency is?” I tried to keep my voice professional despite the absurdity of the situation.
“My boss is in need of a wedding. A perfect wedding. In three months.”
That was possible, though it would be challenging. We’d pulled off miracles in less time.
“And the catch?”
She chuckled. “Smart woman. I’m sure he’ll discuss it when we meet in person. See you soon.”
“Wait, what are you–”
The woman hung up on me before I could respond. How smug did her boss have to be to assume I’d just show up after getting so little information?
Mari and Devonna were watching me with expressions ranging from glee (Mari) to quiet horror (Devonna).
“I bet her boss is a serial killer.” I tossed the phone back to Mari.
“Potentially,” Mari nodded cheerfully. “But a rich one. The fancy ones at least kill you in penthouses with good views.”
“That’s comforting.”
“Who was it?” Devonna asked.
“Her name was Erika, but she didn’t say who her boss was. Just that he’s at the Apex Building. He wants me to show up tonight. I don’t trust it.”
“Fair enough,” Mari said, picking at her perfect nails. “But he did offer a lot of money just to meet with him tonight.”
“I’m not a sex worker.”
“You’d make a great sex worker. What with the long tan legs and the tits for days and the ass that–” Mari ducked when I chucked a bouquet of fake flowers at her. “My point is, meet withthe guy, take his money, and then decide if you want to work with him.”
“I know what you mean when you say that, but anyone else would think you’re a cheat.” I rolled my eyes as I grabbed my bag.
“The Apex Building,” Devonna frowned. “As in the Burkhardt Building?”
“I guess?” I shrugged. “Why?”
Devonna spun her laptop around, displaying a business magazine cover featuring a man with dark hair, annoyingly perfect bone structure, and eyes that somehow managed to look both amused and calculating. The headline read: “Callan Burkhardt: The Billionaire Bachelor.”
