“Hello, Jada.”
“What can I do for you?”
“There’s a property in Gila Bend I’m interested in. I thought maybe I could drop by the office. I know it’s late, but this one isn’t going to be around for long. I’d like to see some comps on the area. Just see what you think. I’d shoot you a fax with the details, but I’m driving and happen to be in your neck of the woods.”
“Sure. I was just leaving, but I will absolutely wait to see you.”
“Oh, no worries. We can do it tomorrow.”
“I really don’t mind. Just give me a few minutes to grab somethingto eat. I didn’t make lunch”—I paused—“or breakfast.”
“I was planning on stopping for a burger at the new place on Bell Road. Do you want me to grab you a sandwich?”
I looked at the flowers and then at the clock. ”You know what? That’s on my way home. I can just meet you there.”
“That sounds great.”
“See you soon, Simon.”
I picked up my bag and headed out the door.
Once in my car, I headed toward the restaurant, which was only a few miles away. Traffic, however, was a mess and at a near standstill.
Just as I had turned up the radio to help me forget the craziness of the day, my phone buzzed.
“Hey, Kari.”
“What’s up? How was your day?”
“I don’t even want to discuss that right now, please. What’s going on?” I asked.
“Hey, are you coming home soon by any chance? My sneakers are in your car and I was going to go for a quick hike with Max. I need to work off some stress. Work was insane today.”
“I’m actually meeting a client for Dad at that new diner on Bell. You know the one—it has the whiskey barrels out front. I don’t know if I’m just going to get the papers or grab a sandwich while I’m there. You can swing by and grab your shoes on your way, if you want,” I offered.
“Perfection. Be there in a few.”
Traffic started moving again and I made my way to the parking lot. Simon’s Avalanche was already there, so I parked beside it and made my way inside, my stomach growling as the peppery smell hit my nose.
“Hi, Simon,” I said, finding him in a booth in the back and returning his smile. “How are you?” I climbed into the seat across from him.
“I’m great now.” He smiled. “How was your day?”
I frowned. “I’m going to give you the canned ‘fine’ and we can move along, okay?”
He laughed. “I’ll let it go at that. Here are the papers for the place in Gila Bend,” he said, sliding me a folder. “I haven’t really decided on Solomon Place. The square footage is a little small. And with the construction next door, it just seems like a headache. And the location is pretty busy, which is not exactly what I have in mind.”
“I totally understand. You should always know your options before you make an investment. It’s just smart,” I said, shrugging.
“It is.” He looked at me for a moment and I felt like something wasn’t quite right. My body chilled, the little hairs on the back of my neck standing up.
Simon eyed me for a second before handing me a menu. “Do you want to grab a bite to eat?”
I didn’t say anything, looking blankly at the options in front of me, trying to process whatever my subconscious was trying to tell me.
I’m just worked up from the day and overreacting. Relax and have a meal.It’s probably low blood sugar.
He turned his head to the window, his face scrunching. “Uh, do you know the girl trying to get in your car?” he asked, pointing out the window.
