Page 79 of Wicked Dares
“Okay, let’s eat bagels and get going.” She points toward the counter. “I can’t wait to see this place.”
Me too. And maybe I’ll feel better.
* * *
The office building sits on a busy street in Brooklyn, tucked between a row of coffee shops and a law firm.
The second I see it, I know it’s the one.
Alexis and I looked at four other buildings today. Each one I saw didn’t quite make the cut because the pictures of this building stole my heart.
“Oh my God,” I whisper, taking it all in. The pictures didn’t do the building justice.
In real life the building is stunning.
Alexis smirks beside me. “Yep. You’re already mentally moving in.”
I nod mindlessly.
The building isn’t flashy or intimidating like the massive corporate towers in Manhattan. It feels creative, warm, and like me.
Tall industrial windows stretch across the front, framed in black steel, while the exposed brick inside gives it that classic Victorian edge.
More than anything, it looks like possibility.
The realtor spots us through the window and opens the door.
She’s a well-dressed blonde lady who greets us with enthusiasm.
“Hi, I’m Piper,” I say, shaking her outstretched hand.
“It’s wonderful to meet you. Come on in.”
Alexis and I exchange smiles and go inside.
The realtor starts showing us around, explaining square footage and lease terms, but I only absorb about half of what she says.
It’s four thousand a month, scary financially, but I can already see myself here.
I’d have a reception desk near the entrance.
My logo on the wall in the foyer.
And I’d have swanky leather furniture in the waiting room.
Clients would be greeted properly from the moment they walk in, and I’d have a ridiculous amount of coffee.
The thought makes me smile.
“This level was recently renovated,” the realtor explains as we walk through the open-concept space. “The previous tenant used it as a photography studio, so the lighting is excellent. There are six medium-sized rooms that can be used for offices and the two larger ones for meeting rooms. Of course, you may do as you see fit.”
“I love the place. Can I take it now?”
The realtor smiles. “I’d love to say yes, but we have a waiting list. The owner wants to do interviews over the course of a month. I can certainly add you to the list.”
“Yes, please. That would be great.” I smile, but my hopes sink a little. I forgot that some places have that system. It makes sense and I get it, but I’m still disappointed.
It feels like my chances of getting this gorgeous building have been trimmed. I have money now but I don’t have the financial backing some of these business people have in New York.
