“Not my thing,” I say. “Never was able to get into it. Cough too much.”
Eugene smiles and blows a puff of smoke into the air. “Takes some stiff lungs to handle a good cigar. Although, I see you can handle a solid drink. What’s that? Brandy?”
“Scotch,” I answer. “My drink of choice as of late.”
“Ah, how’s business?”
“Good,” I answer. “Growing, as always.”
“I see that.” He leans forward and knocks his cigar on an ashtray. “May I suggest why you’re here?”
“Please,” I say.
“Word on the street is you acquired the Angelica Building.”
“That’s correct,” I answer, taking another sip of my Scotch.
“That was a very sought-after building, so I was surprised that a company based in Los Angeles won, given how many local companies were after it.”
“We lucked out.”
He nods his head. “What are your plans?”
“Currently, those are classified.”
He raises his brow as if to say do you know whom you’re talking to? But I know how to play this game, so I’ll let him pressure me; he likes power, that’s why he’s smoking a cigar in his office, attempting to intimidate me.
“You do realize that I’m not an idiot, JP. Now that you’ve acquired the Angelica, I know you’re going to want more once you’re done with that building, and I also know that you haven’t talked with any of the historical societies in town. Am I correct?”
I nod, giving him a little nibble.
“Cane Enterprises is known for their beautiful buildings around the country, but you’re also known for your commercial buildings that are stripped of all character and maximized for profit.”
“Smart business choice. I think it’s done well for us.”
“It might have done well for you in other parts of the country, but not here.”
“And that’s why we don’t have any plans of stripping down the Angelica. We’re quite aware of the importance of the Angelica to this city. We also understand preserving history is vital, as well. Rest assured, when we’re done with the renovations, not only will the Angelica be brought back to her original beauty, but she’ll be fully functioning, more environmentally friendly, and will help the people of this city—if I have anything to do with it,” I finish, an idea formulating in my head.
Help the people.
That’s exactly what I want to do with this building.
“Well . . .” Eugene taps his cigar on the ashtray. “It seems as though I’m just going to have to wait and see.”
“Correct. But when I say the Angelica is in the right hands, I mean it. Once we’re done, you’ll seek out more buildings for us to renovate around your beautiful city.”
He lets out a hearty laugh and stands. I stand as well. “We’ll see about that, JP.” He holds his hand out and I give it a shake. “Good seeing you.”
“You too . . . Mr. Mayor.”
He smirks and then leads me out of his office.
Since my work here is done, I decide not to stick around, a choice I know Huxley wouldn’t be happy with, but I don’t give a fuck. I’m feeling like shit, and the only thing I want to do right now is sit in front of a fucking screen and do absolutely nothing.
I wish I could say the last half hour has distracted me from the turmoil that’s pulsing through my head, but sadly, it has not, because I know when I get back to the penthouse, it’ll be empty. Not a single light will be on, and when I go to her room and knock on her door, she won’t be there. She probably won’t be home for a while, which can only mean one thing—she’s probably bonding with Derek. Having a good time. Getting to know another man.
The drive back is a silent one spent staring out the window. What once used to be my favorite city to visit is quickly becoming my least favorite. Funny how quickly that can change, how a person can remind you of a place, steal the joy right from your grasp.
When I arrive back at the penthouse—a dark penthouse—I change into a pair of shorts, nothing else, and grab a beer from the fridge, my only source of alcohol in the place.
And my phone rings.
I wonder who that could be—hear the sarcasm?
“What?” I answer.
“How did it go?” Huxley asks.
“Don’t you have a life?”
“I’m worried about you.”
“About me or about your business?”