Page 101 of The Silver Fox Brother

"Your nine-thirty is confirmed. Williamsburg clients want to finalize the walk-through schedule. 10am is the new Upper West Side inquiry—they're looking at a full gut renovation, budget is flexible. And you have a call at eleven with your realtor."

I set my coffee on my desk and pull out my laptop.

"Did the fabric samples arrive for the Sterling project?"

"Friday afternoon. I signed for them and put them in your office. Also, Knox Sterling's assistant Marcus called. Mr. Sterling is back from Dallas and wants to schedule a catch-up meeting this week."

Something in my chest tightens at Knox's name, which is ridiculous. He's a client. We've been working together for three weeks. The fact that I haven't seen him in person for the past week while he's been in Dallas shouldn't matter.

It doesn't matter.

"Tell Marcus I'm available Wednesday morning," I say, opening my laptop and pulling up the day's schedule.

“11 AM at Sterling Luxury works."

Maya makes a note.

"Will do. Your nine-thirty just texted—they're running five minutes early. Should I send them up or have them wait?"

I glance at my watch: 9:20.

"Send them up. I'm ready."

The Williamsburg clients arrive three minutes later—a young couple in their early thirties who bought a loft in a converted warehouse and hired me six months ago to transform it from industrial shell into livable luxury. The project is ninety percent complete, and they're thrilled with the results.

We spend thirty minutes reviewing the final walk-through schedule, discussing the last furniture deliveries, and confirming the installation timeline for the custom lighting fixtures. They leave happy, and I have exactly two minutes before my 10AM arrives.

The Upper West Side clients are older, more established. They bought a pre-war apartment that hasn't been updated since the 1980s and want a complete renovation. Modern kitchen, updated bathrooms, new floors, the works. Budget is two million, timeline is flexible, and they've already seen my portfolio and want to move forward.

We discuss their vision, their lifestyle, their must-haves versus nice-to-haves. I take notes, ask questions, and by the time they leave at ten-forty-five, I have a clear sense of the project scope.

Maya appears in my doorway as I'm reviewing my notes.

"Your realtor is calling in fifteen minutes. Do you want me to hold calls?"

"Yes. And can you pull the Sterling fabric samples? I need to review them after this call."

"Already on your desk."

"You're the best."

Maya smiles. "I know."

At exactly eleven, my phone rings. I answer on the second ring.

"Winter, hi. It's Diane from Manhattan Residential."

"Hi, Diane. Thanks for calling."

"Of course. So I've been looking at properties that match your criteria—Greenwich Village, two bedrooms, move-in ready, good natural light. I have three showings lined up for tomorrow if you're available. Can you make 2PM?"

I pull up my calendar on my laptop. Tomorrow is Tuesday. I have the Sterling project team meeting at Sterling Luxury in the morning, then nothing until a vendor call at four.

“2PM works. Send me the addresses."

"Perfect. I'll email you the details within the hour. All three are in your preferred neighborhood, all have the light and space you're looking for. One is a walk-up, the other two have elevators."

"Good. I'll see you tomorrow."