Page 39 of The October Arrangement

“Wow,” I said.

The space was beautiful with its dark wood, pale stone, and glass walls with the Montclair Development Group name stretched across the wall behind the mahogany reception desk.

“Impressed?” He smiled.

“Very. This is beautiful.”

We started down the hallway. People greeted William as we passed, but without staring at me first.

“Why is everyone looking at me?” I leaned closer to him.

“Because you’re walking on the executive floor with me.” He smiled.

William stopped in front of a large, dark wood desk across from the double doors to a large office. Behind the desk sat a woman with two computer monitors, a phone, a stack of folders, and a vase of beautiful mums.

“Mr. Montclair.” The woman behind the desk stood up.

“Sonia, I’d like you to meet Bella Castle. She’s here to see Simon.”

“Oh yes. Security called. I was just on my way down to get you.” She smiled.

“Is he still in a meeting?” William asked her.

“Yes, but he should be finished shortly.”

“I can wait,” I said.

“No need.” William turned around and opened the door to Simon’s office.

I stepped inside and looked around the large space. Everything was immaculate. Dark wood, cream stone, black accents. I walked over to the floor-to-ceiling windows that stretched across the back and stared at the incredible view of the city.

“God, this view,” I said.

“It was one of the reasons why Simon chose this office.”

“I would have chosen it too.” I smiled.

I turned and noticed several framed photographs on a console table. They were family pictures, which surprised me. Simon didn’t have any photographs displayed at his penthouse. I picked up one of Simon's frames from when he was younger. He was standing between William and a beautiful, dark-haired woman I assumed was his mother. It looked like it had been taken on vacation.

“He was cute,” I said, setting down the frame.

“There’s one from when Simon was six where he’s missing his two front teeth,” William said.

“Where?” I looked at the pictures.

“This one right here.” William pointed.

“Dad?”

William and I turned around and saw Simon standing in the doorway. He didn’t look too happy.

“What are you doing?”

“Showing Bella some pictures.”

“I can see that.” He stepped inside and removed his suit coat.

“I found the poor girl sitting in the lobby because nobody would let her up,” William said. “Is that any way to treat your house guest, son?”