Page 52 of All The Ways to Miss You

“At least there’s hope for one of you.” Lou drops an arm around Aggie’s back, claiming her.

She lifts the necklace over her head and drops it into my palm. On a mission to escape, I march away.

“But don’t you want to know what Evan and I talked about?” Lou calls to me.

I wave him off. I don’t even want to think about it, much less know. Turning the corner, I dash across the lobby.

Linden steps out of his office, raising an arm to flag me down. “Cait, I need to talk to you.”

“Can’t talk. Late for a meeting.”

Scurrying toward the opening doors of the elevator, I dodge someone stepping out and leap inside. I press the Close Door button five times before they slide shut, just as Linden calls my name on the other side.

I sink against the wall, drag my purse off my shoulder, and let it swing low near the floor. Moments later, I’m melting into the chaos of the city with its pedestrians, cars, horns honking, and buses beeping. It’s when I’m several blocks away I remember I actually do have an appointment with James. I glance at the clock on my phone. Fifteen minutes, barely enough time to get there.

Before I step inside the lobby of the Kinzie Street building, I take several deep breaths. In the reflection of the front windows, I tug at my black jacket and smooth out my hair. Today it’s back in a tight, manageable bun.

Inside, James stands beside the security desk, scrolling through his cell. I assume a pleasant facade and approach.

“You’re always early.” I smile.

“You’re always right on time.”

We shake hands. His grip lingers longer than it should, but I pull my hand away politely.

It’s clear I’ll have to remind him I’m not interested in anything beyond a friendship or business, even though I’ve enjoyed his flirtatious attention. Though it was wrong, I know why I did. I was wishing it were from another source. Now I see the mistake for what it was.

“I think you’ll really enjoy this property. It has everything on your checklist.”

I stride past him, forgoing any pleasantries. He holds open the elevator door until we’re both inside. He presses the button for the correct floor and the doors snap closed.

As the elevator rises, I relay information about the building. There’s a Starbucks on the first floor, a parking garage with fifty designated spots, and a private bike-rack room. The elevator dings and the doors spread, leading into the space. As soon as we enter, I can tell he’s impressed by his general look of awe.

“With the exposed natural beams, high ceilings, and the southern exposure, this space will lease quickly. It’s rumored that Mock and Cohan are considering it.”

“Mentioning a rival firm to close a sale?” he asks.

“I have it on good authority. Though I know something they don’t.”

“What’s that?”

“Rockford Company, the tenant who occupies the space next door, is vacating soon. Their five-thousand-square-foot rooftop deck will be available, and it could be Lakeman’s if you move fast.”

“That’s something to consider.” He paces the length of the space. “I can already see it. The reception desk can sit here, and the offices can line the perimeter windows.”

“That’s what I was thinking too. And this area over here for the research library.” I cross the space, pointing out the features.

He joins me at the windows. The view overlooks the Chicago River. “The paralegals will never get anything done with this view.”

“I know a great blackout-shade company. They specialize in commercial properties.”

“You have all the answers, don’t you?”

“I try.” I rock back on my heels.

“And humble.” James turns to face me. “The more I get to know you, the more I like you.”

With his words, the pressure of his interest returns. Though this is a good opening to discuss us, I don’t take it. He’ll be disappointed by my rejection, and I don’t want it to affect the deal.