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Chapter Ten
For the last five months, Arianna had been delighted to be Rafael’s flight nurse during the day, chef extraordinaire at dinner time, and passionate companion at night. She hadn’t heard from Julio and sincerely hoped he’d lost track of her. Eventually, her worries about her ex-boyfriend receded.
Life with Rafael continued on the same pleasant tone, busy and carefree. They avoided restaurants and spent their free time at the beach, swimming or canoeing. On Sundays, Rafael tagged along when she resumed her piloting training with Steve in a small plane.
She and Rafael regularly invited Joe and Craig to dinner at her studio or brought a good meal when they visited their house. Rafael had delighted their new friends by taking them up in his helicopter for a short flight. Arianna made a point of often hugging the young boy who needed motherly affection.
Thankfully, she hadn’t needed to use Dr. Mason’s card which remained forgotten in her purse. With her life taking a turn for the better with Rafael at her side, Arianna was hoping that the crazy dramas from the past were gone for good—until her neighbor and real estate agent left a text on her phone.
Bad news. Need to talk to you. When can we meet?
Bummer, it was too good to last. Fate had allowed her a few months’ reprieve and was banging on her door again, ready to smash her down.
She called Rafael who’d stopped by his condo to change and would come up for dinner later. “Please come right away. I need you. Greg has bad news for me.”
“Coming.”
She texted Greg.Come now.
She opened the door and left it ajar. Rafael stepped in a few minutes later.
“What happened?”
“No idea. He said he has bad news. I’ll bet the owner is coming back.”
“Don’t jump to conclusions. Wait until we hear from Greg.”
The real estate agent knocked and entered. “Smells good in here. Like something delicious to eat.”
“It always smells good in Arianna’s kitchen.” Rafael chuckled. “The scent of spices can stir anyone’s appetite.”
“Hi Greg.” Too worried to joke, Arianna greeted him with a half-smile. “What’s the bad news? Do I have to vacate the place?”
“Unfortunately, yes.”
“Dang! Why is he returning earlier than expected?”
“On the contrary, he’s been offered a two-year contract in Singapore and will be staying there. He wants to sell the studio.”
“Ah.”Sell her studio. Wide-eyed she spun toward Rafael.
“Mark is selling?” Rafael’s eyebrows shot up. “This may be good news, Arianna. How much is he selling for?”
Greg showed them a printed paper with a number orbest offer. “Best offer means you can bargain down the price.”
“By how much?” With an imploring gaze, she begged Rafael for help. Could she afford her cozy studio and its gorgeous view?
“I didn’t know you would be interested in buying. You make an offer. I’ll text it to Mark. If it agrees with him, he accepts, and the studio is yours. If he wants more money, he can make a counter-offer, or flatly refuse.”
“Ah.” Good Lord, she could fulfill her dream of buying a house now. Not a house, but a condo. Even better. A place with security, comfort, and a view. She needed to think.
Think fast, Arianna. Without getting dizzy at the enormity of the situation.
“Greg, can you give us time to discuss things?”
“Sure. Here’s a brochure I put together. Study it and call me. The sooner the better. I’m planning to put the condo on the market tomorrow.”
“Can you give us until after-tomorrow?”
