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“He has more concerns than the others, it’s true. He feels more connected to this place. I think—”
I sipped the rest of my espresso as Ondrej’s image flooded my brain. “He’s—complicated.”
“And what’s that supposed to mean?”
I ran my fingers along the balcony rail, savoring the feel of the old metal. “Well, yes, he is the most resistant to sell. Frankly, he flat-out doesn’t want to sell. He’s very attached to the place.”
Will said nothing for a moment. I heard his heavy breath traversing the miles between us. “And what would influence our holdout?”
“I think just time. I think he’ll see the advantage—or at least the inevitability of it all. But it will just take some time.”
“Sienna,” Will pressed, his tone sharpening like a knife's edge. “We don’t have a lot of time. The board is watching, and frankly, so am I. This could be a significant notch on your belt. Do I need to remind you that the promotion you've been eyeing is on the line?"
I took a deep breath, the weight of expectation settling on my shoulders like the winter frost on the balustrade.
“No, of course. I know how important this is. He’ll come around to it. He’s just very attached to the heritage and—”
Will’s groan cut me off. “That’s very sweet, but heritage doesn't pay dividends. Just use your charm and get it done.” I glared into the phone. Will seemed to think I had some kind of Easy Button feminine wiles. "You were sent to secure this property because you're one of our best with these old historic places. Just get them to sign on the dotted line and do it quickly.” His impatience threaded through every syllable.
"I'll do my best, but it has to be a decision they're comfortable with—"
"Comfort is a luxury in business. Push harder. You've got a knack for making people see things your way. Lean on them. Make them see the benefits.”
I glanced back through the French doors at the Novák Hotel dossier on the coffee table. It was more than a contract—it was a family's legacy. My approach needed to be different. It required finesse, not force.
“I’m working on it, I promise.”
“Ok, ok. I trust you. This deal is a game-changer. For the company, for you. Don't let us down. Ok, gotta run. Send me an update tomorrow. The board is anxious to get a confirmation by the new year.”
The line went dead, and I was left alone with the purring of the city and a decision that felt like cast iron.
* * *
After more coffee, a shower, and some emails answered, I thought Ondrej’s idea of seeing more of the city’s architecture was exactly what I needed. I pulled up my walking tour app and set my sights on Old Town.
The morning air was crisp and tinged with the promise of adventure as I stepped out into the chilly early December morning. The city was waking up, stretching its ancient limbs into the embrace of a new day. The cobbled streets, uneven and full of character, wound their way through buildings that seemed to lean in, whispering secrets of centuries past.
I wandered aimlessly, taking in the architectural tapestry unfolding before me like a kid at Disneyland. Gothic towers stood proudly next to Baroque buildings with ornate details like icing on a grand historical cake. It felt like walking through a living museum, with every corner a new exhibit.
The air was filled with the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sweet pastries. The sounds of the city were a symphony of clattering trams, murmuring tourists, and the soft, lilting melody of a street busker’s violin.
People moved around me in a colorful blur—well-dressed locals rushing to work and early bird tourists slowly meandering with phone cameras eagerly capturing moments, clutching coffees. I watched a couple, bundled up in puffy coats and wool hats, stealing a kiss beneath the Astronomical Clock. I caught myself smiling at the romantic vignette, then quickly wiped it away when I remembered that romance was stupid and pointless.He’ll lie and cheat eventually!I resisted the urge to say.
As I turned a corner, I stumbled upon a small, secluded square, an unexpected oasis of calm. The sunlight spilled through the snow-covered branches of overhanging trees, dappling the ground in patterns of light and shadow.
I popped into a small cafe, ordered a coffee, then settled into a cozy indoor table to stare at the world through the large windows. As I sipped my coffee, I felt a momentary sense of peace. The challenges of my job, the looming negotiations with the Nováks—they all seemed a world away. For a brief, suspended moment, I was just Sienna, a lone traveler enraptured by the charm and romance of Prague.
As I was leaving the cafe to continue in my exploration, my breath caught when I spotted Ondrej, standing beneath an old stone archway across the way. He was staring down at his phone while simultaneously sipping a coffee, impervious to the morning hustle.
I started toward him, then realized that two chance meetings in a row was going to look more like stalking than a happy coincidence. I began to head back in the other direction when he looked up and noticed me. He blinked as though trying to place me, then he half smiled and waved. What else could I do but return the gesture? I found my backbone and walked toward him.
“Hey,” I said.
“Ahoj. Are you following me?” he grinned.
“Possibly. Trying to learn all your secrets.”
He tsked. “There is your folly. Many have tried. Many have failed.”
