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“That’s Franklin. These are our clients.” Hugh unbuttons the sleeves of his neon orange shirt and rolls them up. “It surprises me Franklin has agreed to this. I imagined him wanting everything to be dripping with gold.”
“He doesn’t know exactly what I have in mind. He trusts me to bring my touch to his home.”
Hugh eyes me carefully. “Be careful, Pen.”
When I return to work, Hugh and I form a plan and a list of companies we could use for the project. We agree on a paint color from the pictures of the home sent to us and schedule a viewing on our way home after work.
Before we leave, I receive a message from Franklin.
You can start now. Any trouble, call Jobe. BTW, are you free tonight? I want to show you something. Don’t ask what. It’s a surprise.
I giggle as the first thing I was going to ask is what he wants to show me.
Sure. Send me the address. I’ll meet you there.
I pack up my desk, ready to head out with Hugh.
Royce will pick you up at your place at 6:30.
* * *
Royce drivesus to the heart of LA on Wilshire Boulevard and parks in an apartment complex. Franklin refuses to tell me anything, so I go along with him. Is this one of his investment properties? Am I getting another remodeling job?
“Take a look around before you comment,” Franklin says as we exit the car.
He punches in a code, we step into an elevator, he punches in another code, and then swipes a card. He takes my hand, his eyes set on the numbers flashing at each level. It stops at twenty-three.
“Jobe is here to help with any questions.”
Franklin is wearing his usual suit. He dresses smartly all the time, but today, something about him is different. He appears fresher—hair perfect, clean-shaven, and he smells as though he just stepped from the shower. Am I missing something? I’m still in my work attire, and my white blouse is crumpled after a long day in the office.
The doors open, and we step out to glass doors. Jobe is on the other side. This condominium must take up the entire floor. Franklin holds a card to a security reader, and the doors open.
“I’m getting this changed for extra security,” he says.
“I can see why when the person can see you through the glass doors.”
“The elevator will not stop at this level unless you have the code. But I wanted extra security beyond the doors.”
“I see.”
Jobe strides toward us, looking equally as smart as Franklin. “Good to see you again, Penny.” Jobe takes my hand and shakes it. “I’ll let you two look around, and I’ll be here if you have any questions.”
“Thanks,” Franklin says, and I don’t miss the shakiness of his voice.
We head into the primary bedroom. There’s a beautiful bed styled with natural colors. It has floor-to-ceiling windows with a great view of downtown LA.
“For part of the year, you can see the sun set through these windows.” He points toward the street, and to where the sun is setting, only now it is blocked by skyscrapers.
“It has a nice feel.” I keep walking around. A modern en suite bathroom is all black and white. There are also two other bedrooms. The walls are an off-white color, and it feels clean and refreshing. The kitchen is a good size, with a living area leading out to a balcony. Franklin follows me outside to a modern setting with large planters, trees, and an herb garden. Has someone else decorated it for him, and he wants my opinion?
Jobe enters the room. “Something urgent requires my attention in the office. Email me any concerns. I’m interested in hearing your thoughts, Penny.” He smiles at me and waves before leaving. I’m equally flattered and dumbfounded.
Jobe values my advice?
“You haven’t said much.” Franklin stands beside me as we gaze out over sprawling LA as lights flicker on and day turns to dusk.
“What do you want my opinion on? I like it and think it’s a good investment, although I don’t need to tell you that.”
