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“Keep it down,” I whispered, trying to compose myself as I did my best to not notice the confidence in his stride.
He’d flown over twelve hours to see me.
This made no sense.
“Grace,” Prince Oliver simply said as he approached us with a charming smile.
“Y-yes, I’m Grace,” I stuttered, then blurted out, “I thought you were a prank caller.” I attempted a curtsy, but my high heel got caught in a crack in the sidewalk. I stumbled forward, my arms windmilling as I face planted directly into the prince’s chest with a loud THWACK.
Prince Oliver blinked in surprise. “Are you hurt?”
I just shook my head and mumbled, “Only my pride” into his chest.
Of all the clumsy, bumbling ways to meet a real life prince, I had to trip right into his arms—literally.
My face burned hot as I imagined what he must think of me now. Did he assume I was always this much of a walking disaster? I would imagine so, since he had seen the viral videos of my wedding mishaps. Little did he know that none of those fiascos were my fault.
Prince Oliver glanced at Tommy, who was still lurking nearby. “Have I arrived at an inconvenient time?”
“My business is done here,” Tommy replied, eyeing the prince up and down. “And who exactly are you? You look familiar.” He snapped his fingers. “You’re that famous actor. What’s his name? That guy who played Spider-Man?”
“I’m Prince Oliver of Verdana,” he said, then gestured to the tall man with sunglasses directly behind him. “This is my assistant, Dante.”
“I’m Tommy Tighter,” he said, puffing out his chest like he was the actual prince. “I’m the property manager. How can I help you folks?”
Prince Oliver gave a courteous nod. “I’ve come to speak with Grace about a business proposal.”
“She doesn’t do business here anymore,” Tommy informed him smugly. “She’s being evicted for failure to pay rent.”
My jaw dropped. “I’m just a teensy bit late on the rent this month.” I shook the eviction notice at him. “This isn’t fair.”
“I’m sure Grace has a logical explanation,” Prince Oliver said calmly. “How much is the monthly rent, if you don’t mind my asking?”
“Two grand,” Tommy blurted without thinking.
The prince did a double take and glanced over my shoulder. “Per month? For this closet-sized office? How do you justify such astronomical prices?”
Tommy puffed out his chest again. “Welcome to California, buddy.”
The prince surveyed the vacancies surrounding my office. “With so many empty offices, I’d think you'd be more lenient with a tenant like Grace.”
Tommy scoffed. “Being nice isn’t in my job description. I manage this property and collect rent. When rent isn’t paid, people pay the piper.”
Prince Oliver gestured to the eviction notice. “May I see that?”
I nodded and handed it to him.
The prince scanned it briefly, then glanced over his shoulder at his assistant. “Dante, how long do tenants legally have to vacate after being served an eviction notice in this country?”
“I believe it would vary state by state, Your Highness, but I’m confident we are talking a minimum of thirty days,” Dante replied. “I’d be happy to research the matter for you.” He pulled out his cell phone.
Prince Oliver shook his head. “Unnecessary. I had the same suspicions myself.” He handed the piece of paper to Tommy. “Perhaps this notice would be more useful lining a rabbit cage?”
“That’s not funny,” Tommy said.
“Good,” Prince Oliver said. “Because I wasn’t joking.” He eyed the “For Sale” sign on the lawn near the street. “I’ve been thinking of expanding my real estate portfolio. Perhaps I’ll simply buy the building and then relieve you of your services for having not one ounce of compassion. Dante, please note the phone number on that sign. Remind me to make an offer on the property.”
“As you wish, Your Highness,” Dante said, tapping on his phone.
