Page 100 of Love By The Falls

Arty’s waiting for me in my office. I spot his curly blonde hair as soon as I turn the corner. Travis is here, too. He rushes forward with a red folder in his hand when he sees me. “Here’s the contract, sir. Good luck!”

“Thanks.”

I walk in and shake Arty’s hand. “Hi, Cal. I’m glad you could see me on such short notice. I worried you might be out of town.”

Strange choice of words. I wonder if someone told him I was. Is this a test?

“I was,” I say. “But I came back as soon as I heard you were ready to meet.”

If this is a test, I passed with flying colors because he smiles broadly and nods. “That’s the sort of commitment we’re looking for. I want my client to feel like he’s top priority on a team.”

“We would treat him well. Here, let me show you what we’re offering.”

For the first time, he’s listening and not putting me off. I try to keep my expectations in check, but my heart is racing and I want to fucking celebrate.

“That’s good,” he says when I’ve shown him the stock options, living arrangements, and entertainment budget. “I think Teoscar will be happy.”

“Perfect. Why don’t we call him up and make it official?”

He puts up his hands. “Whoa, whoa! I said he’ll be happy, not that he’ll sign today. But you are definitely on the short list, Cal. I’ll be in touch.”

We shake hands, and he leaves. Travis walks in a few minutes later. “So, how did it go?”

“Well, I think. Still no signature, but I think we’re close. Real close.”

“Good work, sir.”

“Thank you. You, too. Go out for dinner with friends tonight and use the company credit card. You earned it.”

He smiles and wishes me a good night before closing my door.

After Travis leaves, I drop into my chair and look out the window. The city is beautiful—the tall skyscrapers, Central Park, the yellow cabs that line the streets. They’ve been my view my entire life, and I love it. But a face pops in my head, and I can’t seem to dismiss it.

My phone rings, interrupting my thoughts. It’s Brigitte. I’ve ignored her calls all weekend, so I finally answer it.

“Hey, is everything all right?”

“Do I only call when it’s not?”

I think back to our limited conversations and can’t recall a single one where she didn’t ask me for something. “I’m sorry. How are you?”

“I’m good. I’m calling to see if you were busy tonight.”

“I’m free. What can I do for you?”

“Why don’t you come over for dinner? We haven’t seen you in a while.”

“Sure. That sounds nice.”

“Perfect. We’ll see you at seven.”

I have just enough time to take the elevator to my penthouse and get ready for dinner. I’m out the door and in my car by six thirty.

Michael and Brigitte live in a Brownstone. It’s near her family, so there weren’t many alternatives. Michael answers the door. “Cal, great to see you, man. Come in.”

Everything looks exactly as I remember it from the last time I came over for dinner, which may have been Thanksgiving. Plush white carpet in the living room, dark hardwood floors, and cabinets throughout with little figurines and dishes on stands. I believe those are family heirlooms, but I stopped paying attention when his mother-in-law rambled on about them after the last family dinner.

Brigitte walks into the living room in high heels and a short skirt. I’ve never seen her wear anythingcomfortable. She leans in and air kisses both cheeks. “Good to see you, Cal.”

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