Page 93 of Wrapped in Perfection

"When do you need this completed?"

"Tomorrow. Ten o'clock, I want everything gone but the blue skillet."

"Consider it done."

"Thanks." I put everything back into the folders. We slap hands and leave.

Boris and I get into the car waiting for us outside Tolik's building. I glance at my watch. It's close to noon in Chicago. I call Anna.

"Hi," she answers.

"Hey. What are you doing?"

"Vivian and I went to this new burger place. I'm about to bite into a greasy cheeseburger."

I smile, happy she's eating. "You're going to make my stomach growl."

"I'll let you know if it's any good."

"Okay. I spoke with Maksim earlier. He wants to know if you can meet tomorrow. There's a friend of ours. He's a developer and has been looking for a new designer since Lada was his as well. Maksim recommended you, and our friend wants to meet you."

"Really?"

"Yeah, why do you sound surprised?"

"Ummm... I'm not Russian."

I chuckle. "I think we're past that now."

"Okay. So how do I know what he looks like?"

"Maksim will pick you up and take you to the meeting. Probably lunch. I'll send you Maksim's number so you can arrange it."

"Wow. I'm feeling a little special here," she teases.

"You are special," I say firmly.

She quiets. "So are you."

My other line beeps. "Sergey is calling. I should take this."

"Okay. My cheeseburger is getting cold anyway."

"Enjoy. I'll send you Maksim's number."

"Thanks. Bye."

"Bye." I switch over. "Sergey, what's the situation?"

"Lorenzo just sent us a new offer. Another ten percent drop from his last one on all seven of the lots."

"Motherfucker."

"Yeah. Do you think it's time to do something about this?"

"No. Stay back. We don't need a war with his family if we can avoid it."

"It feels like he's pushing for one."

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