Chapter 3
CHAPTER THREE
Maya
"I heard you made it to the Bishop event last night." Anne, the owner of the real estate brokerage firm I work for, nudges my elbow. "Your balls are bigger than most of the men who work here."
I take it as a compliment. I've hauled ass since day one.
Anne was the one who hired me on as a rental agent a few years ago.
She took me under her wing. The woman has gone to bat for me more than once.
The least I can do is finagle my way into a party to try and get a shot at the contract for the residential suites inside the newest Bishop property.
"Charlie needed a plus one." I flash a smile as I fill my coffee mug. "He had an invite."
"Charlie in legal?" She glances at the long corridor to our left. "I didn't realize you two knew each other."
We didn't until the day I stopped by his desk to ask to borrow his stapler. When he asked me out on the spot, I said yes because he was cute. We went to dinner, then a movie and after the ending credits rolled, we said goodnight in front of the theatre when he gave me a chaste kiss on my cheek.
Two days later when I was waiting for a new client in the reception area, a courier dropped off a pristine white envelope with Charlie's name written across it in raised lettering. The receptionist called Charlie to tell him that there was a delivery from Bishop Hotels at the front desk.
I knew immediately what was in the envelope. Every person in real estate in the five boroughs wanted an invite to the Bishop party. I held out hope that I'd make it onto the guest list, but I didn't. For some reason, that I still don't understand, Charlie did.
I struck up a conversation about the movie we'd seen as he opened the envelope and when he read the invitation and then looked at me with a question in his eyes, I answered. I told him I'd love to go with him. He broke out a huge grin and the receptionist waited for us to kiss.
That didn't happen.
"We're acquaintances," I qualify. "We went to the party, and then he dropped me off at home. That's where the office gossip ends."
She laughs even though she's notorious for spreading rumors. There's never any ill intent behind it. Anne craves drama. Everyone who works at Carvel Properties International knows to be on high alert if they see Anne near the coffee machine whispering in someone's ear.
So far, I haven't gotten caught up in any of the office scandals.
"What did you find out about the residential suites in their newest hotel?" She leans closer and drops her tone to a hushed whisper. "Have they picked a listing agent yet?"
I shake my head. I used the age-old tactic of standing near the entrance to the corridor that leads to the washrooms before Charlie and I left. I know, from experience, that many high powered conversations begin in those awkward spaces and that's exactly what happened last night.
Two of the male Bishop board members came out of the washroom at the same time. As they breezed past where I was standing on their way back to the party, I overheard them talking about the fact that Julian hadn't chosen a broker for the project yet.
"We still have a chance?" Anne grabs my shoulder and gives me a good shake. "Do you know what this means?"
I look at where her hand is pressed against the navy blue fabric of my dress. I know exactly what it means, but I know that whenever the firm takes on a large project, Anne assigns one of the senior sales agents or associate brokers to take the reins.
"I'm going to send Dax over to Julian Bishop's office after lunch." She claps her hands together. "If anyone from Carvel can land that account, it'll be him."
It won't be him. It'll be me. "Last night Julian mentioned that he planned on calling me."
"For what reason?" She eyes the donuts on the table next to us but doesn't move to pick one up.
"I'm hoping he'll call to offer me the listing," I answer.
Anne glances at me. "Your biggest sale was your best friend's apartment, Maya."
I know that. When Falon and her husband decided to move, they hired me to sell their place. I did a stellar job, and the commission check was the largest I've ever received.
Obviously, I got that job because of my connection to her. It was a boost to my career since there's a prominent quote from Falon's husband, Asher Foster, on my profile page on the Carvel website. Asher's a rock star. He's a literal, award-winning singer.
His endorsement resulted in three other musicians seeking me out so I could sell their places. Not one of those properties listed above the million dollar mark, but I sold each apartment quickly and in all three cases, I was able to negotiate a price that was close to list.
"I'm as qualified as anyone else in the office to sell those units," I say tightly.
Anne's gaze drops to the screen of her smartphone. "I'll hold off on sending Dax over to Bishop Headquarters until you hear from Julian. I want a word-for-word of what he says to you."
She'll get what she wants minus the harmless flirting that I already know will take place during the call. "You got it."
"Maya, I want you to know that I think you're as qualified as any of the senior sales staff." She picks up her coffee mug. "If you're given a shot at this, I'll back you up. You'll have full access to all my contacts, and I'll be at your beck and call twenty-four, seven."
That's why I love working with her. She'll do whatever she can to make certain I shine brighter than she does. "You're the best, Anne."
"You know it." She gestures toward my mug with a sly grin on her face. "Drink that coffee and get back to your desk. You need a solid sales approach in hand when you talk to Julian."
"I'm already on it." I tap my forehead. "I've got a million ideas in here that will translate to quick sales of those units."
That earns me a full-on smile and a wink.
I want the Bishop job because of what it will do for my career, but I'm also eager to land it for another reason. I know that Anne wants the firm's name front and center on the project. It will benefit us both. That's why I'm going to put my all into pursuing it.