Chapter 5 #2
“I can understand why you believe that to be the case. Why don’t I show you? After that you can be the judge and jury if necessary.”
“Fine.” She unsnapped her seatbelt, immediately climbing outside.
I took my time walking around the back of the car. She was standing with her eyes shielded while staring at the impressive mostly glass building.
“My guess is you have a penthouse suite.”
Chuckling, I shook my head. “There are six units on the top floor.”
“I don’t need to bask in your glory of opulence, Christian. I know the score.”
“Just come with me. Watch your step.” When I automatically placed my hand on the small of her back, she tensed but didn’t fight me. I walked her through the lobby, noticing she was surprised by seeing the signs draped in front of the commercial space. “What’s wrong?”
“An arcade. An ice cream parlor. A grocery store. A hardware store. What else? Disneyland?”
She had me laughing again. “That’s out back.” I enjoyed the thorough look of confusion she continued to wear as I led her toward a massive set of doors. Just before we reached them, she slowed. “You have a party going on?”
“Yes. A welcoming party.”
While she allowed me to guide her outside, I sensed she was more hesitant than before.
The immediate screams of children playing, splashing in the water were only minutely drowned out by the music, the band dressed in festive attire playing in the cabana.
She studied the entire layout, taking in the party as if something she’d never seen before in her life. I stood where I was, curious as to her thoughts, but not willing to pepper her with questions.
“A balloon artist?”
“Why not? I hear the kids love them.”
A full two minutes ticked by.
“What is this for?” she finally asked.
“These are the new residents. I thought it would be a nice touch to have a party welcoming them.”
“Rich kids and their rich parents. Are the nannies here as well?”
I turned toward her, shoving my hands into my trousers while noticing my office manager was headed in my direction. “Why don’t I allow Jennifer to answer your questions.”
“Mr. Elliot. I didn’t know you were dropping by. It’s great to see you.”
Almost immediately, Vanessa bristled. “Jennifer. I’d like you to meet a special friend of mine, Vanessa Blair. Vanessa, this is my office manager, Jennifer Olson. Jen, why don’t you tell Vanessa about our units and our special families.”
“Oh, I’d be delighted. At Caroline Manor, we hope to offer a quality way of life for our residents, some who’ve faced misfortunes including job loss, death, and illness.
We hope we’re providing an opportunity to get on their feet in a safe, beautiful, and comfortable place to call home.
We have two- to four-bedroom apartments that will be available for purchase.
Every payment made will go toward the purchase price. ”
“Of five million dollars?” Vanessa interjected.
Jennifer laughed. “Oh, no. The most expensive apartment or condominium is priced at two hundred and fifty thousand, with most just under two hundred. We’re lucky to be working with an incredible bank that’s going to provide the lowest rate possible for a fifteen- and thirty-year loan with no closing costs.
However, purchasing is not a requirement. ”
“How much are the rent payments?”
“Six hundred to one thousand. I know a thousand dollars is significant, but we have other incentives including free daycare and no charge for parking as well as low-cost food and entertainment. We even have a movie theater.” I was glad to see Jennifer so animated.
“We’re very proud of what we offer and I think the residents will be happy. ”
“Jennifer!” someone called from across the pool.
She turned her head and waved. “I’m sorry. Duty calls. If you have any other questions, just let me know. Wonderful to see you, Mr. Elliot.”
I said nothing but returned my attention to the pool, laughing when a couple of kids tumbled down the slide.
“Affordable housing in Miami that’s not trashed,” Vanessa said.
“Rare, but feasible.”
“Why?” She tipped her head.
In thinking of a decent answer and one she would accept, I took my time. “Because it’s the right thing to do.”
“Hmmm… Okay.”
“You don’t believe me.”
“As you’ve reminded me, Christian, I don’t know you.
I have no clue what makes you tick other than money and power, which is why I find it difficult to believe that this development was simply done out of the goodness of your heart.
However, what I need is to learn more about what makes the man inside tick.
That’s the only way I could determine the best match for your particular needs. ”
I turned toward her, crowding her space. Was I purposely making her uncomfortable? Yes. Did that bother me? Only in the best way. “The only way you can do that is to spend some personal time with me. Privately. We’ll have a late lunch and discuss my likes and dislikes.”
“With you?” she half laughed. “I don’t think that will be necessary. I can learn what I need by asking you questions at your office.”
After taking a deep breath, I lowered my head.
I’d forgotten how powerful an effect her perfume had on me.
There was a raw femininity to the light musk that lingered in my nostrils long after she was no longer in my presence.
While the game was enjoyable, it was time she understood that she needed me more than I needed her.
“I don’t think you understand, Vanessa. I’m not asking you to join me for lunch. I’m telling you. At this point I’m certain you’ve learned that I’m not the kind of man to ever take no for an answer.”