“There’s a property in Gila Bend I’m interested in. I thought maybe I could drop by the office. I know it’s late, but this one isn’t going to be around for long. I’d like to see some comps on the area—just see what you think. I’d shoot you a fax with the details, but I’m driving and happen to be in your neck of the woods.”
“Sure. I was just leaving, but I will absolutely wait to see you.”
“Oh, no worries. We can do it tomorrow.”
“I really don’t mind to stay this afternoon. Just give me a few minutes to grab something to eat. I didn’t make lunch,” I paused, “or breakfast.”
“I was planning on stopping for a burger at the new place on Bell Road. Do you want me to grab you a sandwich?
I looked at the flowers and then at the clock. ”You know what? That’s on my way home. I can just meet you there.”
“Hey! That sounds great.”
“See you soon, Simon.”
I picked up my bag and headed out the door.
I got in the Jeep and headed towards the restaurant, which was only a few miles away. Traffic, however, was a mess and at a near standstill.
Just as I had turned up the radio to help me forget the craziness of the day, my phone buzzed.
“Hey, Kari!”
“What’s up? How was your day?”
“I don’t even want to discuss that right now, please. What’s going on?” I asked.
“Hey, are you coming home soon by any chance? My sneakers are in your car and I was going to go for a quick hike with Max. I need to work off some stress. Work was insane today!”
“I’m actually meeting a client for Dad at that new diner on Bell. You know the one—it has the whiskey barrels out front. I don’t know if I’m just going to get the papers or grab a sandwich while I’m there. You can swing by and grab your shoes on your way, if you want,” I offered.
“Perfection! Be there in a few.”
Traffic started moving again and I made my way to the parking lot; Simon’s Avalanche was already there. I parked beside it and made my way inside, my stomach growling as the peppery smell hit my nose.
“Hi, Simon,” I said, finding him in a booth in the back and returning his smile. “How are you?” I climbed into the seat across from him.
“I’m great now,” he smiled. “How was your day?”
I frowned. “I’m going to give you the canned ‘fine’ and we can move along, okay?”
He laughed. “I’ll let it go at that. Here are the papers for the place in Gila Bend,” he said, sliding me a folder. “I haven’t really decided on Solomon Place. The square footage is a little small. And with the construction next door, it just seems like a headache. And the location is pretty busy—not exactly what I have in mind.”
“I totally understand. You should always know your options before you make an investment. It’s just smart,” I said, shrugging.
“It is.” He looked at me for a moment and I felt like something wasn’t quite right. My body chilled, the little hairs on the back of my neck standing up.
Simon eyed me for a second before handing me a menu. “Do you want to grab a bite to eat?”
I didn’t say anything, looking blankly at the options in front of me, trying to process whatever my subconscious was trying to tell me.
I’m just worked up from the day and overreacting. Relax and have a meal. It’s probably low blood sugar.
He turned his head to the window, his face scrunching. “Uh, do you know the girl trying to get in your car?” he asked, pointing out the window.
I looked out the glass and laughed. “Yeah, that’s my sister.”
Kari and Max made their way into the restaurant, Max’s arm around her shoulder. They spotted me right away and I dug my keys out of my purse.
“Hey!” Kari smiled, leaning her head against Max’s side.
“Hi, Kari. Hi, Max.” I felt my smile quickly fade. Max gave me a curt nod, not his usual friendly greeting.
“This is my sister, Kari, and her … friend, Max. Guys, this is Simon Powers.”
Kari said hello to Simon and he sat smugly, his eyes on Max, nodding. Max’s eyes were cold as he bent down and whispered something in Kari’s ear, causing her eyes to narrow.
“We need to get going. Can you run out and let us in your car?”
I started to hand her the keys, but Kari made no attempt to take them. I asked Simon to excuse me for a second and followed them outside.
“Simon Powers, huh?” Max asked as soon as we hit the doorway.
“Yeah. He looked at Cane’s property a few days ago. The one you called me about. He has another in Gila Bend he wants to check out.”
“Gila Bend? Right on I-10. Makes perfect sense,” Max said, looking straight ahead. “Does Cane know you’re here with him?”
I huffed. “No. Why in the world would he know? And why does I-10 make any difference?”
Max turned and looked at me, his eyes unsmiling. “You shouldn’t be here with him.”
“Simon is a business associate, Max. For that matter, so is Cane.” I sighed, hating both that I had admitted that out loud and that I had, in turn, admitted that I wished he was something more. “And it’s none of your damn business who I’m with.”
Max narrowed his eyes and I rolled mine in response, sick of the interrogation.