Page 3 of In the Works

“Of course.” Ashley smiled, writing the order on a paper cup. She got to work on the drink.

My eyes wandered around the shop. I had designed the renovation for the owner, Diana, a year ago. We’d made a point to avoid anything too trendy, not wanting her to have to remodel in a year. So far, it held up.

It was a great mix of industrial, trendy, and cozy. A few plants lined tall shelves throughout the store, creating the illusion of a dense canopy.

“Did you hear about the lake house?” Ashley hollered over the grinding espresso machine.

I shook my head. “No, what about it? Some asshole tearing it down?”

Laughing, Ashley steamed milk. “Not quite. My mentor told me someone finally bought the place. Some tech billionaire who wants to restore it.”

“Huh. Really?” My brows furrowed. At this point, the entire town had resigned to seeing the gorgeous, lakefront farmhouse torn down.

Ashley brought the cup over and set it on the counter. “What’s my newly minted realtor’s license good for if not to snoop?”

I laughed and took a sip from the cup as Ashley rang me up. “Your career and wellbeing.” A slight moan escaped my lips as I tasted the delicious concoction. “Wow, this is awesome.”

“Oh good, I’m glad.” Ashley smiled.

I tapped my card against the machine. “What do we know about the buyer?”

Ashley shrugged. “Not much. She seems like a big shot from Silicon Valley who got tired of the lifestyle.”

I tried to hide my surprise at the word “she.” But it was still rare to find rich and powerful women, especially around these parts.

I drummed my fingers along the counter. “Hopefully, she doesn’t turn it into a tacky mess.”

Crossing her fingers, Ashley shrugged. “We can dream.”

“Alright, I’ll see you around. Thanks, Ash.” I waved and headed out of the shop.

But the conversation had set wheels turning in my head. I needed to head to my studio and do some research on this mysterious billionaire. A new sale meant a potential client. And a tech genius would be quite the paycheck.

2

VICTORIA

I hatedthe sound of my Porsche's tires crunching gravel. Each bump made me fear they might pop.But this is what you wanted, V.

The passenger seat held a thick stack of papers. From the front page, the heading “Real Estate Purchase Agreement” stared back at me.

I gently pulled the Carrera in front of the two-car garage, the stunning lakefront shimmering to my left. Shutting off the engine, I hopped out of the driver’s seat and surveyed the place with a massive sigh.

Past the stunning lake and my beautiful car towered the crumbling farmhouse. Even from the ground, the slant of the roof was apparent. Biting my lip, I couldn’t help but wonder if this was all some massive mistake.

At least I can sell it if I hate it.

It was a luxury I was still adjusting to, knowing that whatever money I spent could easily be returned to me.

I shook my head as I walked toward the house, crossing the driveway to reach the overgrown flagstone path to the front door.

Behind me, the black wrought iron gate swung open for the pickup trucks. I looked over my shoulder, waving at them as they filed into the driveway. While they parked, I tucked in my button-down, careful to seem put together.

After a moment, a truck door slammed behind me. But instead of turning to look, I stared off at the water. The water reflected sparkling diamonds back at me.

“It’s quite the catch.” A voice hollered from behind.

As Robin sidled up to me, I nodded. “It is.”

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