Page 55 of Burn It Down

From a business perspective, it makes sense. It makes alotof sense. This would dump copious amounts of revenue into his pockets.And if he has a steady stream of revenue, he wouldn’t need to rely on my father’s financial backing so much…which means Cora and I could potentially end our relationship without causing a major upset to the balance.

I sit up straighter, flipping through the pages of statistical data, feeling my brief flash of hope fizzle out as I stare at the reality before me.

“What you’re proposing sounds good in theory, but if you’re talking about building a Neiman Marcus or Rolex storefront, the people currently living in those condos won’t be giving you much business. It’s a decent side of town, but as you mentioned, they’reyoungprofessionals and people just beginning the expensive journey of raising children. They won’t be dropping thousands of dollars on high-end retail,” I point out, hating mylogic because it doesn’t sell him on his own idea, an idea that could potentially restore my freedom.

“I’m thinking more about longevity. Build the shops to attract the right kind of clientele and then as we build up the areaaroundthose condos, we slowly increase rent. Eventually, the affluent will want to live there and will begin to occupy the condos vacated by those who choose not to pay the higher prices.”

Those whochoosenot to pay the higher prices…like it’s a choice when the rent becomes more than these people make in a month.

I have to tread carefully here. Martin has a lot of connections that our business relies on. Pissing off the governor isn’t a good look, but I already don’t love how this feels and honestly, I expected better from him.

Even if his increase in profits could solve my problems, that’s just not how I do business.

“What exactly do you need from me? It sounds like you already have the plan in place and I’m not a realtor.”

“I need your expertise on the market. I need you to assess my portfolio and determine if I have the capital for this kind of long-term project so soon after other purchases. I need you to tell me if I can afford this kind of risk.”

The condo building he’s interested in isn’t even for sale, but once you hit a certain price point, you realize everything is for sale if you throw enough money at it.

I sigh, feeling trapped. Just because I look over his numbers doesn’t mean I have to go any farther with it.

“Sure. Leave these papers with me and I’ll start running some numbers. Let’s plan to touch base again in a couple weeks.”

“The sooner the better. Time is of the essence in deals like this. Let’s plan to meet early next week.” he counters as if I don’t have one hundred and eighty-seven other clients.

“I’ll see what I can do.”

He leans back and resumes drinking his coffee. “So, how are things with Cora? Are you looking forward to the charity gala coming up?”

“Things are going well. As always. I’m very proud of her. I’m excited to see the results of all her hard work.”

“You know, you two have been together quite a while.”Ah, here it comes.“Have you given any thought to the future?”

Only every single day.

“Of course. Cora’s only twenty-four. We have plenty of time,” I answer, diplomatically.

“Don’t you worry she’ll grow tired of waiting?” he asks, eyeing me over the top of his cup.

Meeting his eyes, I toe the very thin line between respect and control. “No. I don’t.”

Before the conversation can devolve any further, my cell phone rings from my desk and Martin and I can both clearly see Cora’s name on the screen.

He stands to show himself out. “I’ll let you get that. We’ll be in touch.”

A headache is starting to form behind my eyes.

“Hey, Cora.”

“Hi, Jacob! I wanted to know if you’ve chosen your suit for the gala? I need to make sure we’re coordinated.” The event isn’t for another couple of weeks, but Cora is nothing if not prepared.

“I haven’t thought about it quite yet, but why don’t you tell me what you’re wearing and I’ll choose a suit that matches.”

“I was thinking the plum dress. The long silk one. Since it’s an evening event I think I can get away with the darker color even though it’s technically still summer. I adore that dress. Plus, it’ll be the perfect contrast to the lime green muscular dystrophy ribbons.”

“Good choice. You’re stunning in that one. Then again, you look stunning in all of them.”

She gives a happy laugh. “Jacob, you say all the right things.”

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