Page 33 of Game Changer

Scrunching my nose, I shake my head. “That might have sent me looking for a new apartment.”

“I have an almost clear view of a corner of Central Park from my bathroom window.” She rolls her eyes. “I keep telling myself that one day I’ll live in an apartment with a full view of it from almost every window.”

Dreams are the fuel that got me to where I am, so I nod. “That will happen for you.”

“From your lips to the real estate gods of New York’s ears.”

A glance over my shoulder reminds me that a lot of people are waiting for their late-day beverage fix, so I order, “I’m in desperate need of a large coffee. Strong and hot.”

“This isn’t the first time someone has described me as strong and hot,” a man standing next to me says.

I wouldn’t usually pay attention to anyone who is that blatantly arrogant, but the look on Chelsie’s face, as she turns her attention to him, tells me he’s worth a glance since her mouth is now hanging open as she stares at him.

The man is attractive. He’s tall with short-cropped brown hair and green eyes. The suit he’s wearing speaks of sophistication, but he’s missing something that William possesses. Maybe it’s a sense of humility or grace. I can’t tell for sure, but I get the feeling this guy is standing with his chest puffed out just a bit.

“I’m Percy Haines.” His hand shoots out in my direction.

I glance down at it and the gold ring that circles his middle finger. It’s a band with some sort of a crest symbol etched into it. I take his hand and shake it briefly.

“She’s Opal.” Chelsie’s hand is in his next, whether he wants it or not. I can’t help but be impressed with her ability to reach that far over the barista counter. “I’m Chelsie.”

“Hey,” he says without glancing at her. He does make a point of staring right at me. “It’s nice to meet you, Opal.”

I should toss that sentiment back at him, but so far, I’m neutral on our meeting. I wouldn’t classify it as nice or not nice. To me, it’s just a random run-in with another resident of this vast city.

“Opal is the owner of a board game bar. It’s just around the corner from here,” Chelsie tells him. “The doors officially open next month. I’ll be there.”

Chelsie has tossed any sense of subtly out the window.

“Really?” Percy’s eyes are on me again. “What’s it called?”

Since a new bar owner can never have enough customers, I tell him, “Turquoise Crown.”

The corners of his lips shift slightly but not up toward a smile. They don’t drop into a frown, either. They just twitch as if he’s trying to mask a reaction.

“It’s named after a very popular board game,” Chelsie continues pitching my bar like she owns a stake in it. “It’s going to be the place to be.”

I can only hope she’s foreseeing the future.

“I’ll make it a point to be there,” Percy promises.

“With or without a date?” Chelsie prods as another barista taps her shoulder to get her attention.

The two women exchange whispered words about how long the line is and the fact that Chelsie should be talking to “her friends” on her own time.

I jump in to help Chelsie out by yanking my credit card from my purse to pay for my coffee. “How much do I owe you?”

“I’ll take care of that.” Percy pushes his way into the narrow space next to me. Another customer in the line beside me has to take a step to the left to accommodate him.

“Thank you for the offer, but I’ve got it,” I tell him, not wanting to be indebted to this man.

“I insist.”

“Listen to Prince Charming.” Chelsie rings up my order before shifting her attention back to Percy. “What would you like, Percy?”

“I’ll have whatever Opal is having,” he says as he glances my way again. “I can tell she has excellent taste in coffee, and I suspect in men, too.”

Resisting the urge to roll my eyes, I do what is always necessary when someone gifts you with anything, be it the rights to a board game or a cup of coffee. “Thank you, Percy.”

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