Page 7 of Taking a Chance on Charlevoix
Just when she had given up, a text pinged on her phone. “Our sale! You know how it is,” Jenna finally said. “Landon had a brilliant moment. Everything turned out great for the company.”
What brilliant moment? Sure, Landon was a marketing guru with plenty of charm. But he was also a narcissist. Most of his decisions were good for him because he owned the company. She needed clarity on this. Her fingers flew over the keyboard.
“Are you saying that Landon changed the date of the open house to New Year's Day?”When he knew I would not be in town.
Nothing appeared on the screen. She pictured Jenna squirming over whatever had happened, Had Landon backed her protegee into a corner? In the past he had teased Marlowe about favoring Jenna. Now had he taken her over?
“When can we meet?” She had to get this girl alone and fast. To her frustration nothing happened for the next few moments. Jumping up from her desk, she jammed her knee on an open drawer and yelped with pain. This had been a very long day. But every cell in her body was raging. The longer Jenna made her wait, the madder Marlowe got.
Is this what could happen when she stepped away from her desk for one or possibly two weeks? Sinking back into her chair, she felt her spirit plummet. Marlowe hated the feeling of being tied to her job. Having to watch her back? That really got her.
Finally the text arrived. “Why don't you come to Grappino’s tonight? We're celebrating.”
Really? Celebrating what?Grabbing her phone, Marlowe left her desk, pulling up her emails as she walked. The vista from the living room stopped her in her tracks. Spectacular, but she let her mind wander back the soft shadows of Sunnycrest’s living room lit by the Christmas tree and the welcoming fireplace.She’d found such peace there. But Marlowe had to stay with this conversation.
Grappino’s. The bistro area of the restaurant was popular for the after-work crowd. “I'll think about it. We can talk.” That was the only response she sent.
If Marlowe had owned a blood pressure cuff, she would have used it. Tapping her phone against one palm, she could feel her heart thundering. She'd always lived by the watchword of HALT. If you're hungry, angry, lonely or tired, don't do anything. Don't make any decisions. Don't have any important conversations where you might say something you could regret.
The wise side of Marlowe Quinn knew that. But boy, she was so darn angry. And her anger extended to the whole company. After pacing through her condo at least three or four times, she headed for her enormous walk-in closet. Did this situation call for revenge dressing? Or maybe it should be called scorched earth.
Landon was responsible for this. That much she knew.
Chapter Three
MARLOWE
As usual, parking was miserable at Grappino’s. The back lot was small and from the looks of the outside patio, the popular gathering place was packed. Although usually Marlowe liked to keep her convertible in sight, she had no choice. But she put the top up before she left it on the street, about a block away.
She loved Naples at this time of year. After the cold in Charlevoix, this sixty degree weather felt comfortable. No need for coats, mittens or gloves. Still, she had really enjoyed that cold and snow. That kind of weather was all she'd known growing up. As she’d rediscovered over vacation, those had been good days.
Her black stilettos weren't made for walking on this sidewalk but they'd have to do. Marlowe smoothed a hand down her midnight blue dress that reached just above her knees and fluttered as she walked. Approaching Grappino’s she watched her step until she reached the back patio where a performer was crooning Frank Sinatra songs.
Welcome to Happy Hour and she felt the eyes her dress and stilettos were attracting. With her head high, she kept her eyes down and let her inner anger mount. Pushing open the door she breathed in the cool air. The Hardy Luxury Properties crewwas gathered in a corner of the intimate bar area. Their raucous laughter found her before she saw them.
“Marlowe!” Jumping off a bar stool, Jenna motioned to her.
Although her smile might hurt, Marlowe pasted one on her face before she stepped around the small tables. The fireplace was going, probably more for show than because they needed it. She felt perspiration gathering at her hairline. Tonight she’d let her hair fall in thick waves that cascaded over her shoulders. Looking up from the center of the group, Landon noticed her all right.
His eyes swept her V-neck where her stunning diamond pendant nestled. That necklace meant a lot. She’d bought it after selling her first big ticket property. Landon was playing it cool. Instead of greeting her, he turned to Jonathon as if they were in the middle of an important conversation. Sean and Alberto turned to greet her while Jonathon hung on Landon’s every word. The younger guys thought Landon walked on water. She wanted to kill him.
Marlowe was relieved to see Shari Smart. Breaking away from the guys, Shari gave her a nod. An older woman who’d been with Hardy for a long time, Shari kept to herself. Her list of contacts was primo and everyone knew it. No one touched her lists. At least, Marlowe thought that was still true. Jenna was standing next to Shari and waved again.
“Marlowe, so glad you made it.” But Jenna didn’t look happy. Not at all. “I thought you might be too tired after the trip back.”
“Tired? Me?” Marlowe managed a smile while Jenna and Shari laughed as if it was a joke. Marlowe was known for her energy. She used her days for client contact and did all her paperwork late at night.
Although she wanted to drill Jenna with questions about the open house, Marlowe had to choose her moment. Leaning into the bar, she ordered a Garden Spritz, not wanting anythingheavier. She had to keep her head clear for what lay ahead. As usual, Landon had ordered appetizers and they were displayed along the bar.
While Jenna concentrated on the platter of zucchini blossoms filled with mozzarella and anchovies, Shari turned to Marlowe. “I was wondering when you'd be back in town.”
“You mean I never should have left?” The bartender brought her drink and Marlowe lifted it to her lips, careful to take only a sip.
“It was quite an interesting holiday without you here.” Shari’s eyes danced as if she was enjoying this. Was she aware of what had happened to the Bobby Jensen deal? Probably. Nothing escaped Shari’s notice.
“I enjoyed spending time with my family.” The trip home to Charlevoix had been magical. Describing it was impossible and she didn't try. This was not the time to get all mushy with nostalgia.
Marlowe trained her eyes on Jenna until the girl must have felt her back burn. She turned and Shari brought her attention to Alberto. She liked to talk Italian with him. Said that it got her ready for her next trip to the Amalfi coast.
