Page 21 of The B!tch List

Belinda shrugged. “What can I say, it’s a desirable property.”

“Who wants it anyway? And, what the hell do they want it for?” Bronte asked, putting an arm around my shoulder giving me a sad smile. “Don’t worry, Nancy, we’ve got this.”

I looked to Belinda. “Can you tell me who I’m up against?”

She shook her head. “I can’t, sugar. It’s confidential and it wouldn’t really be professional of me to say.”

“But Belinda,” Bronte said, squeezing me closer to her. “You’ve known Nancy since kindergarten. And weren’t you both in the same high school graduating class?”

Belinda raised a brow. “I can’t tell you and don’t even try and persuade me otherwise.” She cleared her throat. “All I’ll say is don’t forget who knows everything that goes on in this town.”

Bronte and I looked at each other and chimed out at the same time, “Mrs. Callahan.”

Belinda smiled. “Okay, Nancy. Let me show you the apartment upstairs while Bronte stays down here and makes a few calls.” She winked and then led me away.

A half hour later, I wanted the building even more. The apartment was awesome. It was so much bigger than the one I currently lived in—it had an extra bath and the most amazing open plan living and kitchen area. The best bit was the roof terrace which was huge and had a great view over the town and the valley in the distance.

“You will not believe this.” Bronte came rushing towards us as we stepped back into the room. “Mrs. Callahan didn’t know at first, but God that woman is good. She said to give her ten minutes, but she called me back in eight. I mean, how does she do that?”

“I have no idea.” I shook my head and turned to Belinda. “Does this put you in a difficult position?”

Belinda held up her hands in surrender. “I’m going to step outside and make a call. I’ll give you a few minutes.”

“So?” I asked as the door closed behind Belinda. “What did Mrs. Callahan find out?”

Bronte rolled her eyes. “She wouldn’t say how she got the information, but it’s a doozy.”

“Go on,” I urged.

“It’s that damn Ruthie Grey. Her daddy is funding it and it’s going to be a karaoke bar with topless male waiters and is going to be called.” She took a deep breath. “You won’t believe this.”

“What? Tell me.”

She shook her head. “If I didn’t dislike the girl so much, I’d think it was a great idea and a cool name, but I do dislike her.”

“Bronte. Just tell me.”

“Schlongalong.”

Damn it she was right; it was a great name for a topless male waiter karaoke bar.

“I hate her,” I groaned. “But I love this building.” I hadn’t even considered opening my own preschool until a few days ago, but now I couldn’t think of anything I wanted more. The old bank was just right for it.

“Okay, we need to get this ball rolling,” Bronte said, taking her phone out and stabbing at the screen. “You need to be prepared, get all your ducks lined up if you’re going to get this place ahead of that spoiled little princess.”

“W-who are you calling?” I asked, the swirl of dread in my stomach telling me I already knew.

“Shaw,” she confirmed my fear. “He’ll represent you and he’ll do it pro bono seeing as he’s still in college.”

“Bronte, no,” I cried, making a grab for her phone. “He can’t. He’s dating Ruthie.” If you could call it that.

“Screwing her brains out is not dating, Nancy. He needs experience, so who better than to represent than his friend.”

I was also pretty sure he would not call me his friend. I was also pretty sure he’d say no. Not only because it was me but also because he was screwing Ruthie’s brains out.

“Shaw, hey I have a job for you.” Bronte winked at me as she spoke into the phone. “You’re going to represent Nancy in a real estate deal. No, she hasn’t got any contracts… she’s just viewed the property…I don’t care, Shaw… don’t be so mean,” she whispered the last part and turned away from me. “Yes, you will… oh my God, I can’t believe you just said that.” She glanced at me, her eyes wide and gave me a thumbs up, like it was all going to be okay when it evidently wasn’t. “Remember what I know… I don’t care that Carter used it up already, that’s Carter… but I will.” She was silent for a few seconds and then grinned. “Thank you, Shaw. I’ll let you know when we need you.”

She then ended the call and looked at me triumphantly.

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