Ben’s deep voice came on to the line. ‘Hey, gorgeous.’
Her stomach fluttered. ‘Hey, yourself.’
‘Usual spot?’
‘Definitely. Three o’clock?’
‘No appointments this afternoon?’
She looked at her schedule. Penny had scheduled an appointment at the O’Reilly residence with the property reporter from The Melbournian. As much as she’d enjoy seeing her sister, an hour with Ben was much more appealing. ‘Nothing I can’t postpone.’
‘Okay, gotta run. See you at three.’
Eve smiled, switched the phone off and slipped it into her bag. She was being dramatic having a phone exclusively for calling Ben – there was no reason Sean would ever check her calls; after all she worked in real estate, she was always on the phone, but she also didn’t want to take the chance.
She scrolled through her other emails, sending quick answers to those that needed immediate action. She was just double-checking her schedule for the day as Penny pushed open the office door, her expression anxious. She made her way to Eve’s desk, a steaming cup of coffee in hand.
‘Everything okay?’ she asked.
Her assistant flashed a small smile. ‘Oh, just a bit of a run-in with the coffee guy. Assured me he didn’t put sugar in your coffee before. Nothing major.’
A pang of guilt stabbed at Eve but she quickly dismissed it. ‘It’s only the coffee guy. Don’t give it another thought.’ She stood. ‘I’d better get going. I’ve got a ten o’clock in Richmond. Need to convince John Miller his three-million-dollar terrace should be listed with us.’ She slung her winter jacket over one arm and picked up her briefcase. ‘I’ll be back by twelve. Could you confirm my one thirty while I’m out?’ She’d postpone her three o’clock meeting herself.
Penny nodded and held out the coffee.
Eve indicated her full hands. ‘Sorry, no room. You enjoy it.’ She turned, doing her best to ignore her assistant’s look of irritation, and left the office.
‘Hey, Nic.’ Eve took the call from her best friend and indicated right to exit the underground parking on to Chapel Street. ‘I’ve only got a few minutes. I’m on my way to an appointment in Richmond.’
‘I’m checking if you’re still on for Friday?’
‘As if I’d miss your fortieth, you old bag.’
Nicola laughed. ‘You’ll be joining me in a few years, so I wouldn’t get too cocky.’
‘And you’ll be turning forty-five by then,’ she retorted. ‘Sorry, but age is one thing you’re always going to be ahead of me in.’
‘One thing? I can think of plenty of others,’ her friend joked. ‘You know it’s costume, don’t you?’
Eve sighed. ‘Nic, I helped plan the party. I sent out the invites. I’ll be there with bells on. Well, perhaps not bells, but certainly an incredibly sexy costume.’
‘Are you coming alone?’
She hesitated. ‘Do you mean, am I bringing Sean?’
‘No, I meant Ben.’
Her pulse quickened and she glanced out of the window. Did she really think someone was listening? She was getting paranoid. ‘Of course I’m not bringing Ben.’
Nicola laughed. ‘Thought I’d check. I’ve got you down for two, so you can bring Sean if you want to.’
‘I’m coming alone. He’ll need to look after the kids.’
‘You could always get a sitter.’
‘No, he won’t want to come,’ Eve said. ‘No offence, but other than you he won’t know anyone and small talk’s not really his thing. I’m not sure I’d want him there anyway. He’s been very moody lately.’ Her husband actually hadn’t come near her in a month. Or was it two?
That was unusual. She frowned. He annoyed her at times but they had a good marriage. He was probably working too hard; his firm demanded a crazy commitment from its lawyers.
‘If you change your mind, he’s welcome.’
‘Thanks, lovely.’ Eve stopped in front of the Richmond terrace. ‘Now I’d better go – client to woo and all that.’
‘Male or female?’
‘Male. Why?’
The smile in Nicola’s voice was obvious. ‘Just checking. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.’
‘He’s a client, nothing more.’
‘So was Ben, if I remember rightly.’
She smiled. ‘Okay, you win. I’ll see you Friday night. Love you.’
Eve shivered as a biting wind whipped up the narrow street and into her bones. She was grateful she’d brought her jacket.
With briefcase in hand, she pushed open the iron gate and strode towards the front door.
It was close to one by the time Eve returned to the office. John Miller had expected her to work hard for the listing. She’d turned on the charm and enjoyed a coffee and a long chat with him before exclaiming her great interest in the features of the house.
The property was quite deceptive. The single-block terraced front was only one of Miller’s houses. He also owned the block directly behind the house and the ones on either side. He’d built an enormous home spanning the four blocks. The indoor pool added a whole other dimension.
‘How did it go?’ Penny asked as Eve exited the elevator and passed her assistant’s desk.
‘Good.’ She tapped her briefcase. ‘Contract’s signed and sealed. Peter should be pleased.’
‘Actually, he stopped by your office about an hour ago. Asked you to pop in and see him when you got back.’
Eve checked her watch. ‘Okay, I’ll go down now and then I’d better dash again. I’ve got the one thirty and the three p.m. with The Melbournian.’ Her cheeks flushed speaking of the later appointment.
She deposited her coat and briefcase on her desk and made her way to Peter’s office.
Joel, Peter’s assistant, waved her in as she approached his desk. ‘He’s expecting you.’
Peter looked up from his desk, a smile lighting up his rounded face. ‘Grab a seat. This won’t take long. How did things go with Miller?’
‘Signed,’ Eve said.
‘Great job. I’ve had a phone call from Ben Styles. You remember him? You sold his penthouse about twelve months ago.’
Her heart raced trying to retain a neutral look.
‘You know, the penthouse in Albert Park?’
‘Yes, I remember him,’ she replied. ‘What did he want?’
‘He’s got a development in South Melbourne he’s wanting some advice on. Could be twelve townhouses on our books if he goes ahead with his plans.’
‘Sounds good,’ Eve said. ‘What does he need? An appraisal?’
‘Sort of. He wants your advice before he renovates. What you think he needs to do to get top dollar. He’d like you to be involved in overseeing the renovations to ensure they meet your vision.’
Eve shifted uneasily in her seat.
‘Look, it’s a bit unorthodox, but he’s willing to pay for your time on a consulting basis. He thinks he’ll need you for a day next week and a few hours on different days once the project commences.’