The Sweetest Deal

XAN

panes of my penthouse window as it unraveled beneath me in the hues of the ear

ping up the facades of downtown skyscrapers. There was something about the calm of Chicago in t

aking in the calm and quiet before I began my day. The sharp clean lines of the streets

know that my breather was up

my pores as I massaged my aching muscles. Feeling refreshed after my shower, I donned my tailored navy blue suit, pairin

ion on my face- one that my father described as too serious for its own good.

ne and grabbing the keys to my car,

es of the reception, the familiar hum of energy rose around me. I could feel my employees hustl

my office, Katie fell into stride with me, handing me a steaming cup of

ht chuckle at her humor, "Thank yo

morning. Five times. It's like she never sle

o far, right up there with The Wicked Bitch of The We

ct, and any other ongoing project. Then the call with the developer about the land acquisition

have a call with Langston Realty about the Lakeside property. And a

checking all I needed for

nd you have a two o'clock with one of the tenants from a recent acquisition." I no

asked, smiling at her. She scoffed, smil

the moment I stepped into the room. I put my business face on as I walked t

t. Both, I had earned through years of hard work and perseverance. I was someone who didn't t

stening intently as each department gave status updates and I gav

cquisitions, updates on other projects, challenges wit

Jonathan, my business partner hoverin

r him to follow me. Once inside, he dropped into the leather

rk project?" I asked. He n

ve hit a snag with the residents-word's getting out that an old b

my chin in thought, "We'll find a way t

so foreign to him, "Or we just put up the usual state

feel like it's personal. Think about it from their perspective; people care about history and

surrender, "Hey, what do I kn

kling. "Speaking of which, anyt

s he tapped away on his phone "No, that's all. Anyway,

ant regarding the Lincoln Park project." He nodded his hea

e said, giving me a small salute and a cheeky wink before

lock is here

only to expedite what I assumed would be another simple negotiation

up at her

id, pointing a warning finger

up. She turned to leave, but not before I

s that

, my phone rang and I glance

be running a bit late?" she no

oes no