Dream On(78)
Swallowing hard, I walk to the women’s bathroom, phone in hand. Cubicles aren’t exactly private, and I don’t like to make personal calls at work—especially not about the festival, since I’m still trying to keep my organizer role under wraps. Even though I’m no longer working for Frank Carlson in the public law group, I can’t be too careful.
When I reach the restroom, I glance around briefly to make sure I’m alone and promptly call Perry. He answers on the first ring.
“Hey, Cass. What’s up?” His silky voice pulls my lips into a smile as though on a string.
“Oh, I don’t know. Just the best news ever.”
“The Browns won the Super Bowl? Oh wait, their season hasn’t even started yet. Never mind. What is it?”
I laugh. “Remember my friend I told you about—the one who runs the Permits and Zoning Department for the city? I just found out she was able to fast-track your event application and you’ll receive your permit by the end of the day. The Ohio City Flower & Beer Festival is officially a go.”
“Seriously? Cass, that’s amazing. You’re a miracle worker.”
“Just doing what I can.”
“I’d say you’re doing way more than that.”
I gnaw my lower lip through my smile. “How’s the search for corporate sponsorships going?”
“Great. In fact, I have some good news of my own. Mikey came through with his car dealership this morning: they’re in. That brings the total number of sponsorships up to five, including Key Bank. And they’ve all agreed to cover the cost for tents, signage, and the fee for the event permit as long as we feature their logos prominently on all publicity materials.”
“That… is… awesome!” I pump my fist in a victory dance. I make a mental note to revise my opinion of Mikey—maybe he’s not such a goon after all. “We are killing it with this festival planning,” I croon.
“You’re killing it. You drew the logo for the event, got us a great deal on table and tent rentals, followed up with local artists and breweries to confirm they submitted their booth fees, and now you snagged us the permit we need. We never would have made it this far without you.”
My cheeks warm even as I bask in his words. My phone beeps, and I blink at the familiar number on the screen. “Oh hey, I gotta go. My stepdad’s calling me.”
“No problem. Hey, are you still coming to the prep meeting next Thursday? With all the extra flowers I’m having delivered, it’s an all-hands-on-deck kind of situation to get everything arranged in time for the festival. I’d sure appreciate your help if you have time.”
“Of course. I wouldn’t miss it.”
“You’re the best.” His words thread through my heart, igniting a wave of happiness that drips through my veins like honey.
I grin at my reflection. “See you later.” Tapping the screen, I switch over to the new call. “Hi, Rob,” I say, leaning against the sink.
“Helloooo there,” my stepdad drawls. “How’s the big-time lawyer doing?”
“Good, thanks. How’s my favorite Realtor?”
“No complaints—I feel great, all is well. It’s a beautiful day to be alive.” I chuckle at Robert’s response, which is his standard, regardless of the weather. “So you know that property search you wanted me to run? I have something interesting for you.”
I stand up straighter. “Oh yeah?”
“I found two vacant commercial buildings in Buckeye-Shaker that are currently for sale and listed at below market value—just what you’re looking for.”
“That sounds perfect. What’s their condition?”
“A little run-down, but salvageable. One housed medical offices and the other used to be leased by a church. I swung by earlier today to see them in person and the bones are good. Most of the work needed is surface-level only. The owner is retiring and wants to unload them as soon as possible, so I’m pretty sure he’d accept an offer below listing. Want to tell me again what this is all about? Are you planning on secretly switching careers and becoming a real estate investor? You know what, don’t tell me. I’m incapable of keeping secrets from your mother. She knows all my tells.”
I chuckle. “No. Just trying to give the Cleveland City Council new ideas for possible community college locations so they don’t make a huge mistake.”
“How very mysterious. I can’t wait to hear all about it.”
A toilet flushes and my heart hammers against my ribs. Oh my God. I’m not alone. “Thanks again, Rob. I’ll call you later.”
“Okay, b—”
I end the call at the same time one of the stall doors swings open to reveal Mercedes. My calves tighten. I hadn’t noticed that the farthest stall was occupied, damn it. Her smile is way too wide as she strolls to the sink next to me and begins washing her hands. “Hey,” she says.
“Hey,” I reply. My shoulders tense but I force them to relax as I readjust the bobby pin holding back Rogue Curl. Maybe she didn’t hear anything…
Shaking the water droplets off her hands, she yanks a paper towel from the wall dispenser between us. “So, what’s all this about you finding properties for the city of Cleveland? What in the world does Andréa have you working on? Sorry, I couldn’t help but overhear.” She titters.