Page 104 of Just for Tonight

“Of course, I remember.”

Devon continues. “I do have that trailer chock full of goodies from that estate. I wanted to sell it as a single lot, but no bites. We’re going to host a sale of the individual pieces next month.” Madison’s eyes go round but before I can ask, Devon’s voice drops low. “I suppose you’d like Madison to have a sneak peek?”

“If it isn’t too much trouble.”

Madison is leaning forward so much that I think she might tumble out of her chair.

“That woman,” Devon says. “Holy crap, Jake, you never saw clothes like this. She collected from every decade of the twentieth century, sequins and tweeds and silk, and hats and shoes. It’s extraordinary.”

“I remember you talking about it at brunch that day.”

She laughs. “I’m sure I went on and on. It’s amazing. The collection probably belongs in a museum but museums prefer donations. The family wants some cash.”

“How much were you hoping to get for all of it?” I ask with apparent idleness.

She names a number. It’s not very much in the greater scheme of things.

Madison is now despondent.

Mackenzie is watching me closely.

“Well, if you have any smaller lots come your way, let me know,” I say. “Madison might be interested.”

“Will do.” Her tone is playful. “Sure you’re going to pass on the plane?”

“No pilot license.”

“You could get one,” she wheedles. “You’re smart enough.”

I laugh. “Not today, Devon. Thanks.”

There’s a pause, long enough to warn me, and I know what she’s going to say. She sounds playful when she does. “Oh, and Chelsea says hi.”

I laugh even as Mackenzie’s gaze brightens. “Chelsea’s more likely to say ‘fuck you, Jake.’”

“Well, yeah.” Devon laughs. “I just wanted to be more diplomatic. Don’t say I didn’t try to fix up my baby sister with the best single guy I know.”

“You must have me confused with someone else,” I tease. “Behave yourself or I’ll tell Kevin you’ve been flirting with me.”

She laughs again. “We should do brunch again soon. And hey, I’ll keep an eye out for a sailboat.”

“Thanks! Give my best to Kevin.”

The office is very quiet after Devon rings off. I’m evading the gazes of both Mackenzie and Madison, who have both learned things about me.

“A sailboat,” Mackenzie echoes softly but I ignore her.

Madison forces a smile. “Thanks Jake. It would be great if she ever had something for me.”

I pull over a pad of paper and write down Devon’s price. I add a couple thousand bucks or so, rounding it up to a nice even number, and write the date beside it.

I had a GIC come up for renewal the other day and haven’t gotten around to doing it yet. Instead, I’ll invest in Madison. It’s one of those impulsive decisions that feel so intuitively right that I know it will work out.

I look Madison in the eye. “I will lend you this much money for one year at three percent interest.” I add that, make another sum and circle it. It gets a date, too. “That means that on August 31 next year, you will pay me this much in return.”

“And if I don’t?”

“I will take your inventory and sell it to Devon.”