Chapter 4

      A black Mercedes pulled up and parked in front of the hotel doors.

      Ryan watched as Drayden Alexander stepped out of the driver’s seat and walked around the car, handing the keys to the valet. He was dressed in a suit that fit nicely but was off the rack. Ryan wasn’t much for custom-tailored suits either.

      Drayden never once glanced in Ryan’s direction; instead, he seemed focused and walked with purpose.

      Ryan noted Drayden made a point to greet everyone by name, although he didn’t break his stride.

      He saw security walking toward the entrance and quickly moved away from the side of the building. Ryan kept walking until he reached the end of the property.

      “Get a job, you bum,” someone yelled out of a passing car.

      He shook his head sadly. Some people could be so ignorant at times. Most people were not homeless by choice or because they didn’t want to work. For most, it was an aftershock of the earthquake in their lives that had attempted to destroy them. Rebuilding lives after an earthquake took time, and often victims needed help financially and emotionally.

      A man pushing a shopping cart paused and asked, “You find any good eats ’round here?”

      Ryan shook his head. “Not yet. I heard that the restaurant on the corner will give you a hot meal.”

      The man snorted and then moved on.

      Ryan resisted the urge to try and hold a conversation with the man, because he wanted to see Sage again. He didn’t know why or how, but a connection had been made and Ryan always followed his instincts.

      * * *

      Sage showed off a vacant residence to a couple of prospective buyers. “The bedrooms are all spacious,” she told them. “There are a limited number of residences ranging from two to five bedrooms with ample square footage to accommodate housekeepers, personal assistants or nannies.”

      “Is there a private garage for residents?” the husband inquired. “And is it a two-car garage?”

      “Each residence comes with a two-car garage,” Sage responded. “The residents have a personal valet. You can just drop your keys with the valet and take the private elevator up to the penthouse floors.”

      She allowed them some privacy as they walked through the residence. Sage could tell that they were already falling in love with the place. She expected to write a contract before they left her office. The Broadway producer and his wife were here in town for a promotional tour and decided to check out some properties for a Los Angeles–based home.

      She called Ari as soon as the couple left an hour later.

      “Guess what I have in my hand…?”

      “I have no idea,” Ari replied. “What is it?”

      “I just sold unit 802,” she announced.

      “Really? That’s wonderful,” he told Sage. “That’s the one like Mom and Dad’s, right?”

      “Yes,” she confirmed. “And they didn’t even haggle over the asking price. The wife was the one who really loved the unit. I should probably give her a commission because she was the one who really sold her husband on the place. I think he would’ve preferred something near the beach.”

      “I’m sure you helped in that respect,” Ari responded. “You have always been one who could talk sugar out of candy.”

      She laughed. “I don’t know about that, but I am going to get off this phone and treat myself to a nice lunch to celebrate.”

      “If you can hold off for about an hour, I’ll join you,” Ari told her.

      “Rain check,” Sage said in response to his offer. “I’m starving, but just remember that you owe me lunch.”

      “Hey, when was it the plan for me to pay for lunch?”

      “When you considered joining me,” Sage responded with a chuckle. “Love you much, big brother.”

      “I love you, too.”

      They ended the call.

      Sage grabbed her keys and purse from the sofa table. She strolled across the gleaming wood floors, her heels tapping in rhythm with her stride. She smiled as she considered her recent sale and the commission.

      “Yes,” she whispered while waiting for the private elevator car.

      Franklin walked out of the unit that belonged to Ari. “Good afternoon, Ms. Alexander.”

      “I’m never going to get you to just call me Sage, am I?”

      He smiled. “It is a title of honor. You should wear it proudly.”

      “But you’re family, Franklin,” she countered, “not just another employee.”

      Touched by her words, he gave a slight nod. “You are too kind, Ms….Sage.”

      “I mean every word, Franklin. You and your daughter are now a part of our family. We love you both.”

      The elevator arrived, and they both stepped inside.

      “Franklin, are we still donating food to the homeless shelters?” Sage inquired.

      “I believe so, but I can check to make sure.”

      “No, I’ll do it,” she said. “I know that we are in need of a new manager for the restaurant, so I don’t want the donation falling through the cracks.”

      Sage paused briefly to continue her conversation with Franklin and then made her way to the lobby area.

      She was surprised to see her parents. “Hey, what are y’all doing here?” Sage inquired.

      Barbara embraced her daughter. “We’re meeting Natasha and Ari here for lunch to discuss plans for the wedding. You should join us.”

      “Ari isn’t going to be here any time soon. I’m not sure he even remembered that he was having lunch with you all,” Sage interjected. “I can’t wait that long because I’m starved.”

      “He didn’t until I called, so we’re not waiting on your brother,” her father said. “I didn’t eat breakfast.”

      Sage followed them to the hotel restaurant where they were seated immediately. She sat down beside her mother. “I have something to tell you both.”

      “What is it, sweetie?” Malcolm asked.

      “I have a contract on my desk for unit 802.”

      Barbara grinned. “Congratulations, dear.”

      Malcolm