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  He opened her door with a smile. “You like it already, yeah?” She nodded as she took in the building. “I’ll come right back when you’re done so take your time.” He gave her his cell number and a sheepish grin. “I’ll check my Facebook.”

  She laughed and went up the steps to the main door. From here, she could see the entire street. It must have gone through rejuvenation recently. The sidewalks were new, the trees were trimmed, and even the hydrants were repainted.

  The brownstone itself was a dream come true. A beautiful old building converted to apartments at some point. The security entry doors featured an antique style but she suspected the glass was high impact. The intercom beside the door had a camera above it and there was no doubt in her mind that it worked and recorded the entry and street beyond.

  Beautiful, safe, and close to everything she would need.

  She could see one of the subway entrances on the corner. A bodega one block down and across the street was one of the few businesses clustered in that area. The rest of the street appeared to be residential.

  The door opened behind her and a lovely woman with a big smile said, “You must be Gabriella. I’m Camille Truing, the landlady.”

  They shook hands and chatted as she led her to the door of the available apartment.

  It was impossible to tell the woman’s age but Brie estimated she was probably in her early fifties like her own mother. With ash blond hair swept into a smart chignon, an understated pantsuit in a delicate shade of blue and camel heels, she worked her figure beautifully.

  The large door swung wide and Brie fell instantly in love.

  It was snug, clean, and bright. A little bedroom with a door was the biggest difference between this space and the others she’d seen.

  It was the first of many.

  The walls were bright white, capturing every bit of sunshine that came through the two big windows. Original moldings or replicas, wide and carved, were around the doorways, windows, and along the ceilings.

  There was a small nook with built-in bookshelves that made her heart race. She could see her workspace there already. The bathroom held an old-fashioned claw foot tub with a shower enclosure hanging above it. The tiny kitchen was plenty for her alone and featured updated appliances.

  Worn but well maintained wood floors extended through all the rooms. The fire escape was in excellent condition and the windows opened smoothly.

  It was so different from the other apartments she’d seen that when the landlady – who put her immediately at ease – told her the price, Brie tilted her head in surprise.

  “The other places I looked at today were nowhere near this nice and they were more expensive.”

  Ms. Truing laughed. “You’re adorable. Never question prices in the city, Miss Hernandez. This building has belonged to the same owner for years. The prices are regulated and the tenants are never gouged. You’ll fit in perfectly around here.”

  “Please, call me Brie.”

  She nodded and tapped her full lips with one finger. “You know, I think I have some furniture in the basement storage room if you’re interested. It was left by a former tenant and I forgot to call a charity to come get it.”

  “Really? Thank you so much. I’m happy to pay for it.”

  Waving her hand, the older woman turned for the door. “Relax here for a few minutes. I’ll get the paperwork and see if there are a couple of the local boys around who can haul it up for you.”

  With her hand on the knob, she turned back with a smile. “I live on the top floor and I’m almost always around so if you need anything at all, don’t hesitate to ask.”

  Glancing around at the pretty space, Gabriella knew things had just taken a turn for the better. Maybe Rodney was right.

  Losing her savings was a weight on her heart. It had taken her years to earn it. The lesson was a tough one and she would never forget it. It would take time for her frustration and fury to cool but she had to keep going.

  Fresh start from right now.

  Eventually, she’d press charges. She doubted the man who conned her would ever be caught but it wasn’t a stretch to imagine him doing this same thing to lots of women.

  Her family would find out how dumb she’d been and it made her stomach hurt but…she’d deal with that after she was back on her feet.

  It would be better if she could show them, “Yes, I messed up but I’m going to deal with it and bounce back.”

  This beautiful little apartment was the first step into her new future. Just looking at the empty space filled her with possibilities.

  She would be very happy here once she started to put her life back together again.

  After filling out all the paperwork and writing a check for the deposit and first month’s rent, Ms. Truing – who insisted she call her Camille – cheerfully handed her the keys.

  In college, Brie lived in a dorm. Since graduation, she lived above her parents’ garage. This was the very first space that was truly hers.

  She went on a tour of the entire building. Camille chatted about trash disposal, where Brie would get her mail, and how to work the machines in the laundry room.

  Like most brownstones, there was a narrow yard in the back. There were several chairs scattered among the space that would be perfect for reading or just soaking up some fresh air.

  Back in the apartment, she gazed at the furniture she’d gotten free. She was amazed at how well the few pieces fit in the small space. The camel colored fabric was dark enough to stand out without making the rooms feel claustrophobic.

  “They were cleaned before they went into storage. I’ve kept them covered so no need to worry.”

  “I love it. I can already see the throw blanket and book I’m going to use in that chair.” At the front door, the women shook hands.

  Brie thanked her for making a traumatic experience an absolute joy. “I can’t wait to sleep here. I could probably sleep on that big, comfy couch until I find a furniture store and buy a bed.”

  “I’ll see what I can find locally and send you the information. I’m happy to take delivery for you if you aren’t here. Now, go enjoy the city a bit. It was such a pleasure to meet you.”

  She was grinning from ear to ear. She called Rodney and let him know everything was done. He was parked just down the street and told her to wait.

  Less than a minute later, the car pulled to the curb and he came around to open her door. “That smile is more like it. It’s a good place then?”

  “It’s more than I dared to hope for. I feel much better…about everything.”

  Placing her hand on top of the car, she looked down the street. “You know, I feel so good that if I had to call my parents and tell them what happened, I’d be less embarrassed. I know it’s going to be alright.”

  He winked at her and she climbed in. He closed the door and got behind the wheel. When he was putting the car in gear, he told her, “Riya and the M’s want you to join them for dinner and Carlo asked if you’d mind stopping by the front desk before you go up.”

  Sitting back, somewhat at ease considering the last few hours, and thankful for the kindness of strangers, she watched the city go by.

  She was glad to be in New York. Despite the circumstances that brought her.

  Chapter Three

  Carlo and Henry greeted Brie warmly when she returned. She gushed about her new apartment. “It is the prettiest space. You can see the history as well as the upgrades. I love it so much! It’s my first place, you know?”

  Rodney shook her hand and she hugged him. “Thank you for all your help today and for listening. I truly appreciate it.”

  “Hang in there. It’s all going to be real good now. You’ll see.” With a small wave, he left to park in the underground garage.

  Carlo grinned. “Would you like to work here, Brie? It isn’t fancy but the money is fair.”

  “Here in this building?” He nodded. “That would be great. Thank you.” With a small frown, she asked, “You’re not
going to get in trouble, are you? I hope Riya didn’t pull any strings. I don’t want special treatment.”

  Henry laughed. “Brie, it’s just a simple job – which you might hate by the way.”

  “Jobs are hard to come by. I don’t want to take one someone else was counting on.”

  With a shake of his head, Carlo assured her, “We had a woman quit a few weeks ago, but the main office hadn’t said anything about replacing her. When I called they said the timing was perfect since we’ll be going into the holiday season when a lot of the residents use the floor of short-term suites for their families and friends.”

  Looking into her eyes, he told her honestly, “Riya and the M’s had nothing to do with getting you hired. Henry’s right though, you might hate it. It isn’t easy work.”

  “I’ll take it – you just tell me what to do. I’ve scrubbed plenty of toilets. At the winery, you really start from the bottom and work your way up.”

  They gave her an application and she supplied her identification so everything could be faxed to the main office.

  “I’ll take you on a quick tour and introduce you to Eleanor. She’s our head housekeeper and has been running the tower for twenty years. I know she’s going to like you.”

  He called one of the young men from the tower business center to cover the front desk so he could take her from floor to floor. Two levels below ground were secured parking. The main street level contained an upscale convenience store, the business center, a dining room and restaurant that did catering for the building, a fully equipped gym, and the employee locker rooms and lounge.

  The second floor was where the short-term residences were. Equipped like standard hotel rooms with small kitchenettes, they were leased by the day, week, or month. Housekeeping maintained the rooms daily and took care of any guests.

  The next six floors were divided into large apartments that sold in the millions and Brie was in awe at the gorgeous design of the single empty space she toured. The six floors above those were divided into three actual floors of two-level living spaces even more extravagant than the single level ones.

  The top floor featured the two penthouse suites on either end of the building with rooftop courtyards in the middle that those residents used in total privacy.

  “Riya and the M’s live in one and Mr. Winters lives in the other. They have elevators that run to those spaces exclusively and dedicated staff cleans twice a week.”

  They rode down to the lobby and Carlo led her to a cheery office done in various shades of green to meet Eleanor Shaughnessy, her direct supervisor. The heavyset woman had laugh lines on her laugh lines and made Brie feel comfortable immediately.

  “I’ve been doing this a long time. I can tell the ones who figure they’ll do some light dusting. You’re one of the ones could clean a bathroom flooded in shit if it came to it.”

  “I’ve done it before back home when too much rain clogged up the sewage system. I have a strong stomach and I’m not afraid to work, ma’am.”

  “Call me Eleanor. Glad to have you with us. You start tomorrow.” Brie filled out the form allowing the background check and the older woman smiled. “Carlo will introduce you to the girl who takes care of uniforms and supplies. She’ll give you your schedule.”

  Tammy Poi was a woman who looked like she desperately needed a nap. “Bear with me. I’m normally nicer. I just got back from maternity leave and I think I’ve had about ten hours of sleep this entire week.”

  Brie told her to take her time and the small Asian woman typed away for a few minutes.

  “The hours suck but you need to be trained and that’s when it’s quiet. We have employees who specifically request those hours to coordinate with their school schedules or whatever. As soon as you finish training, we’ll move you to one of the other shifts. See you tomorrow night.”

  She left the woman’s office with a badge, three uniforms, and a locker key. A printout of her schedule showed that she was taking graveyard shift for the first six weeks.

  Thanking her, Brie went to check out her locker and hung her uniforms inside. The lounge was similar to a comfortable living room and there was a long table set up for group meals. One door opened to a dorm-style sleeping area that she assumed was used if staff pulled double shifts.

  In the lobby, Brie gave the two men a relieved smile. “I love it already.”

  “Riya said to send you up whenever you finished.”

  Carlo keyed her up in the private elevator and Riya tucked her new employee information in her bag. She stepped into an apartment with a 180-degree view of Manhattan that absolutely stunned her.

  Riya came across the vast space with her hands out. “I’m so happy you came. Tawny will be here soon. She couldn’t wait to meet you. Tell me all about your day.”

  Brie found Riya’s general optimism infectious. They talked non-stop while sitting at the bar that ran along their kitchen. Shockingly, her men were cooking.

  After she’d seen Brie glance at them several times, she laughed. “I can cook, but they do it so much better. You’re going to love it. Besides, I get to observe them moving around so efficiently and I do love to baby-watch.”

  Micah came around with two glasses of wine for them and kissed Riya on the lips. “I feel so objectified.” Riya nodded, unashamed. “Thank god you love us for our brains and hearts as well, you naughty darling.”

  Brie asked questions and was shocked when they answered honestly and without embarrassment. Micah and Max took turns explaining how they’d met Riya while she inserted comic relief.

  “I have a web series that discusses sex and relationships. Two books out so far, expanding on my initial research and revisiting my other subjects.”

  Gabriella’s eyes went wide. “You still talk to…to the other men?”

  Riya’s laugh was warm. “Not only do I talk to them, they visit with their families. We had a reunion of sorts in Chicago last year and you’ll get the chance to meet a couple of them over the holidays.”

  “I…I want to read your book.”

  With a wink, Riya stood and walked into her office. From the other side of the counter, Max whispered, “Brie, you’ve made a friend for life.”

  “I hope so. I don’t have many friends.”

  Practically skipping, Riya hopped up on the stool and handed Gabriella two books. The first was non-fiction called Debunking the Myths Surrounding Male Sexuality while the second appeared to be a novel.

  “The first is my actual research, my dissertation, and my conclusions. I officially became a doctor last year when I passed my boards but I primarily write.” She took a small sip of her wine.

  “The second is my fictionalized account. The Barter System focuses on the highlights of the time I spent with each subject. I glossed a few things over, changed a name here and there, and published it as erotic romance. Everyone involved was thrilled.”

  The boldness of Riya’s research was something Gabriella wondered if she would have been brave enough to attempt. The honest answer was no. She wasn’t shy as much as uncertain. Men confused her, usually looked right through her, and it wasn’t a lack of enthusiasm on her part.

  Bridging the gap and finding a relationship that satisfied her seemed beyond her ability.

  Internally, she realized the handful of lovers she’d had combined hadn’t given her as much casual attention as one of Riya’s men showered on her…much less both.

  “I think you’re going to be my role model, Riya.”

  “God forbid. I’d corrupt you inside one month.” When Riya realized she was serious, she set down her wine glass. “I told you earlier that you reminded me of myself before my dissertation. I was being serious. If you ever have questions or just need someone to talk to, I’m here.”

  A strong blush darkened her cheeks. “I’m not even sure what questions I’d ask but thank you.”

  Leaning forward, Riya grinned. “Should you decide that you want to put yourself out there, see what all the fuss is about, yo
u let me know. I happen to know a few men who would love the opportunity to wine and dine you.”

  “We would personally check out anyone you were interested in, Brie,” Micah told her with a wink.

  Max added, “I think Riya may be thinking of a few people at our club.”

  “I am, darling. We’ll let Brie get all settled in then see if we can’t coax her out.”

  “I can’t wait to read these.”

  “Just don’t think too badly of me. My research isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.”

  Brie shook her head. “I don’t know a lot about stuff like this but it…it interests me. I think you were fearless to take it on.”

  “It was a gamble. I loved each of them in their own way for very different reasons. I still do but not with the same completeness, the sense of exactly right, that I have with Micah and Max.”

  She shrugged one shoulder delicately. “The project taught me about myself, what I wanted, and what I didn’t want. Never settle, Brie. If something isn’t fitting just so…it may be the wrong puzzle piece – no matter how badly you want it to fit.”

  Tawny and her men, Zach and Quinn, arrived and Riya kissed her cheek as she went to greet them.

  Riya’s best friend was very much like her sister Izzy, vibrant and beautiful. It made her miss Izzy a little less and she felt as though she’d found a group of kindred spirits.

  Again, she was struck by the care both men took with the slender redhead who wasted no time introducing herself and taking Gabriella’s hands. “I can see why Riya took to you. We’re going to our club later if you want to come.”

  Brie shook her head with a smile. “I’m exhausted. Truly. It’s been a day that ran the range of emotions and I need to crash. It will be a while before I feel up to being out again. I need to recover from this little bump in the road.”

  “I understand. You’re keeping it together better than I would. I’d be destroying things.” Her men nodded behind her and she stuck out her tongue. “We’ll let you off the hook so you can get some rest and get your feet back under you. Know that we will be dragging you out eventually.”