Page 8 of Man Vs. Woman

“Hey, I have an idea,” Daphne suddenly says, drumming her fingers on one knee as she bites the corner of her lips. She lowers her voice then, like she always does when she’s mulling over something. “It isn’t a sure thing, but maybe this will help you…”

“What? Spit it out, Daph!” I demand.

“I’m with Ashley…” I laugh. “The way things are, any idea is better than no idea.”

“Well, this isn’t a sure thing...but the retail space on the corner of 57th and 7th is vacant right now.”

“Hold on!” I almost jump to my feet as I realize the place she’s referring to. “You’re talking about that huge place on the ground floor of Clarendon Tower! It’s vacant?”

“It is,” she nods. “But don’t set your hopes too high, alright? If you tried to go for it, you’d have to sell the idea to the Condo Board, and as good of a place this building is...well, let’s just say there’s always an asshole atop the food-chain.”

“Yeah, Peter Something-Something, right?”

“No. Peter was already kicked out of the board, girl. You should start attending more of those resident meetings, you know? They’re always fun. Anyway, there’s a new guy as president now...and he’s as much of an asshole as the previous ones were.”

“Seriously,” Ashley sighs. “What is it with this damn building? You should make a run for the presidency of the board, Daph. Teach all those assholes how to run a building like this.”

“I’m with Ashley,” I laugh, finishing my wine. “And with you as president, I could just set up my spa in here and live happily ever after.”

Of course, if only it were that easy, Still, Daphne’s idea is a good one—the place I had in 30 Park Avenue was a good one, but it pales in comparison to what I could achieve if I operated out of Clarendon Tower. I mean, moving my business here would be enough to get me some headlines...and with that, I bet I’d get a lot more clients, all of them with more money than good sense.

This whole situation with Hoyt...it might not be a problem.

It might just be an opportunity.

“I’m in,” I find myself saying, without even giving it a second thought.

“You like the idea?”

“I love it, Daph. And I’m more than ready to fight for it.”

“Well, as far as I’m concerned, I’d love to have you as a neighbor. So, count me in—whatever you need from me, I’m right here. Let’s make it happen.”

And, just like that, it’s settled.

I don’t care what happens next, or how hard I have to fight for it...my spa’s new home will be at Clarendon Tower.

In case you’re thinking that I’m being too brash, well...what can I say? That’s me, Serena James. Whenever I set my sights on something, I refuse to back down.

And whatever my goal is, Ialwaysmake it happen.