“Id still like to hear what you say, and how you say it.” As he complied, she nodded, slid her hand intoPittes . “Its difficult,” she said, “to know what to let go of, what to hold. Im happy for you both, that you held each other.”
“So am I, for purely personal reasons. But it plays into the rest, doesnt it?” Jordan watched her face, wished he could read it. “Its part of the quest.”
“In a tapestry, every thread matters. The length, the texture, the hue. He wished to separate you;youdidnt allow it. The thread between you is long, and rich, and strong.”
“Why is it so important that he separate us?”
“Youre more together than you are apart. You know that.”
“Its not only that.” He leaned forward. “Help me help her.”
“You have. You will. I believe that.”
“Shes nearly out of time.”
“Youve come farther than you think, so be careful. Hell do whatever he can to break that thread.”
Jordan sat back. “He wont break it; Theres another reason Im here. Im starting to wonder if its not part of the tapestry as well. I want to buy this house.”
Brad made a strangled sound in his throat that hadPitte shooting him a dryly amused glance. “Would you care for some water?”
“No. No.” With a sigh, Brad drank more beer. “No.”
“The big businessman over there figures I should tap-dance around, and well play lets negotiate for an hour or two. I dont see the point. I dont know what your plans are for the place once this is all done, but if youre willing to sell, Im ready to buy.”
Why doesnt he just give them a blank check? Brad thought to himself. Access to his brokerage account, the deed to his condo in New York?
“Your business-minded friend has some excellent points.” Sending Brad a nod of acknowledgment,Pitte swirled his beer. “Ive developed a number of business interests over time. I enjoy…” He gave Rowena a questioning glance. “Wheeling and dealing.”
“Yes. Its an entertaining hobby. This property, beyond suiting our needs during this period, is quite desirable. A house of this size and material, with its history and its location—which includes twenty-five point three acres, both cleared and wooded, a six-car garage, an indoor swimming pool, with steam room and…”
“Whirlpool tub,” Rowena supplied on a bubble of laughter. “We quite enjoy the whirlpool tub.”
“Yes.” He lifted her hand, nipped her knuckles. “As well as a number of other details and amenities—”
“Please.” Unable to hold back, Brad lifted a hand. “This place is an enormous white elephant. Amenities and history are one thing, but its twenty miles away from the Valley—”
“Eighteen point six,”Pitte corrected blandly.
“On a narrow road that twists straight up the mountain,” Brad continued. “Its bound to cost a fortune to heat and cool. You put it on the market tomorrow, youd be lucky to get a serious offer within the next decade.”
Pittestretched out his legs, crossed his ankles. It occurred to Jordan that this was the most relaxed hed seenPitte in the weeks of their acquaintance.
“I would enjoy doing business with you,” he told Brad. “Perhaps, at some point, there will be an opportunity. I believe it would be very stimulating.”
“Right now youre doing business with me” Jordan reminded him, .
“Yes, thats true.”Pittes gaze shifted to Jordan.
“I have a question first.” Rowena pattedPittes arm to hold him off, then looked at Jordan. “Why do you want this house?”
“Ive always wanted it.”
Brad rolled his eyes toward heaven. “Have pity on him.”
“The question is why.”
“It… spoke to me. I dont mean that literally.”