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  My eyebrows went up to the heavens as I looked at the phone receiver and choked out, “You’re kidding me, right? I mean, you were there.”

  “I was, but that review hardly was warranted. She actually served you food, and what if I told you that she misinterpreted your question for the type of pizza?” He was trying to reason for his mother.

  “Did she?” I asked, clearly showing that I didn’t believe what he was saying.

  “Well, no. She just gave you what she thought you needed.” He came clean, which caused me to bust out laughing. “Imagine growing up with her as she dressed me in trousers to go out and play cricket. She thought the uniforms were too form-fitting, therefore, she made shark-skinned trousers with the wretched fabric and I had to wear them. I never lived that down. Some blokes still call me shark-skinned.”

  At that, I found myself laughing louder as I imagined a lanky Noah dressed in some silver pants and playing cricket.

  “Stop!” I yelled. “You have my side hurting.”

  “You laugh, but I am telling the truth. The woman just gives you what she thinks you like. The name of the restaurant should be What Marianne Wants.”

  He kept going, and I was literally pounding on my desk laughing at this man talking about his overbearing mother.

  “Noah, please stop!” I was gasping for air.

  “I’ll stop when you agree to take down the review.” Noah said with a little chuckle. “If anything, this confirms what I said.”

  “I think you might be right. I’ll have to switch up my approach.” I said in a low, thoughtful voice as the bell in my office chimed, signaling that Gladys was paging me.

  “Well, let me know when you do,” Noah said. The way that he said those words, I could tell that he was smiling. “I have to go but have a good day.”

  I hung up the phone and called Gladys.

  “Gladys, you buzzed?” I asked.

  “Yes, your nine o’clock is here.” She answered.

  “Great, send them in.” I replied and began to chuckle as I thought back on Noah.

  The man had jokes.

  Funny jokes.

  Chapter 5

  Noah

  I went from being furious at the woman to craving to hear her laugh in my ear. It was throaty, genuine, and nothing faux about it. Not like Patricia. She was taught to laugh. It was tight, reserved, and calculating. I’m convinced there wasn’t a genuine bone in her body.

  Maxine, whether in fury or folly, she was the real thing. As I left my office, I walked into the Wolfe II with new eyes after watching Maxine’s videos. There wasn’t anyone greeting the patrons when they walked through, nothing for them to drink. If they did come in and they were a little tossed, it might be nice to have water in the lobby with a light snack or coffee to sober them up. Even one of those coffee machines that needed to be filled with an individual cup. How would an introvert want to be welcomed? What would a welcome feel like for the extrovert? We had travel guides, since seventy percent of our customers were visiting London, some internationally, or other parts of Europe. Either way, they needed to know how to get around, what the best places to eat, shop, and travel. Also, what to look out for. On my way up to the penthouse in the lift, I walked through some random floors and saw room service trays from the dining area. Instead of the rotations that were based on shifts, a walkthrough every hour to collect trays would be better, so the halls are tidy and well kept, I thought.

  The woman was wearing off on me in more ways than I could imagine. Her role was like the auditor you don’t necessarily want but the one you need. The actual business idea was genius. I would have to ask her how she came up with the creation and brought it to fruition. According to her reviews, she was doing well enough. There was a solid team in place, plus there was no doubt she would get a result. Watching ten videos, having her go to bits with my mum, and browsing what she does, it made total sense and had me looking at things within my own organization differently.

  Wolfe I and II were a mess when I inherited them, but they did not need to remain that way. In the early part of my career, I felt that I had to keep the ship afloat, which was phase one. By year three, I began to implement my own strategies and installed new developments. This required having some people move on to other positions because they were resistant to change. This also allowed some of the staff to grow and take on the challenges that the industry presented. London is a well-traveled place. Hotels are consistently booked, and with the new wave in finding deals whether domestic or abroad, it was in our best interest to move towards an online system, including an app and having a rewards system. Some people in the Wolfe group felt we were becoming like our American allies. Too Westernized. However, after sharing the failing financials, some changed their mind. It was keep up or get pushed out. That was bullocks if I had anything to do with it, so we kept up and needed to exceed, if we wanted to expand, like I wanted.

  The next day, I called Maxine around six in the morning, like last time, she answered.

  “This must be the best time to reach you,” I answered her hello.

  “Something like that, Mr. Wolfe.” She answered. “You have your rebuttal ready, yet?”

  “No, no. I’m still tossing some ideas around. I don’t want to be hasty or anything.” I told her. “I have another matter that I want to address with you.”

  There was silence and then she answered, “Go on, then.”

  “After cyber-stalking you on SyncedIn, please accept my connection request. I don’t like waiting to see if you’ve taken down that review.” She scoffed, but I kept talking. “I watched some videos and began to think of ways to improve my business. How do you think a hotel can be more accommodating to its customers? For the most part, we do everything every other hotel does.”

  Silence met me on the other end of the receiver. To the extent that I cleared my throat and asked, “Are you there?”

  “Yes, yes. Sorry, I was stuck on you watching some of my videos.” She answered honestly.

  That type of raw, innate truth was refreshing and becoming.

  “Yes, over ten actually. Very engaging and you have such spirit and enthusiasm. I rather enjoyed them.” I replied. “So, what do you think? The hotel industry?”

  “Hmm, usually Mr. Wolfe…” I cut her off and said.

  “Call me Noah.”

  “Fine by me, call me Maxine.” She dared me.

  “Scouts honor,” I replied.

  “Okay, it’s settled.” I could hear her smile with those words. “What’s one thing people feel at a hotel? You go there, it’s a place to crash, you leave, and it’s fine. How about personalizing it? For instance, during check-in, have a selection of items kept on stock. Whether that’s food, snacks, drinks, or something. Not anything they have to pre-order, but something tailored to them, if they register their room in advance. It will be personalized. The how, could be up to you; in regards to the type of room and the day of registration or check-in. Hell, it can even be like the W Hotel, with all the items in the room, at a cost. But, the one thing a customer will walk away with, is that they felt something was prepared for them, and they were the priority. It could be hell with schedule and storage, but that’s just a thought off the top of my head. People pay me good money for these ideas, so you get this one for free. Okay.” She chuckled after saying that, but the woman just gave me two great ideas.

  “Maxine, I like the way you think,” I admitted. “These sounds like splendid ideas.”

  “Well, I’m glad I could be of service, Noah.” She replied. “I’m still not taking down that review, and I just accepted your connection on SyncedIn.”

  “Bloody hell, you sure know how to turn a moment into shite.” I replied with a laugh. “Take the review down. Spare an old woman.”

  “Ha.” She scoffed. “That old woman was about to have me stranded in London forever.”

  I laughed out loud because it was very true.

  “No, no. She knew I had your passport and that I w
ould get it to you.” I shared. “Honestly, it was an oversight on my part. I forgot. I can still pay for the flight.”

  “No, need. It’s done.” She told me. “Anyway, I must go.”

  “Very well then, until next time.” I said.

  “Uh, Noah?” She called before doing her signature hanging up the phone on me.

  “Yes, Maxine?”

  “Thanks for that night and the passport.” She said in a low voice. “Good day.”

  Then, she hung up the phone. Well, I guess she is not as dense as she comes off. She was aware that I had honored her in some way, and it only took her days to share gratitude. I would take it. This woman had started my day off right twice already.

  The next day, I receive a call from Maxine Robins herself. There was no greeting or anything, just, “You actually purchased a package of consulting services from ARC?”

  “Good morning to you, Maxine.” I responded to bring her back to focus.

  “Sorry, morning. Wait, oh yes, it is still morning.” She corrected herself. “Now, you purchased a package, why? You’re in London.”

  I could not tell if she was upset or shocked by the gesture.

  “Are you upset?” I asked.

  “No, no. I wasn’t expecting that. Usually, my clients don’t just purchase packages online without talking to me. You picked the highest package, which will require time, visits, etc. on my part. That’s why I am asking.” Maxine clarified.

  Sitting in my office, I looked around at the wooden surfaces that were everywhere. Even the wood paneling in the space was very antiquated. If we were meeting in London to see the hotels, I’d need her to work in my office as well.

  “Will that be a problem?” I asked.

  “Uh, no. Noah, I think we can schedule everything out in advance. This will help a lot.” She offered.

  “Okay, if this is going to work, I have three conditions.”

  Maxine audibly sighed and said, “Noah, if anything is outlandish, I will refund you your money right now.”

  A laugh escaped me as I nodded and replied, “I have no doubts.”

  “Okay, what are your conditions?” The ballsy woman asked.

  Sitting up in my chair, I cleared my throat and rattled them off. “The first one is I need your mobile number because of the time difference. I cannot guarantee that I will be at my desk at eleven every day, and you can’t guarantee this either. Number two is that your transportation will be covered by the Wolfe Group, which is nothing because my mate has a private jet that I have full access to, so there is no fee for any of the parties involved. The last item is that when you do come to London, you’ll stay at the Wolfe II at no cost to you.”

  Her breath blew out, which signaled that she was deliberating my offer. Then, she finally spoke and said, “Those addendums make sense. We’ll have to talk in more detail about your timeline, what you are looking for, and how we can maximize on what you are willing to do. It’s a process and not something that you can do overnight.” Maxine consented. “I am a little excited, since this is my first overseas account. However, since you are the son of Satan’s spawn, I do not know if I should be wary.”

  “Wait, I forgot. Another constraint is that you have to stop talking about my mum, at least to me, and you must take down that review.” I said it with a laugh, but I should have known the sassy woman would have something to say about it.

  “Well, that’s easy. No deal.” She said and hung up the phone.

  I looked at the receiver several times just to make sure that she hung up and did not put me on hold. No, the bold woman hung up the phone and turned down a five-figure sale.

  Immediately, I called back, and she answered, “Yes, Mr. Wolfe?”

  That term bothered me, which I knew she did it on purpose.

  “It’s Noah.” I corrected her with sternness in my voice that I hadn’t really shared with her, except that first phone call.

  “Noah, how can I help you?” She said with nothing but reserved politeness.

  I hated that. Maxine was great because she was her; but this side of her, I did not like.

  “It was a joke.” I shared. “It is evident that no matter what I do, you are not taking down that review.”

  She laughed and said, “I know, Noah. You’re so serious.”

  Hell, she was still laughing. I almost hung up on her. I thought she was done with me.

  With us.

  “I’m excited Noah, this is going to be so great. I have all of these ideas, and I can’t wait to see everything and discuss more about what you want for the Wolfe Group.” Maxine’s energy was back and so was her zeal.

  She was contagious.

  “I am excited too. It is evident that you are worth your salt, and I’m not above asking for assistance if needed.” I shared.

  “Great. Here, take down my cell phone number and text me yours.” She told me.

  We exchange numbers, then text, and another part of my anxiety slipped into place when it involved Maxine. She was a puzzle, no doubt, but one I enjoyed piecing together.

  “That settles it then.” I told her. “We can start next week afresh. Should I forward my available times to you or your secretary?”

  Maxine let out a short laugh and said, “You can forward them to me, and we can attach her on the emails going forward. She handles them better than I do.”

  “I know the feeling.” I said with a small chuckle. “I’ll be chatting with you soon, Ms. Maxine.”

  “Same to you Mr. Noah. Good day.” She replied and hung up.

  Our chat about the logistics of the contract led to a video conference call with her and one of the directors. Each outline, scheduled trip, and goal was identified, and we were scheduled to move forward with our business partnership.

  Since she accepted my connection on SyncedIn, I signed up for notifications when she posted her reviews. Maxine had found another place where the customer service was horrible, and of course, the woman felt compelled to leave a review. It was eleven o’clock my time, which put it around six Eastern standard time, so I sent her a text.

  Me: Your adventure at the Drop & Dime was more adventurous than my mum’s restaurant

  Maxine: How did you know?

  Me: I get your alerts

  Maxine: oh, trying to see if I took down your mother’s review huh?

  Me: my fingers are crossed

  Maxine: keep them crossed. And yes, the Drop n Dime was just that. Except it should be called a drop and penny. Ugh

  Me: that bad, huh?

  Maxine: Yes. Picture this. I walk into the retail store, just to get some nail polish. That was all. The woman at the counter sighs as I come through the door. She doesn’t know me at all, but apparently, I’m disrupting her from doing nothing.

  I sat back in bed and mentally laughed because what I do know about Maxine was that this story was going to be a continuation, since she called their headquarters.

  She continues to send me a multitude of texts outlining how bad the experience was and how she is waiting for their corporate offices to respond because if her experience was so bad, what about the other customers. I wasn’t helping any by egging her on, but the woman was passionate, even if no one else cared about the issue, she was always right.

  I liked that.

  Unashamed and zealous.

  Maxine: Wait, it’s late right. Shouldn’t you be in bed?

  Me: I am in bed

  Maxine: oh, (blushing face emoticon)

  Me: No reason to blush. I’m not doing anything inappropriate yet

  Maxine: okay, Noah. That’s my cue. Have a good night

  Me: You as well. Now you can blush.

  Maxine: (shocked face)

  Me: Can you send me a picture of you blushing?

  Maxine: Noah…

  Me: Maxine…

  Maxine: Night

  Me: Sweet dreams

  I meant every word about her blushing because with every aching thought of her in my bed, continued to make me h
ard. It was midnight and entirely past my bedtime, but the release was worth it.

  The next morning, I woke up to a text that was sent at three in the morning.

  Maxine: (Blushing face)

  That message brought a roar of laughter out of me at an ungodly hour in the morning. This made me think that it wasn’t just her blushing, but since it was Maxine’s bedtime, she was the one doing inappropriate things.

  Me: Should I blush too?

  Later that morning, she texted back.

  Maxine: Behave yourself

  I presumed that meant yes, but I would not pursue it further. As we continued to work together on my business venture by day, periodically, I would comment or text about her reviews at night. This gradually turned into more personal conversations. Then if Maxine encountered a bad or good example of customer service, she would text me on the spot with a picture of what she saw or a text about the experience. Later, I would read details or view details on her SyncedIn account.

  This provided valuable insight into her world and how she viewed the things around her. It gave the rationale behind the hard exterior of Maxine Robins. In turn, I started to do the same thing. Share my world through pictures and text. Share my thinking about the matters and why. She, being the woman that she was, would sometimes challenge my thinking in a way that gave me another perspective. It was admirable, really. I found that I liked that.

  We would share our nightly musings, and I’d wake to a rant about something Maxine saw on the news or in her evening outings, until one day she sent one lonely blushing emoticon.

  Me: what I’d give to be a witness

  Bloody hell, why had I sent that back?

  Chapter 6

  As I grew to learn more about Noah Wolfe, I decided to Google him a bit further. We did our initial background check before going into business with him, but I wanted a bit more information.

  One article had me speechless and checking the date. It stated that the Wolfe Group had announced that they would expand their hotels to the States, starting with Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Noah had not mentioned anything about this, and it was dated a month ago. I kept searching and found similar reports, but that was the extent of my findings. This made me wonder why he had not said anything.