I don’t have to wait long. The stunning blonde walks round from behind the large reception desk which has been concealing the lower half of her body. Now I can see her full length and the view certainly doesn’t disappoint.
“Mr Sheldon, if you’d like to follow me, Mr January says he can spare you a few minutes.”
I follow her as she wiggles her shapely rear across the reception area. Even Marilyn Monroe would be envious. All too soon we reach a row of glass-fronted offices stretching across the rear area of the ground floor. Suddenly I’m feeling rather hot for some reason!
Blondie knocks on the door, opens it and announces me. She stands to one side of the doorway as I squeeze past her and catch the fragrance she is wearing.
“Thank you, Julia,” says Mr January.
She smiles and closes the door. Much as I’d enjoy watching her walk back to reception I turn my attention to the man behind the desk.
“Hello, Mr January, it’s extremely good of you to see me at short notice and without an appointment.”
“I do have a few minutes and Julia said you mentioned The Albion Hotel.”
“Yes. I understand it’s for sale and I might be interested in buying it.” I notice a grin spread across the estate agent’s face.
“I see. It’s at a rather advanced stage and the price is rather steep. It’s a prime site, you understand.”
“Yes. I understand. Could you indulge me and tell me the price?”
“It would be rather unethical to reveal that to you,” he states, but after a few seconds he then adds, “Let’s just say it’s is somewhere between seventeen and nineteen million pounds. Would that give you an idea?”
“Yes, it would. That’s most helpful. What if I said I’d offer you twenty million pounds? Oh, and I’m a cash buyer.”
Robert January’s face remains constant, as if someone telling him they have this amount of cash available is an everyday event.
“If that’s the case and you are serious I can make a call to my clients. No disrespect, but I would need proof such funds are available.”
“I can give you the name of the person at Lloyds Bank who deals with my account: Nigel Pym.”
“Oh yes, I know Nigel. We play golf together. I’ve got a game with him this afternoon, as a matter of fact. Mr Sheldon, I see no reason not to put your offer to my clients, although the other party might come back with a better offer. Would you be prepared to increase yours if that’s the case?”
“Let’s wait and see what happens, but I am serious. Here’s my card.”
“This has been a pleasant surprise, Mr Sheldon. I’m sure my clients will let me know quickly and then I’ll be in touch. Can I ask why you want to buy The Albion? Are you planning to redevelop it?”
“You may have recently read in the newspaper about a homeless man winning the Lotto. That was me. When I was homeless I slept behind the hotel. The night porter looked after me and a few of the staff were extremely kind to me. I hate the thought of all those people losing their jobs so I’m buying the hotel and will continue to run it as it is. With some refurbishment and modernisation I think it could be a good investment and it will secure a lot of jobs that would otherwise be lost.”
“That’s nice to know. It’s a lovely hotel and it could be even better. The only reason it’s being sold, between you and me, is because of a family squabble, so I hope it turns out to be in your favour.”
“Thank you, Mr January. It was good to meet and I look forward to hearing from you.”
I walk out of the office and across the reception area towards the front door. As I do so I notice the receptionist looking my way. “Thank you, Julia. Have a lovely afternoon,” I say with a big smile.
She looks at me and smiles back, showing me her luscious lips and pure white teeth. It makes me feel warm inside.
Since I lost my sweetheart I’ve come into contact with a lot of women. I know Miriam would want me to get on with my life but as attractive as many of these women are, I don’t think I’m ready. I’m not sure I ever will be. Miriam, Jack and Abi fill my thoughts every day. Somehow it just wouldn’t feel right, like I was being unfaithful.
As I walk out, I try to put any thoughts of Julia out of my mind. It’s not easy.
The following day I receive a phone call from Robert January.
“Good morning, Mr Sheldon. I’ve spoken with my clients and they in turn have spoken to the other party. If you were to offer twenty-one million pounds, my clients have confirmed such an offer would be acceptable and the other party involved would step aside at that level.
“Based on what you’ve said I’ll offer the twenty-one million pounds.”
“I think you’ve got a good deal. In my opinion, with some extra investment to update the hotel, you could see a very handsome return.”
“To be honest, Mr January, it’s more to do with saving the jobs of those who helped me when I needed it. As long as it doesn’t lose money I’m not really bothered. Otherwise, the money will just sit in a bank somewhere and not do anything worthy. This way the people at The Albion benefit.”
After arranging the finer details with Mr January, I find the phone number for The Albion Hotel and ask to speak with Jonathan Atkins.
“Hello, Mr Atkins? It’s James Sheldon. We met yesterday when I came in to see George. I just wanted you to know, and perhaps you can tell the staff, I expect to be the new owner of the hotel in the near future. My plans will ensure that no jobs are lost and in fact I intend to invest and refurbish all parts
