Redeeming Heart by Pat Simmons Page A

reached four hundred thousand dollars. “But
God, You are faithful!”
    She stepped out with her purse filled with a
stack of business cards, then reached back for her shawl. Carter
Mortgage, housed in a historic building, was owned by generations
of the elite Carter family. Once she graced the entrance, Octavia
admired the architecture, which could serve as a backdrop for a
wedding photographer with its sculptured high ceilings and marble
floors.
    The furniture in the lobby had been
rearranged since the last time she had been there. Counter tables
were sprinkled throughout for people to stand, sip and chat, as
well as sectional seating for cozy conversations.
    A server greeted her and offered her a glass
of champagne. She declined, eying a buffet spread in view. Surely,
there would be bottles of water to quench her thirst.
    As she inched her way toward the food, she
slipped out a few business cards to have handy in case she was
stopped before she reached the table. She had yet to see Terri or a
familiar face. A gentleman stepped in her path and grinned.
    “Well, hello there.” He scanned her attire
and lingered at body parts that made Octavia uncomfortable. She
schooled her disgust with a sweet smile. “Hi. I’m Octavia
Winston.”
    “I’m Frank Lindell…”
    Who didn’t know the Lindell name in St.
Louis? He was responsible for most of the new developments near
Lambert Airport and beyond. “You construct the most beautiful
homes,” she complimented.
    When he held his hand out for a shake, she
placed her card between his fingers. She was interested in business
and nothing else. Something told her she would have to pry her
hands from his grip.
    Octavia guessed he was in his mid-forties.
She was sure his blue eyes were his best asset when it came to
attracting a woman, but she wasn’t one of them.
    Clearly, the man didn’t want to talk
business, so she discreetly inched her way to table. “I apologize.
I just came from church and I’m a bit hungry.”
    He nodded and waited patiently as she placed
hors d’oeuvres on her crystal luncheon plate.
    “Let’s chat a bit,” he suggested as he led
her to a counter table a group had just vacated.
    Again, he waited as she blessed her food,
then began to nibble. Surprisingly, Frank talked about another
phase of his existing development. Maybe she had misjudged him.
    “I would like to discuss more of my vision
over dinner and escort you to some other events—introduce you to
colleagues and associates.”
    Dinner? Octavia knew how to separate business
from pleasure. “I would appreciate that. Since my broker invited me
here today, I would love to return the favor and bring her along.”
She didn’t realize she had eaten everything on her plate until a
server reached for it and she consented. After dabbed her mouth,
Octavia extended her hand for a shake—briefly, then she excused
herself.
    Octavia exhaled. While looking for Terri, she
introduced herself to other professional women until she saw a
familiar face and made a beeline in his direction.
    “Minister Tolliver, it’s good to see you!”
Octavia smiled and gave him a loose Christian sisterly hug. She
didn’t have any brothers, but Rossi was a good stand-in. “What are
you doing here?”
    “Same as you.” He laughed. “Rubbing shoulders
with moneymakers to let them know that downtown East St. Louis had
a face-lift and is open for business.”
    Rossi had given the depressed business
district in the Metro East more than a face-lift. Her friend and
his cousin had designed and constructed a business/loft/shopping
area that they named Tolliver Town. Octavia had worked with him in
getting small businesses, such as classy boutique shops and
restaurants, to lease spaces. With incentives like low rent for one
year and other perks, spaces were filled within months. It had been
a win-win for all. Now the Tolliver cousins were on to phase
two.
    Realizing her rudeness, Octavia turned to
apologize to the other man, then