Touch of Heaven by Maureen Smith

and professional, but she had a way about her, an irrepressible warmth and charisma that immediately put people at ease, which was an essential quality in the service industry. From the outset she generously shared her knowledge and expertise with Raina, who, despite having an MBA from Columbia and five years of marketing and advertising experience on Wall Street, soon realized she had a lot to learn about running a day spa. In many ways, Tina had as much invested in Touch of Heaven as Raina did. For that reason, she deserved not to be kept in the dark about anything pertaining to the spa’s possible future.
    Releasing another deep breath, Raina said, “Last week Ralston Development was approached by a wealthy buyer who wants to build an office complex at this location.”
    Tina stared at her, her frown deepening. “The buyer wants to tear down the shopping center?”
    â€œYes. But not just the shopping center. The spa as well.”
    Tina’s dark, almond-shaped eyes grew wide. “Oh no! You’re joking, right?”
    Raina shook her head, her lips twisting cynically. “I wish. He came to see me yesterday to make an offer on the property.”
    Tina leaned forward in her chair, her gaze intent. “What did you tell him?”
    Raina gave a mirthless laugh. “What do you think I told him? I told him I have no intention of selling my property. And then I showed him the damn door.”
    Tina laughed, clapping her hands together. “Thank God!”
    â€œYou know I’m not interested in selling the spa, Tina. This place keeps me sane.”
    â€œYou and me both. You know I love my Julien dearly, but coming to work gives me a welcome break from picking up toys, cleaning up spills and chasing down naked little boys who don’t want to get a bath!”
    Raina laughed, thinking of Tina’s adorable but rambunctious three-year-old son. “How is the little man doing?”
    â€œOh, same as usual. Getting into everything he can, wherever he can. My mother’s taking him to the zoo and to a water park today, so he should be good and worn out by the time I get home this evening.”
    Raina shook her head, incredulous. “ I’m worn out just thinking about that itinerary. God bless your mother.”
    Tina grinned. “She had me when she was very young, so I sort of returned the favor and gave her a grandchild while she’s still young and active enough to enjoy him.”
    Raina groaned. “Please don’t ever tell my mother that. She’s still wondering when Reese and I are going to put our careers on hold and get to work giving her grandbabies. I keep reminding her that it might help if we could each find a good man first.”
    Tina sucked her teeth. “I know that’s right. Don’t even get me started on my no-good ex-husband, who only comes around when he thinks I might be seeing someone else. Then all of a sudden he becomes the most loving, attentive father to Julien.” She rolled her eyes, waving a dismissive hand. “Anyway, getting back to the buyer we were talking about before. Who is he?”
    Raina grimaced. “Just some out-of-state tycoon,” she answered vaguely.
    Tina nodded. “When I came in this morning, Nikki told me you had a visitor yesterday. A man, she said. Fine as he wanted to be. Tall, dark and sexy. She said she could hardly keep her eyes off him. I got my hopes up, thinking maybe you finally had a new man inyour life. But then Nikki said you weren’t happy to see him, and he didn’t stay very long. I guess now I know why.”
    Tina sounded so disappointed that Raina almost felt guilty. “Sorry to let you down,” she said wryly, reaching for her latte and taking a sip.
    Tina grinned, her dark eyes glittering with mischief. “Just because you don’t want to sell your property to the man doesn’t mean you can’t accommodate him in other ways.”
    Raina nearly