“I’m well, thank you.” I suppress my shudder and start walking in step with him. His leathery skin somehow manages to seem even harsher beneath the bright Colorado sun. “Have you been to Fitz’s Mansion before?”

“Once,” he says as we step onto the patio that wraps around the building. “It was wonderful.”

“Yes, the Ramsey event, wasn’t it?” Mr. Carlin, clearly not one to be left out, adds. “That was a great event.”

I take their mutual fawning as a good sign.

I open the door, holding it open for both men as we walk into the classic opulence of old money.

The entryway alone is enough to take my breath away. The owners take pride in the preservation of this estate; they boast that all features are still the originals. From the dark cherry staircase to the wide crown molding to the tiles on the floor, it’s like stepping back in time—just with electricity and air-conditioning.

A door to the left opens and an older woman that I assume is Elizabeth Holding, the woman I’ve been speaking with for the past week, steps out to greet us. In a gray skirt suit with pearls resting at the base of her neck, Elizabeth is just how I imagined her. Her black hair is pulled up in a twist and her face is made-up in perfectly neutral tones. Even her closed-toed heels promise competence.

“Elliot? So nice to meet you.” She reaches out her hand to shake mine. I want to point out the appropriate greeting to Mr. Mahler, but don’t. He is in charge of my career, after all.

“It’s nice to meet you as well. Thank you so much for taking the time to show us around.” I shake her hand in return before stepping to the side to introduce the rest of my party. “This is Mr. Mahler and Mr. Carlin, they are the ones hosting the event. I want them to be able to see the space before making the final decision.”

“Hello, gentlemen,” Elizabeth aims a polite smile in their direction but makes no move to get closer. She must’ve seen the kiss out of the window and is keeping her distance. Smart woman. “I hope Fitz’s Mansion is exactly what you’re looking for for your event. Of course, if there is anything we can do to help, we would love to do just that. Fitz’s Mansion has hosted some of our country’s biggest names and most extraordinary leaders. We strive to make all events as perfect as possible.”

Mr. Mahler and Mr. Carlin both nod, but keep their mouths shut. Something that brings me way too much joy.

“Could you give us a tour?” I really do want a tour, but Elizabeth’s presence has also seemed to calm both of the men with me, and keeping her close is in my best interest.