“I don’t only have bad news,” Quin said, giving Glyma’s shoulder a light squeeze before pulling away. Completely oblivious to Glyma’s inner crash-out, the Daemon redirectedattention back to the laptop where the Purgatory location was on screen. “Waryn called to ask about Purgatory, too, and, unsurprisingly, there has been little interest. The DDMV is using it as extra storage right now for the analog files they still need to digitize.
“He did learn from the realtor that the pictures are old, so the state of the building is most likely in more disrepair than these photos indicate.” Quin scrolled through a few of them, and Glyma tried to pay attention, though her mind was more preoccupied with the concept of Quin being her literal soulmate than the subject at hand. “It’s a double-edged sword. The length of time the property has been sitting vacant means you could probably negotiate the rent even lower than what they’re asking, but if the building is in need of repair, that would most likely fall on you, which can mean extra financial investment.
“But like you pointed out, you can live in the flat above the commercial space to save on monthly bills, you can upgrade kitchen equipment with secondhand appliances to save on costs, and, honestly, a new coat of paint does more than you think in creating an updated look.” Scribbling on her notepad, Quin mumbled quietly to herself—words Glyma could have caught had she been paying closer attention, but she was too distracted by Quin’s face and how cute she looked when she was planning. “I have a list of contractors that do good, honest work for a fair wage. Be sure to say I sent you; they’ll treat you right.”
Glyma wanted to treat Quin right. Like, right this very moment. On this very table. She wanted to pull a Hollywood move and shove all the paperwork to the floor so she could lay Quin out like a feast and savor her. But she was an adult with self-control, so she would be good and seduce Quin later, once their professional transaction was complete.
With that decision made, Glyma relaxed into her chair and accepted the list of names and contact information Quin handedher. “Honestly, and I can’t believe I’m actually saying this but, Purgatory might be your best bet,” Quin said. “It’s risky. It’s probably the biggest gamble, and it may not pay off. But if it does, it has the potential to be the most profitable.”
“Okay,” Glyma said.
“You’ll need to advertise, especially in the beginning because no one will know you’re there. Foot traffic won’t happen naturally, but once the word spreads, you won’t have any competition to speak of.” Quin leaned back in her chair with a look of consternation. “I don’t know why anyone hasn’t thought of this before.”
“Like you said, no one goes to Purgatory,” Glyma said.
“They just pass through,” Quin said, and something flickered in the back of Glyma’s mind, like an almost-idea, a half-formed notion.
“Passing through,” she whispered.
“Sorry?” Quin asked, and Glyma shook her head.
“Nothing. Just… never mind.” Gathering her hair into a low ponytail, she scooted to the edge of her chair. “So should I wait until my incorporation paperwork is approved to start viewing these properties?”
“You wouldn’t have to, especially if you’re interested in Purgatory. Waryn said they haven’t had a viewing in months. The realtor trying to rent it out sounded a bit desperate.” Quin stood and started gathering the numerous files. “Waryn offered to schedule a walk-through for you, if you’re interested. I have his card here somewhere. You can call or email him if—”
Glyma stood, too. “That’s so kind, but I don’t think I can afford a realtor. I was just planning on doing it myself.”
“Of course. I’ll talk with Waryn and get a list of questions you should ask during the viewing. Just to make sure they don’t try and screw you over.”
“You don’t have to do that.” She gestured to the paperwork on the table. “I know half of this stuff isn’t even offered in the service package I paid for. You’ve already gone above and beyond for me.”
“It’s the least I could do.” Quin dropped her gaze to the file in her hands. “Given… everything.”
“It’s more than enough. I’ve never been this close to—” Glyma swallowed the clog in her throat as she hugged her folder of paperwork to her chest. “Thank you, Quin. I might actually have a shot at this.”
Quin tucked a loc behind her ear and smiled, almost shyly. “It’s been my absolute pleasure. If you have any questions or need anything, don’t hesitate to reach out. You have my email and you can call the office anytime.”
Heaving her large, glittery pink purse onto the table, Glyma started to add the different files into it.
“You know where to file for incorporation?” Quin asked.
“Yeah, I’ll drop the paperwork off tomorrow.”
“And the loan applications just need your tax I.D. once you have it,” Quin repeated.
“I know,” Glyma said.
“I will send you the finalized business plans over email early next week, both versions in case you decide to set up shop within the Pentagram,” Quin said as Glyma hooked her now-bursting purse over her shoulder.
“Sounds good. Thank you.”
She extended her hand, and Quin looked almost disappointed as she took and shook it. Electricity buzzed up Glyma’s arm, just like the first time they’d touched, and she knew. Sheknew!Quin wasn’t a crush or a passing fancy. Quin was hers. Call it destiny. Call it fate. Call it ill-conceived, irrational U-Haul behavior. She didn’t care. Quin was her soul singer, and she wouldn’t be letting her go easily.
“Does this conclude our business arrangement?” Glyma asked, and Quin frowned slightly as she nodded.
“I suppose, unless—eep!”
Using her grip on Quin’s hand, Glyma tugged the smaller woman into a hug. She was short and dainty, almost fragile in Glyma’s arms, but she fit perfectly. Her chin on Glyma’s shoulder, her sharp angles sinking into Glyma’s squishy curves. This close, her scent was all Glyma could sense, and it made her want to purr in contentment. Her tail snuck around them, teasing the tip of Quin’s, and the Daemon made a rather undignified noise in the back of her throat.
