Gerald laughed like I had made a joke. “This will only take a minute. This is Mr. Hargreaves. He owns a shop on Main.”
Mr. Hargreaves offered a hand. “Nice place. It has good lighting.”
I did not take his hand. I looked at Gerald. “What is this?”
Gerald spread his hands. “Just exploring options. Your lease is up for renewal soon.”
“I have months left,” I said.
“Sure,” Gerald agreed easily. “But renewals start early. You know how it is. Mr. Hargreaves is interested in expanding. He’s willing to pay a higher rate for the space. I would be remiss not to consider it.”
I felt a cold sense of foreboding. “You can’t show the space while I’m operating.”
Gerald’s smile shifted into something less friendly. “I can do whatever I need to do as the owner. I’m giving you notice now that renewal isn’t guaranteed.”
Dave let out a quiet whistle, like this was fascinating. Cathy looked satisfied, as if the universe had aligned with her point.
Mr. Hargreaves wandered toward the back, peering at the lesson area. “I could see this as a tasting corner.”
I stepped out from behind the counter before I realized I had moved. “Stop.”
He paused, blinking at me.
“This is my business,” I said to Gerald, keeping my voice controlled. “You don’t bring strangers in here and talk about replacing me like I’m a chair you’re tired of looking at.”
Gerald’s expression hardened. “Then maybe you should think about making more money so that you pay the rent on time. It’s going up soon with inflation factors.”
Dave lifted his tablet. “Touring.”
Cathy tilted her chin. “Anne.”
The shop felt suddenly full of people who wanted things from me.
“I am not discussing this right now,” I said, my voice steady. “You are out of line. If you have something to discuss about the lease, you schedule it. You do not parade tenants through my shop like I’m already gone.”
Gerald’s jaw tightened. “Watch your tone.”
I met his gaze without blinking. “Watch yours.”
The room went quiet. Even Dave stopped fidgeting.
I gestured toward the door. “All of you. Leave.”
Cathy stared at me as if I had slapped her.
“Now,” I added.
Dave hesitated, then gathered his tablet and his box of failed merchandise. Gerald muttered something under his breath and motioned for Mr. Hargreaves to follow him. Cathy held my gaze the longest, as if waiting for me to cave, then turned sharply and walked out without another word.
I flipped the sign to CLOSED and locked the door. The silence felt loud as I leaned against it. My chest ached in a way that had nothing to do with money.
I had drawn the line.
Now I had to live with what it cost.
Chapter Eighteen: Unexpected Visitors
Kitty
