“The owner really wants it leased,” Isaac says thoughtfully. “I could talk to him, see if he’d lower the rent. And if you want, I could possibly talk him down to a six month term, just to start. I’m sure he’d go for it.”
Six months is about what Luke said it would take to turn a decent profit. And, really, what’s the worst that could happen? I waste six months, I lose a bit of money—but I would have tried, at least. I wouldn’t have to live wonderingwhat if. A thrill runs up my spine as I realize I’ve already made up my mind.
Isaac can read my face. “Should I call him?”
I nod, my pulse picking up its pace as Isaac steps out with his phone.
While he talks, I pull out my napkin and wander around the store, picturing how I can bring my ideas to life in this space. With that brick wall exposed, I could hang some artwork, and a chalkboard menu behind the counter. I could have rows of tables down the center here, and sofas against that back wall. Then the shelves with the games could go over there, and an espresso machine could sit here on the counter, the cases with the baked goods could go…
Hmm. I’m going to have to hire people to work here, of course. I don’t know anything about hiring or managing staff.
And then I see Paula’s face, as if she’s right there behind the counter, serving up a plate of her delicious brownies. I wonder—
“Okay.” Isaac enters again, his face broad with a grin. “He’s on board. We’ll just need to draw up a new lease agreement for you to review.”
“Review?”
“Yeah.” He gives me a kind smile, clearly sensing that I’m out of my depth. “You’ll want to have a lawyer look over the agreement before you sign, but that’s pretty standard. I can put you in touch with a few if that helps. Once they’re satisfied, you can sign the lease and get to work.”
I stare at Isaac for a second, unable to move as I process what he’s saying. It can happen. It’s happening.
He tilts his head to one side with a chuckle. “Don’t back out on me now.”
“I just have to call someone,” I say in a rush, fumbling in my bag for my phone. “One sec.” I step out onto the street and, with trembling fingers, I press the call button.
“Hello?” Paula’s voice is groggy on the other end and I curse myself. It must be the middle of the night.
“Er, hi.”
“Harriet?” Her voice rises with alarm. “Is everything okay?”
“Yes,” I say quickly. “Sorry, I forgot the time difference.”
She exhales, then her laugh comes down the line. “No problem. What’s up?”
“Well…” I glance down at the folder in my arms, suddenly feeling stupid. But if I don’t ask, I’ll never know. “You know that cafe idea I had?”
“Sure.”
I reach deep inside for my courage. “I’m doing it. I’m doing it here in New York. And, I know this is a bit out there, but I was wondering… do you still want to help?”
There’s a pause on the other end and I hold my breath. Then Paula speaks, and I can hear the grin in her voice.
“When can I start?”
41
Istep from the shower, wrapping the towel around myself. My feet sink into the plush hotel carpet as I pad across the room and slip into my pajamas, my tired body protesting.
After my meeting with Isaac two days ago, I found a lawyer to help me negotiate the terms of the rental agreement. There was a lot of back and forth before I finally signed the lease, then I began looking for contractors so they can come and strip out all the old fixtures and the damaged drywall. I started to clear out some of the mess myself today, which was both thrilling and terrifying.
It’s good, though, to have a distraction from things with Luke. I may as well use this time while he’s out of town productively. It’s either that or I stay holed up in my hotel room, binge-watchingStar Warsand torturing myself with what may or may not happen between us. Because even though I want to stay positive, whenever I let myself think about it, my mind conjures worst-case scenarios. I can’t help it; I’m hard-wired that way, especially when there’s so much uncertainty in my life right now. At least Paula is on a flight tomorrow. Having her here will be good.
I’m just crawling into bed, ready to devour a pizza in front of a movie, when my phone buzzes beside me. I see it’s Alex calling from New Zealand, and there’s a nervous spasm in my stomach. I haven’t spoken to her since arriving in the city, but we’ve texted, so she knows I’m here. I was hoping to have an update on the Luke situation when we finally spoke, not to mention I have to explain my cafe to her. Part of me worries she might think it’s absurd. I can’t deny I would love to speak to someone about this, though. And when I think of her moving here to pursue her own dreams, it occurs to me that out of everyone, she might understand the most.
With a deep inhale, I press the talk button. “Hey.”
“Harriet!” she shrieks. Her excited tone makes me giggle. “Switch to video.”
