I didn't want to talk about this at all. At first, I loved the idea of getting income from a property, but now that I'd met Angela and Ayla, I didn't want to burden them.
"Eve called and said she'd suspend our rent for the apartment and the shop until everything's fixed. So I have money to pay you.
I wanted to tell her she didn't have to pay me anything, but I figured that would be something she wouldn't expect. She was a proud woman who prided herself on taking care of her and her daughter. "Pay me the same amount you were paying Eve for the apartment."
"Are you sure? You don't even know what that is."
"I wasn't earning any money on that property. Anything's better than nothing. But if you can't swing it?—"
She shook her head. "No. I can."
She was proud and stubborn, all traits I was finding I admired in a woman. "There's no rush. I don't want to add to your to-do list."
She drummed her fingers on the table. "I'm focused on creating the website. It's giving me something else to do besidesworry about this store being closed. At least when the online shop is open, I'll always have that revenue stream. Assuming it's successful, of course."
"I'm sure it will be."
A crease formed between her brows again. "How can you be so sure?"
"You're a determined woman, and I never discount someone who's persistent."
She smiled. "I am determined to make this work. It's easier to be my own boss than to work for someone else, especially as a single mother."
"I would think there are more demands on your time when you're running a brick-and-mortar store." I was genuinely curious about her thoughts.
"I like to be open during the hours I've posted. I want to build that trust with customers. It would be easier to hire employees, but I can't quite swing it yet."
"I need to do that. I have subcontractors I work with, but I need my own crew, especially if I'm going to do more work like this."
Angela stood. "I'm going to grab lunch for Ayla and me. Do you want me to bring something back for you?"
"Where are you going?"
"We're just picking up pizza to go."
I pulled a twenty out of my pocket. "Can you order me a steak sub?"
She took it from me, her fingers brushing against mine. "Of course."
"I'm going to meet with Eve, but I'll be back soon."
I closed my laptop and headed to the town hall. Eve was in her office, so I took the stairs and knocked on her door.
By now, I was familiar with her open-door policy. It meant that anyone in town was welcome to stop by and talk to herabout concerns at any time. I just hoped she wasn't busy this morning.
"Come in," Eve's voice called.
I stepped into the room. "I ordered the pipes we need for Angela's building."
"I've been getting calls and visits from the other business owners, asking when their building will be inspected."
I sat on the chair across from her. "That's next on my to-do list."
"Assuming we need to replace all the pipes in town, what's a realistic timeline?"
"That depends on whether I can secure a crew or two. Let me see what I can do."
"I like the sound of multiple crews because everyone is anxious about having a flood that has the potential to ruin the floors and their product. No one wants to be out of business for the time it would take to make repairs."
