‘What’s to say you’re going to make this second branch a success? You’ve said yourself that the market is different here to where you are in London. If it all goes wrong, what stops you from pulling out in a year’s time, when the lease is up, and Mollie and I will be having the same conversation again? Surely it’s better for me to cut my losses and sell the building now.’ He gave a light laugh. ‘My wife’s been agitating for us to sell and put the proceeds into a holiday home in Tenerife. What can you say that’ll convince her to give it another year?’
Noah straightened in his chair. This felt like the pitch of his life, now. He could see Martyn’s mental cogs whirring, weighing up the numbers on Noah’s spreadsheet, and Noah could feel sweat starting to run down his back. If Martyn didn’t go for it, he’d find somewhere else, but what would happen to Mollie and the charity shop?
‘I’ve shown you the numbers, Martyn, and you already know how important the charity shop is to keep the rescue centre running. I’d ask you to come and visit some of Mollie’s residents if I thought it would change your mind, but I’m sure you’re more than familiar with their stories. I don’t think, at this stage, meeting them would help.’
Martyn’s mildly affronted expression made Noah want to push harder. ‘If I can’t persuade you to accept my proposal with the figures, and the knowledge that, if you sell the building you’re going to be dooming Purrfect Paws to closure, and the cats to an uncertain future, then I’ll ask you to think about this. I love this village, and I have done for the whole of my life. Losing my grandfather a few months ago made me realise that I want to be part of this place again. You could sell your property to a residential developer, and you’d make a lot of money, that’s true. But by doing so, you’d be taking away part of the soul of Lower Brambleton at a time when it’s fighting hard to save itself. Mollie’s shop, and the rescue centre, deserve to be protected.’ He paused, and gave a brief, self-deprecating grin. ‘I’ve been known to drive a hard bargain myself, now and again. But I’m telling you now, Martyn, this isn’t only a great deal for you financially, it’s terrific for the village, too. And, if you do decide to sell any other of the properties in your extensive portfolio, then Noah Hathaway Estates would be only too happy to negotiate an extremely reasonable commission.’
The clock on the wall behind the desk ticked. From down the corridor, Noah heard the plaintive yowl of a Purrfect Paws resident who’d woken up and required attention. He clenched his hands under the table, willing them not to shake. By throwing in that last incentive, he’d laid his final cards on the table – it hadn’t taken much research for him to establish that Martyn had a decent array of rental properties, both business and commercial, and if offering him a competitive rate on any of them would help Purrfect Paws to stay, then Noah was willing to do so.
‘Well,’ Martyn replied after a long pause. ‘I can’t argue with your passion. And I certainly can’t argue with your numbers. I don’t suppose you’ve got a contact in Tenerife who could sell me an apartment at a good rate, too? If I can’t add selling the shop to my pot just yet, I’ll need one.’
Noah laughed. ‘Is that a yes?’
‘It is.’
Noah let out a long breath. ‘You won’t regret it, Martyn, I promise you that.’
‘I hope not.’
Noah rose from his seat and shook Martyn by the hand. ‘I’ll be in touch when I’ve got a contract ready. I’ll be looking to open the new branch in about twelve weeks, if it all goes smoothly.’
‘Then save me a glass of champers on opening day!’ Martyn smiled at him. ‘You’re a persuasive man, Noah Hathaway, and I wish you the very best with it.’
‘Thank you.’
Martyn left the office, and as he did, Noah’s knees trembled again. He sat down in his chair and looked at Mollie, who’d remained silent throughout the last part of the negotiations.
‘Are you all right, Mollie?’
‘Yes, love. You handled him perfectly. I can see why you’ve made such a success of your business.’ She reached forward and squeezed his hand. ‘Jack would be proud.’
Noah swallowed. ‘Thanks.’ Shaking his head, he took a moment to collect himself. ‘I, er, can’t quite believe we pulled that off. Now I’m trying not to think about the reality of starting a second branch of the business!’
‘You’ve done it once,’ Mollie replied. ‘Surely the second time’ll be a piece of cake!’
Noah laughed. ‘Let’s hope so. There’s a lot riding on this, for all of us.’
‘Have you told Bella yet?’
‘Not yet. I didn’t want to distract her when she’s got this gig tonight. Hopefully, she’ll think it’s good news, too.’
Mollie looked perplexed. ‘Why wouldn’t she?’
‘Well,’ Noah said sheepishly, ‘we hadn’t exactly resolved things after our disagreement last week, which I’m sure you already know all about. Perhaps she’d be happier if I’d chosen to stay in London.’
‘But you are going to speak to her?’
‘Yeah.’ Noah couldn’t help the smile that spread over his features. ‘I’m hoping she’ll be pleased.’
‘But what about the cottage?’
‘It’s going to be Noah Hathaway Country Estates’ first listing, in about twelve weeks’ time. And my brothers can shove it up their backsides if they don’t like it.’
‘So Bella can stay, in the meantime?’
‘Yup.’
Mollie smiled back at him, and for the first time all week, Noah felt as though everything was falling into place. Now he just had to talk to Bella and convince her that he was on the level. He didn’t want to upset her before the gig, though, so he planned on making himself scarce until afterwards. He wasn’t sure if even a ‘Good luck’ text might put her off, so he held fire, even though he desperately wanted to see her. Bella, he realised, needed to face this challenge alone. He’d be there for her at the end, and hopefully she’d be in the frame of mind to listen.
