What would it be like to live like that?
I run my hand along a built-in cabinet, closing my eyes as I track the pattern of the historic building. If I listen just to myself, what is it I want?
This. I want this place and my own studio.
I open my eyes.“If I said yes to buying it, and I’m not saying I am. But what’s the next step?”
“Yes!” Sadie cries, fist in the air. “Welcome to the ’hood, neighbor.”
“I didn’t say I’d take it. I still don’t know if I can get the loan.”
“You will,” she says with a grin. “You’ll see.”
Conner smiles and outlines the items to line up and steps to take. When he talks about dollar amounts and mortgages, anxiety shoots through me. I can’t help but worry about what my dad would say.
I shove that thought away. I’ve made decisions by group consensus all my life, first following my parents’ advice and then Derek’s lead and, really, anyone else who felt like weighing in.
That needs to change.
My phone rings, and Ronan’s name pops up on the screen.
“Hello?” I answer. “Ronan?” My face turns pink at the thought of what we did last night.
“Hi.” His rich, rough voice gives me gooseflesh, even when it’s over the phone. “I wanted you to know I’m heading back to set at three p.m. this afternoon, so if you could be home by then, that would be great.” Ronan had the morning off and was spending time hanging out with Belle, so I’d taken the opportunity to do some errands and meet Conner.
“Oh, okay, th—”
“Poppy. I’m sorry to interrupt, but I have to leave in five minutes,” Conner says, looking at his watch.
“Just one second,” I say into the phone.
I turn to the real estate agent. “That’s no problem, Conner. I’ll call you later today and we can talk more.”
“Sure. Call me anytime. And I hope you say yes. I think this is perfect for you.”
I say goodbye and then speak into the phone again. “Sorry about that. Where were we?”
“Is that Conner?”
“Yeah. I’m downtown.”
“Just make sure Conner doesn’t make you late.” His voice is tight.
“Of course not,” I say, indignant. I’ve never been late with him. Not once.
I count to ten in my head and remind myself that he’s my boss and his generous salary could enable me to make my dream a reality.
“I have to go,” he growls before hanging up.
And I’m left staring at the phone, not sure what just happened.
“Was that Ronan?” Sadie asks, looking at me with curiosity.
“Yep,” I say, putting my phone back in my purse.
“What’s wrong?” she asks. “Is everything okay?”
I shake my head. “I’m not really sure.”
