Page 10 of Billion Dollar Revenge

The girls are mouthing behind his back, emphasizing how hot he is. They’re pretending to fan their faces, and I shake my head but roll my lips to contain a laugh. I hope they don’t get caught. I’d be mortified if he saw them obsessing over him. He’s nice enough, but I’m not here to date; I’m here to find a property. This is all about the new Chelsea.

He opens the door, and we walk inside as he explains about the history of the property. As we look around getting a tour, I snap photos and write some thoughts down in my notes app in my phone. Including things I like and dislike. Even ideas of how to transform the spot with more ideas the girls point out.

We leave that space after thirty-five minutes, and I don’t give him clues as to whether I will go ahead with it or not. I’ve onlyseen one so far and after my conversation with my mom, I want to make sure I do this for me. I’m going to trust my instincts and get the right studio space. That means exploring all my options.

“The next one is right next door,” Mitchell announces, striding to the entrance next door.

We follow along and explore the second space, doing the same things as the previous?taking photos and notes. I prefer the first one to this one, so with less questions, we are out after twenty minutes.

When we exit the building and stand on the sidewalk, the girls and I are ready to head to the next location.

“Let’s grab a coffee after the next so we can debrief,” he suggests, looking directly at me and sounding hopeful.

“Sure. I can’t say no to a vanilla latte,” I say with a tight smile. Caffeine sounds good right now. After only two, my head is beginning to pound, and I’m ready to sit down for a break; I suspect today is going to be a really long day.

He shows us through a third property before he takes us to a cute coffee shop, the perfect location for a pit stop to refuel.

We all order the same?vanilla lattes. Sitting down at a table together, he asks me what I thought about the first three. So I explain to him that, so far, the first one is more my style, with the fact it’s more of an open concept. The second is too small, with too many rooms, and the third doesn’t have enough natural light where the studio is. Only a portion of the room gets great light. A part of me worries I’m being too picky, but I refuse to settle. I’ve spent the last few years doing that, and now I’m determined to get exactly what I want.

I plan to hand in my resignation at the firm and finish up within two weeks, as per my contract. I try not to let my mind wander about how long I can last with just Pilates if it takes too long to find the right studio location. But I can’t afford anymistakes. I can do this. I just need to trust myself and more so my gut. It won’t steer me wrong.

Mitchell explains where the next location is, and I tell him I’ll drive there because it’s too long of a walk for Nova. She was in a car accident over a year ago, which resulted in her getting a fractured pelvis and internal bleeding. Since then, she hasn’t been able to walk as much as she used to.

The next two are pretty close to each other, but they’re in areas where I wouldn’t feel safe running late-night classes.

My pulse pounds in my temple, and I’m starting to get nauseas. “I think we should break. I need to eat. I’m fading fast.”

“Same.” Summer sighs.

“Me too,” Nova says.

“We could have lunch?” Mitchell starts.

I wince and swallow the lump that’s formed at his insinuation. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to grab lunch with my friends,” I say, hoping he takes the hint.

His eyes widen and he clears his throat. “Sure thing. Let’s meet at the next spot at two. Will that give you enough time?”

His response has me relieved. “That would be great, thanks.”

He nods, a small smile on his face as he walks away.

“I think he has a soft spot for you.” Summer elbows me as she slips beside me, pulling my attention to her.

My eyes flick to Nova, who is rolling her lips to hold back a laugh.

“No chance. I’m not interested in anything but my business.”

“Summer is only playing. We know you’re still hurting,” Nova says.

It’s all still raw, but it’s not as bad as I thought it would be. I worry what that says about me. Shouldn’t I still be crying over the breakup?

“Let’s go have lunch,” I say, ready to walk down the street to find something.

“My hip needs a rest. I’ll wait over there,” Nova says as she points to the nearby park bench.

“Of course. Summer, could you please help Nova, and I’ll grab us all some food.”

“I’ll be fine on my own.” Nova waves us off.

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