Page 9 of Everything I Promise

“How did it go, guys? What do you think?” Lauren looks eager to hear what I want to do when we come back downstairs.

“Well I think the commercial space could definitely work for what I need,but-" I level her with abe honestlook, "the upstairs is in really rough condition.”

“It is, but I promise it is priced fairly. I could get you some comps later for the property.” Lauren looks a little defeated.

“You know what, I can’t lie to you. This has been on the market for a long time, the owners passed away and their greedy kids won’t let me list it where I think it should be. I’m probably breaking all kinds of realtor ethics laws, but if I’m selling to you I have to look out for you too.” She shrugs.

I laugh at her honesty. Lauren always was the goody two shoes in our group when we were younger. So of course she was honest even though it will cost her commission.

Lauren and I talk about where she thinks the pricing should be and she says she will send me the comps, but the comps are going to show updated apartments. I know what I want to offer so I don't need to wait for any of that. I've done my research and came prepared to make an offer I feel good about.

We walk over to her office so I can sign the offer and we go grab coffee while waiting for an answer from the sellers.

I’m more excited than I have been in a long time. I’m finally back home in New Hampshire and I thought it would take me a long time to find a new salon and a place to live. The fact that I can get both at one time, in one price, is a gift I’m so appreciative of.

Chapter Four

Colton

After a morning full of consultations for next year, and a call with my foreman in Massachusetts, we decide that I need to take a day and go down there. We need to make some final decisions on builds that we’re trying to finish up ahead of the winter weather, and some clients aren’t liking the fact that I’m not on site every day and have delegated the responsibilities.

I take Duke outside and sink into the adirondack chair on the deck, enjoying the cool fresh air and sunshine. My phone rings and I groan. I don’t have it in me to have another phone call right now. I think about letting it go to voicemail but then I see Lacey’s name.

And like a drug addict looking for their next fix, I answer. “Hey, Lace. What’s going on?”

“Hey, Colton! I was just calling because I have a question for you. A business one. But if you're not interested at all just tell me. You don’t have to do it.” She says in one breath, just like Oliver.

“Sweetheart, ask me your questions. You know I won’t say no to you.” I say to ease her worries, even though it’s true.

“So, I bought a salon here in town.” She pauses.

“Wow, that's awesome, Lace! I bet you’re so excited.”

“Well, hold off on the awesome for now. It needs a lot of work. It's all indoor stuff so I was wondering if you’d be willing to do the work? I know I can’t pay you what your normal customers do but since it's your slow season I was hoping maybe we could work something out?” I sit up straighter in the adirondack chair.

Work something out? Yeah I’d be more than happy to work something out with her. Unfortunately, I don’t think she’s talking about what my mind is thinking.

“I’m sure we can. Let’s start by taking a look at it. When do you close?” I walk back inside to check my calendar so I don’t double book any calls.

“I kind of already did. I had cash and the kids wanted out. So it's mine,” she says sheepishly.

“Okay, well that’s great. I have some free time now. I could meet you there in half an hour if you’re available?” I tap my pencil against the calendar.

“I’m a single mom and my kid is in school, and you’re building my next job, so I’m definitely free! I will text you the address!” She laughs at her own joke about being a single mom, but to be honest, I don’t know how she does it all.

Now, I just need to prep myself for an afternoon with Lacey, alone. I can do this. We are friends. Friends do stuff together and help each other out. I can totally keep my hands off her. Ineedto keep my hands off her.

I head upstairs to change with Duke right behind me. I put him in his bed before I leave and give him a treat to keep him occupied.

Preston and I have learned our lesson about letting Duke have free run of the house while we are gone. He’s a good boy, but he can’t help himself around the trash can.

I check my text messages and start to walk downtown to Main Street. I think I know exactly what spot Lacey is talking about, I was actually thinking it would be a good office space for me here, but so far I haven’t needed one bad enough to justify the purchase.

I shove my hands in my pockets while I walk, the chill in the air means fall is well on its way.

Lacey is already inside when I get to her new place, so I just go on in and take in the empty space.

I'm looking at every angle, making initial plans in my head. It’s all open so we shouldn’t need to do much work other than the build out for the salon equipment.

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