Page 8 of Everything I Promise

There are no photos of the apartment online. “Oh, but there aren't any photos? Would it be okay for Oliver and I to live there?”

“Well. You could, but it definitely needs work. And if you wanted to make the downstairs a salon it would need a build out." She adds in quickly, "But the price can’t be beat. Would you like to see it?”

“Yes, I definitely do! It’s the perfect location. Can I meet you tomorrow around nine a.m. after I drop Oliver off?” I pace back and forth on the porch, vibrating with excitement over this. I thought we might be living with mom for a while but it sounds like maybe we won’t have to if this works out.

“Sounds great! I’ll see you there at nine. I’m so excited to catch up with you!” We hang up with promises to grab coffee afterward.

Before walking inside, I am caught off guard by a swell of emotion. Despite the fact that I feel like my life is imploding, Iam still able to dream of a new beginning. I spy Oliver inside through the window, setting the table with Mom while laughing at something she's said, and it adds to my emotions. Seeing how resilient and happy he is despite everything brings a tear to my eye.

I swipe the tears away, and breathe in deeply before opening the door to go inside.

Over dinner I tell Mom all about the property. She didn't sound too excited about us living in the apartment, but she is going to come with me in the morning to check it out before she heads to Preston’s office.

Mom started working at Preston's office recently part time to help out with the office paperwork and scheduling clients. Preston bought the general medical practice in town a few months ago and the secretary retired with her husband, Dr. Kramer. So Mom got the job in her place.

After dinner, Oliver comes running around the corner with his arms full of card games, Go Fish being his favorite. I let him play a few games with me and Mom until it is time for a bath and bed. Tonight I give him a little extra squeeze before he goes to bed, still feeling the emotions from before, and my admiration for this loving child.

In the morning, I drop Oliver off at school before Mom and I head to the space downtown to meet Lauren.

Mom and I walk to the space, talking about my dream for the build out I would have to do. I look up and see Lauren when we arrive.

Of course, Lauren is already here and dressed to kill. You’d never know she grew up in a small town where most people live in L.L. Bean duck boots and flannels as soon as the first leafchanges color. She is a pure contrast to my leggings, and favorite boots.

“Hey Lauren, thanks for meeting us so early!” I say.

She looks up from her phone and waves.

“Oh, no problem at all! I’ve already opened the space up and turned on the lights. Just remember, the price isreallygood.” She cringes as she steps aside to let us in.

Well that isn’t the best way to introduce a property, but Mom and I start the tour downstairs.

The commercial space is perfect. It definitely needs a build out for the salon, but it's all open and a blank slate so we won’t have to demo anything or try to work with prior build outs. There is a door at the back that leads to the apartment, and then a foyer opens up to a side door that leads outside. We wouldn’t have to constantly unlock and disarm the security on the salon, or come through when it is open and full of clients with our groceries. If I ever get to the point I could hire other stylists again.

We make our way up the stairs and I start to see, or rather smell, why Lauren wants me to remember the price. I look at Mom as we enter the apartment, and her nose is already scrunched up in disgust.

“Honey, you and Oliver could not live here. Not right away at least. This floor is terrible! And that smell!” Her eyes are darting from one space to the next, taking in all the work that would have to be done.

“I see that, Mom. But the floor plan is great. It's all open, the bathroom is big enough for the two of us. Let’s check out the bedrooms.” She’s not wrong, but I’m trying to stay hopeful. The possibilities this space can offer are endless! I just need to see past all the mess. Kind of like my life in this moment.

“Don’t hold your breath, honey, or do. The smell is pretty bad.” She coughs for dramatic effect.

There was definitely a smoker in here before it was cleared out. We go into the bedrooms and they seem like a good size for a small apartment. The renovations could include a closet, maybe a master bathroom if it wasn’t too much money.

“Oh, you know what I just thought of?” Mom claps her hands together in excitement.

“What is that, Mom?” I chuckle.

“Colton could do the renovations! I’m sure he’d give you a family discount!” Her eyes sparkling, with mischief. I know when she's planning to meddle.

However, I was already thinking the exact same thing. I trust Colton to make my vision come to life.

I got a good amount of money from the sale of my other salon in Maine, and then when the house sells, I’ll get more. Even with that extra, I’m sure that Colton’s prices are still out of my budget. But maybe he will cut me a deal forfriends.

Mom thinks she is being sly by suggesting Colton. She is waiting for the perfect opportunity to call my bluff on my feelings for him. But instead of waiting for it, she is creating it. Just like she did for Scarlett with Preston when she decided to 'chat' with him about their relationship, the one she wasn't a part of.

“I think that is a great idea, Mom. And I really think this space the best deal for me. The spot downstairs is just perfect for a salon, so is the location. And the apartment could give us a rental opportunity when we finally buy a house and get settled. It offers a solution for now, and the future.” I smile at her, waiting for her approval on my ideas.

I was really excited about this and hope that Lauren will be on board with me offering a little lower than the asking price since it needs so much work. I spent time last night going through photos of my old salon to jot down what I do and don't want inmy new salon. I can't wait to make these plans a reality. But first I need to talk to Lauren.

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