Page 71 of Golden Rule

“All right, talk to me. What’s on your lists of must haves for this space? I’m not talking décor so much, because that’s a conversation for some timemuchfurther down the road. But I’m talking foundation.”

I give that some thought, keeping in mind what I’ve written out in my plan, but also getting a feel for the space in real time.

“First, I’d like to swap the metal doors out for glass. It’ll let in more light, and take away some of theprisonvibes,” I say with a laugh.

Seth smiles at that. “Glass is brave in this neighborhood. You sure that’s the way you want to go?”

“It is,” I nod. “Yes, this is a high crime area, but a lot of the problem is that the kids here get bored and, pardon my French, but bored kids do dumb shit. So, if we give them something to do, a place where their talents and interests can be nurtured, maybe they’ll be better.”

He cocks his head, one corner of his mouth curving with a smile as he gives my response some thought. “Well, I guess I can’t argue with that logic.”

“I do plan to be smart, though. We’re paying for around-the-clock security during the construction phase and also once we’re open and fully functioning.”

“Smart. And expensive,” he adds.

“Maybe, but… that’s not really a problem.”

I’m starting to think he didn’t do his research. Most people who see my last name get incredibly curious as to what my connection is to either the late, infamous Vin Golden, or one of his three sons. But either way, almost anyone from Cypress Pointe knows the last name Golden is synonymous with wealth. Meaning, it’s highly unlikely that Seth would’ve thought to mention added security being too big an expense.

“I know your dad used to work for CPPD, but… you’re not from around here, are you?”

“Damn, is it that obvious?” he laughs. “Did I miss a social cue? A local reference of some sort? Not knowing local lore is usually what gives me away.”

“I… sort of. Yeah.”

He laughs again. “Mom packed up and moved back home to her folks in Wisconsin at eight months pregnant and never thought twice about returning.”

“But you found your way back.”

He nods. “Dad and I started getting closer once I hit my teens, so I moved here about five years ago and planted roots, started a business.”

It’s kind of nice meeting someone who hasn’t drank the Pandora Kool-Aid.

“Well, welcome to Cypress Pointe.”

“Much appreciated,” he says with a shallow bow. “So, aside from replacing the doors, what else do you see?”

I look around again. “Well, the ceiling is shot, which means a new roof is in order, but I digress,” I say with a sigh. “I like the look of exposed ductwork, though, so I’d like to do away with the drop-ceiling tiles.”

“I like it. It’ll open the space up a lot. What else?”

“I see a receptionist station here, that can dub as an added pair of eyes being kept on who’s coming and going. Seating over here so there’s a nice place to wait for parent pickup,” I add, gesturing to our right. “Behind that, I’d like to see a wide-open wall where we can hire some local artists to do a graffiti mural. But I guess that, technically, counts as décor, which isn’t really your problem.”

He shrugs again. “It’s fine. I see where you’re going with it. What else?”

“At first, I was thinking we could do epoxy flooring, but I did a little research and think polished concrete is the way to go. It’s more durable but looks just as nice. Probably something neutral, maybe in like a warm oatmeal tone?”

Seth nods. “I like the idea of going neutral. You can get your color with the mural and your furniture selection.”

“My thoughts exactly.”

“Okay, let’s walk. Aside from the entryway, what’s the second most important space to you?”

I don’t even have to think about that. We walk toward the old gym, I’m smiling as I look around, and Seth takes notice.

“You a fan of rundown, dank gyms with warped floorboards, or am I missing something?”

I laugh a little. “No, it’s just that… this space holds so many memories for me—going over drills after basketball practice, conning boys out of their allowance when they challenged me to one-on-one games, thinking they could beat me just because I’m a girl.”

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