Page 5 of Your Place or Mine

“Same here. This isn’t going to be easy.”

“But I’m only a phone call away.”

And I knew she meant it. “I can’t thank you enough for driving me all the way up here.”

“You're so close to the Canadian border, you could probably just walk there.”

I grinned and nodded, knowing just how true that was.

But this was for the best. I was doing it for myself and for my mom.

She wanted me to have a chance to do what I loved and to have some financial stability.

And while I felt like I hadn’t hit any of those on the head yet, buying the Ludlowe’s building was my first step toward financial freedom.

Or ruin.

Honestly, it could go either way at this point.

It was partly why I sold my car.

My mom had left me a small life insurance policy, which I didn’t even know about, a meager savings, and a note that told me to never give up on my dreams.

The next thing I knew, I was buying a block of old buildings all hooked together. The renters were solid, and the leases lasted another four to eleven years, so I shouldn’t have to worry about losing tenants.

Plus, it would also allow me to finally put my interior design degree to good use.

Within a year of graduating, it became painfully clear to me and my mom that supporting myself as a designer would take a miracle. But I had lucked out and found a job at a wallpaper company. My job was to look into my crystal ball and determine what trends would be coming in the wallpaper industry.

And that was how I came to know Melanie. There was no way I could afford an apartment by myself, predicting wallpaper futures, so I found a room to rent, and I just happened to luck out with who.

Melanie and I had hit it off immediately, and I’d lived there for the last five years. But it was time for me to spread my wings.

“Is that the town?” Melanie asked, tipping her head and squinting as we turned off the highway.

“No, that’s just the gas station. Keep driving.” My heart thudded a little faster in my chest.

This was really happening. I was officially the owner of a small building complex.

“Well, listen…” She glanced at me as we drove onto a country road. “If you decide you made a mistake, we can always find some property management place to take over, and you can move back in with me. I’m not looking to fill that spare bedroom until I know this is truly what you want.”

I laughed and shook my head. “You’re too good to me, but I’d also rather not run into my ex.”

“I’m merely being practical.” She gave me a sideways look. “And I’d take care of your ex. You know that.”

I laughed and nodded but steered the conversation away from anything too heavy.

“The Ludlowes told me that all the tenants seemed welcoming and receptive to the sale. They understood the Ludlowes wanted to finally enjoy retirement.” My voice trailed off.

“But?”

I cleared my throat. “Except for one. I guess the guy who owns the bar isn’t exactly thrilled with change. They thought it was better if I just met him in person.”

“Oh, interesting.”

“I hope it’s okay. I’m not trying to run anyone out or change their business model. I just want to spruce the place up a little bit.” I glanced at Melanie. “It’s why I sold my car. I have a pretty good idea about what it will cost, and let’s just say that I need every penny I can get.”

“So is the guy single?”

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