Page 14 of Crazy Love

8

KALI

“What do you think?”

I stare at Patrick, and he grins, pushing the roller door the entire way up to let more light in. Dust clouds swirl in the sunlight. “It’s got potential, trust me.”

The smell of musty dampness hits me in the face, and I screw my nose up on instinct. The space in front of me looks as if a hurricane tore through it ten years ago and it hasn’t been touched since.

I follow him inside. The makeshift walls covered in graffiti are collapsing. It used to be an office space a lifetime ago, with a dilapidated counter to the right and a hallway of darkness taking you to the back of the room.

“Is this place even safe to use?” I ask, peering around to the left where a kicked in door leads to a broken toilet.

Patrick chuckles. “My guy came and did a check and said you couldn’t have anyone in here in its current condition.”

I eye the filth and grime lining the walls. “Because it’s a death trap?”

Patrick smiles. “He’s already lodged a building approval. He says despite the work it needs, it’s structurally sound and has fire safety.” Patrick nods to the fire alarms in the high ceiling. “Whilst there are bugs around, it won’t be hard to get a pest control guy, and there are no termites. Plumbing is good and it meets the minimum energy and water efficiency standards.”

With my arms crossed across my chest, I take a further step inside and peep along the makeshift hallway, which is filled with debris.

“This lot is in an approved council zone for a gym, so you don’t need planning permission. It’s an industrial area, which means you’re unlikely to piss anyone off with loud music, and you’ve got ample parking.”

Check. Check. Check again. All things I’d need for this to have a chance of being successful. I shuffle along the hallway, pulling my t-shirt over my nose to block the stench and kicking litter out of my way. Mold lines the skirting boards, splintered in some parts, completely dislodged in others. Every piece of furniture in here is broken, all the light fixtures are destroyed and not one wall has been spared vandalism. Patrick mentioned squatters used it before the real estate company came and put a deadlock on it. I do my best to imagine what it would look like once the walls are knocked down, a slick coat of cream paint on the walls, hanging lights and potted plants.

I’m having trouble visualising.

“I got you a good deal, if you want to take it.” Patrick hands me a business card as I make my way back to him. The scribble on the back stares back at me and I realise it’s half of what others have offered.

I gape at him. “How did you …?”

Patrick winks and gives me a kind smile. “I pulled some strings. Listen, Kali. I know I’ve only known you a short while, but I think what you’re doing is smart and courageous. I really think you can do something great here.”

My heart swells. A year ago, this man was a stranger to me and now, he’s giving me the gentle encouragement I need to take a leap and do something big.

“You’re kind of like a dad, sometimes.” Patrick’s smile falters and I smile back, throwing my arms around his waist, squeezing his body to mine. “Thank you.”

He’s clearly surprised because he freezes, but I don’t care. He’s gone out of his way to do something nice for me.

When he finally returns the embrace, I give him a squeeze and free him from his awkwardness.

“Where do I sign?”

* * *

Unknown

Please stop sending unsolicited nudes

Me

I’m blocking whoever this is

Unknown

This is the sexiest man you’ve ever met

Me

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