Page 33 of Conquering Oz

What am I missing?

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Elodie had stayed longer than planned at Madalyn’s house. Thankfully, there was no further conversation about Sal Caruso. Though, Elodie had a strong sense she’d piqued Chris’s suspicions with her curiosity. It was something she’d make noteof next time the subject was brought up and certainly not by her. This topic was her problem, and she’d never purposely put Madalyn or Chris in the middle of it.

She walked into her apartment, tossed her bag on the small bench in the entry, and made a beeline for her bedroom to change. There hadn’t been enough time between closing the store and getting to Madalyn’s on time. Her feet were killing her. She toed off her shoes and stripped down to her panties before grabbing her pajamas.

She was exhausted and wouldn’t last more than an hour, but it was part of her ritual. It was her way of unwinding. She always ended the night with a bowl of ice cream and the late news. She was headed down the hall toward her kitchen when she remembered she hadn’t done the payroll for the week. Work had been the last thing on her mind, especially on her birthday. But, she had no choice. She opened her door and walked down the steps. She made a sharp right, and then turned into her office and storage room. She flicked on the lights and sat at her desk. Seconds later, the phone rang.

It was well after hours, and she could’ve let it go to voicemail, but she reached across her desk and answered.

“The Boutique.”

It was a simple name and easy to remember. It may have showcased her lack of imagination, but it was a terrific marketing strategy. Anytime some looked upboutique, her store came up first.

“Hey Elle, got a minute?”

Elodie cursed under her breath. It was the call she’d been dreading. Margot was the property manager for her building, and her lease was up for renewal.

“Hey Margot.”

“How are you?” Margot asked.

“Ask meafteryou tell me if there’s a rent increase.” Elle laughed, but she was the only one.

“They’re raising the rent.”

It was the worst timing with her current financial state. “Alright.” Elodie inhaled, prepping herself. “How much?”

The line was silent, and she dropped her elbow to the desk and placed her forehead in the palm of her hand.

“That bad?”

“They’re doubling the rent.”

Elodie gasped. “For the store?”

“And the apartment.” Margot added.

Oh, dear God.She drove her hand through her hair, shot up from her desk and circled her small space in a mini-panic. She was barely covering her rent now. Doubled? She might as well close her doors and pack her bags…tonight.

“That’s absurd. Can they even do that?”

Margot sighed. “As the owner, they can do whatever they want.”

It was the second time in less than a week she’d heard someone say that. The first time when Oz said it, it was impressive and sexy. Hearing it this time?Not so much.

“I’m sorry, Elle.”

Fuck.With her mounting bills, lawyer fees, and now this? Elodie was officially drowning.

“First thing tomorrow morning, I’m going to send you a list of rentals in your price range. And I know someone in business loans. It’s untraditional, and they’ll hit you hard with interest, but maybe he can help so you don’t lose the store. I’ll text you his name and number. Okay?”

“Thanks, Margot,” Elodie whispered. She was utterly defeated.

“Bye.”

Elle ended the call, fell onto her seat and tossed the phone on the desk. She grasped the arm rests and swiveled in her chair. Even if she could somehow snag the loan, she still couldn’t afford the apartment upstairs. She’d have to find a more affordable location to live.

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