Page 70 of A Perfect Match
She's already pacing the length of the main floor, her arms stretched wide as if measuring the space."Look at these beams!And the height of the ceiling!And those windows—they're filthy now, but imagine how much natural light they'll let in once they're cleaned."
I lean against the door frame, watching her.She’s vibrating with enthusiasm…withvision.It’s contagious, to be perfectly honest.She looks so at home here already.I can almost see the wheels turning behind those bright green eyes.
"Did you see that loft?"I ask, nodding toward the upper level.
Piper eyes the rickety staircase warily."Is it safe to go up there?"
"Only one way to find out."I start toward the stairs."I'll go first.If I crash through, consider it structurally unsound."
"My hero," she says dryly but follows me anyway.
The stairs creak ominously under my weight but hold.When we reach the top, I'm pleasantly surprised by the condition of the loft.The floor seems solid, and the pitched roof creates a cozy feeling up here.
"This could be a bridal suite," Piper says immediately, spinning around to take it all in."Or a VIP lounge area for corporate events.Or a separate bar space for specialty cocktails…"
"Any of those would be awesome.”
She nods, then moves to one of the small windows overlooking the property."Oh my god, Kru—you can see the lake from here!"
I join her at the window, and sure enough, there's Briggs Bay visible between the trees."Well, would you look at that."
"This changes everything," she says, turning to me with those big eyes sparkling."Lake views add a premium to any event space."
“So what do you think?"The question seems unnecessary—she’s vibrating withgive it to me now.
"What do I think?"She cups the side of her face like she’s holding in an explosion."Kru, this place is beyond perfect.It needs work, obviously—a lot of work—but the bones are incredible.The location is amazing.The size is ideal.It's like this barn was custom built for what I want to do."
It’s impossible not to get caught up in her vision."So you want it?"
"Yes!"She bounces on her toes."Can we make the deal?Right now?"
I laugh at her eagerness."Slow down, Maven.I need to figure out the details first.Rent, lease terms, renovation parameters…"
"Fine, fine," she says, waving a hand impatiently."But the answer is yes.I want it.Immediately."
"I need to figure out some paperwork then," I say."I’ll draw something up and then let you take a look to see what you think."
As we make our way back down the stairs, Piper suddenly stops, turning to look at me seriously."Kru…thank you.For showing me this.For even considering renting it to me."
The sincerity in her voice catches me off guard."You don't have to thank me."
“I do.You agreeing to rent to me completely begins a new chapter of my life.This is huge.I’ve wanted to do this for so long but have been too scared to make a move…and now it’s suddenlyhappening.”
We come to a stop on the dusty floor in the center of the barn.The cool fall air whips in through the open barn door, scattering hay that still litters the floor.She looks up at me, her big green eyes sucking me in.She’s so beautiful, in a way that makes my heart ache.I brush back a piece of her strawberry blonde hair that drifts across her forehead.
“You’re welcome,” I finally say.“I’m happy to help.”
“Is it okay if I get started before you draw up the paperwork?”She clutches my forearms, practically bouncing in front of me.“Nothing major.I just know I won’t be able to wait to get started.Sweeping and stuff like that.”
“I suppose that’d be okay…” I look around, instantly overwhelmed by the amount of work this place requires.“Are you sure you want this thing though?I mean, this is gonna be months of work.”
“I’m not afraid of work.”
“I didn’t mean that,” I say.“It’s just going to beso much.You’ll have to hire a crew, it’s gonna be alotof money, Maven.”
“I’ll figure it out,” she snips.I get the sense I’m raining on her parade, so I nod.
“You will.You’re right.”
