Page 133 of Altius
“But it’s perfect for Beaufeather’s. Trust me.” He reached around me, pulled the listing back up, and expanded a panoramic photo of the first floor. “If we took out half of these planks, it would give the main sales floor double-height ceilings. There are tons of nooks and crannies for all kinds of creativedisplays. She’d have plenty of space for inventory and shipping. It would be amazing.”
It did sound nice, but also slightly out of left field. The menace was up to something.
“Very tempting,” I said, angling my shoulders to reach up and squish his cheeks. “But what’s in it for you? The truth, if you please.”
Jacobi shook off my hand. “Studio space. I take the top floor. Turn it into an artist’s paradise. Kelsey gets the first and second floors for Beaufeather’s. We can rent out the rest of the building as office space, or retail, or something.”
The promise in his words only doubled my distrust.
“Jacobi…”
His shoulders rose, a half-hearted shrug that downplayed his inner turmoil. “There’s nothing for me in California. And my folks are getting older. They shouldn’t have to rely on Ethan’s pack for late-night milk runs or to shovel their snow and whatnot. They mentioned a new beta retirement facility’s opening in the historic district, and, well…” Jacobi’s smile regained a hint of its impish luster. “They might have drawn the short straw with their only kid, but I’ll be damned if I don’t spoil them.”
I stood up and pulled him in for a long hug. “If this is the pile of bricks your heart desires, let’s call Dad and make an offer. But be prepared to go in alone. I don’t think Kelsey will take the bait.”
“Oh, she will.” Jacobi hugged me so tight my ribs creaked. “Trust me.”
“You’ve said that before.”
“But I’ve got a solid hunch this time.” He flashed an unsettling smirk and let me go. “A big, beefy hunch with a side of shrub boy.”
“She’s going to want to use as much of her own money as possible,” I said quietly, sinking back into the chair.
“Kels hasn’t had to pay a single bill in ten years. Besides, you and I would both invest in a heartbeat.”
“That’s beside the point. It’s her business. Kelsey needs to be in charge if this is going to work. Especially the store layout and design. No sticking your nose where it’s not wanted.”
“Great! I hope she goes hog wild. Hires an architect, a designer, a project manager, a whole army of sales associates, whatever she wants.” He perched on the edge of my desk and gave me an encouraging smile. “It’s time for you both to move on.”
I digested his words for a long moment, then nodded. “I know. But what if she doesn’t like the space?”
“We’ll find a better one.”
“And if she doesn’t want to share the building with you?”
“I won’t take it personally.” Jacobi flashed a rascally grin. “I’m more worried about you starving to death after she moves out.”
“If you can survive without her cooking, so can I.”
“Don’t remind me,” he grumbled.
Tenny padded over, batting at my leg for attention. I lifted him onto my lap, stroking his back while I looked through the listing again, trying to imagine its potential in Kelsey’s capable hands.
“You can pitch the idea to her,” I said.
“Excellent. I already have a tour lined up for Friday.”
Resisting the urge to roll my eyes, I added, “Reassure her that our investment offer still stands.”
“Of course. Leave it to me. You go do football things with your boys, and I’ll work my magic on Kelsey.”
“Cal didn’t get travel approval. Only Alijah.”
No, bad Morgan. Don’t start lumping them together.
“What was that?” Jacobi asked, holding a hand to his ear and batting his eyelashes. “Finally going to take pity on Alijah?”
“That’s the last thing he’d want. Not that there’s anything to pity, he’s…”
