Page 80 of Five Days to Be Mine

“So obviously, this could be studio space and an office. There’s enough room for a desk,” Steff says, showing us the room.

Mara peers into the all white narrow space. It has two big windows that look out onto the street, a huge empty space that she can make her own.

“And if you come across the hall,” Steff says, fumbling with a bunch of keys. “I need to get these locks switched over to electronic ones but this floor has been empty for so long, I haven't had a chance.”

“You work out of here?” Mara asks.

“It’s my main office, yes. I use the back of the building as storage for props and design pieces.”

Steff finds the right key.

The space is about forty feet by forty feet, with ceilings that have to be at least twenty feet. There is a door that opens to a loading dock.

“Wow.” Mara walks around the space.

She looks at me, glances away. “Yeah, it’s a great space.”

“The only downfall is that there’d be no retail at all. Evan said you weren’t a florist, but a floral designer?”

“Yes,” Mara says. “No day to day retail. I need a space to meet with clients and to work on sculptures.”

“Receiving deliveries is no problem. This building actually has three loading docks and these doors open to one,” Steff says.

“It’s a very cool space,” Mara’s voice is wistful. She drags her hand against the wall, frowning.

“It’s yours, Mara. If you want it,” I say quietly.

I’m holding my breath. I want her to say yes to this gift because I want her to succeed.

And I want her to think that she deserves a little help, and doing this for her is making me deliciously happy.

There are tears in her ocean eyes as they swing to me. She studies me for a half moment, then runs over, throwing her arms around me.

“Yes, thank you!”

“I’m so happy to have another artist here!” Steff says, grinning.

“Tomorrow, we’ll get all the stuff you had stored at your parents over here, okay?” I run a finger along her jaw.

“I can’t believe this. Yes, that’s perfect!” Mara says.

“I have a keycard for you for the front doors, and here…take this key for the office and the key to here,” Steff says, handing them to Mara.

“Thank you!”

“I’ll email you the codes and a final copy of the contract.”

“Mara will sign it and return it to you,” I say.

“I can't believe this.”

“I remember what it felt like to have my first studio,” Steff says. “Congratulations.”

She gives Mara a hug.

“Thank you for your help, Steff.”

“I’m happy to assist, Evan.” Steff winks at me. “Take your time. I got to run to meet a client.”

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