Page 1 of Declan
Chapter One
As Elise opened the glass door of Clifton Realty, she stepped inside as a soft chime above her head rang out and melded with the low hum of conversation and the steady tapping of keyboards. Late-afternoon light filtered through Venetian blinds, casting slanted beams across the polished oak floors. The faint aroma of freshly brewed coffee curled around her senses. Two women sat behind wide mahogany desks, each draped in stacks of brochures, floor plans, and color-coded property folders. One of them rose, smoothing the crisp white blouse she wore.
“Hello, I’m Lydia Griffin,” the woman said, extending a hand. Her dark hair caught the light. “Do you need some help?”
Elise returned the smile and the handshake. “I’m Elise Ramsey,” she said. “I’m looking for a place to have a dance studio.”
“You’re going to teach dance?”
Elise nodded, tucking a loose strand of dark hair behind her ear. “Yes, but more than just dance. I want to hold dancercise classes and teach ballet.”
“Are you a ballerina?” Lydia asked.
“I was,” Elise replied softly. “I retired a few years ago. Once a ballerina reaches a certain age, it can take a toll on your body, but I never stopped loving it.”
“Where did you perform?”
“Mostly in New York,” Elise said, tilting her head with a faint smile. “I attended the School of American Ballet in New York. I fell in love with ballet at four years old, my mother took me to a local production of Tchaikovsky’sThe Nutcrackerand I was spellbound.”
“That sounds exciting,” Lydia said. “If you do start dancercise, I’ll be one of your first pupils.”
Elise laughed. “Dancing is the best way to stay fit and happy at the same time.”
Lydia gestured to her desk. “Let’s sit and look through some options. Then if you see something you like, and it’s not occupied, we can see it anytime. If it is occupied, I’ll arrange a time to meet the tenants.”
Elise slid into the swivel chair opposite Lydia’s desk. The leather creaked softly. Lydia tapped on her keyboard, glanced at the screen, and then turned the monitor toward Elise. A grid of thumbnail images appeared, storefronts with large front windows and brick facades.
“These are the current commercial listings,” Lydia said. “They’re scarce, Clifton’s growing so fast. New shops and boutiques pop up almost every week.” She raised an eyebrow. “How did you leave New York for Montana, if you don’t mind me asking?”
“Not at all,” Elise said, leaning back in the chair. “Two years ago, I stayed at the Bur Oak Guest Ranch in Spring City. One afternoon, there was an excursion into Clifton and I fell in love with its quiet streets, and the mountain views. I knew then that if I ever wanted a calmer life, this would be the place.”
“It’s true, people visit and decide to stay,” Lydia agreed. “I won’t complain since it means more business for us here.”
Elise’s gaze drifted to a listing showing a red brick building with lofty windows. “Do you know if any of these have apartments upstairs? I’d like living space above the studio, if possible.”
Lydia scanned the description, frowning slightly. “This one’s new, just listed a day ago, we don’t have all the details yet. If you have time, we can take a look now.”
“Right now?” Elise asked eagerly.
“Absolutely,” Lydia said, gathering her keys. “It’s just a few blocks up, across the street.”
“Perfect,” Elise said, standing up, but paused as her eye caught another building. “Oh, what about this one?” She pointed at a building with a huge front window.
Lydia looked and shook her head with a smile. “That one just sold. I believe she’s going to turn it into an art gallery.”
“Well, it looks like she got a great place. I’m ready to see this one, though.” Elise smiled. She paused to tuck a brochure into her purse, butterflies of anticipation in her stomach. She opened the door, and they stepped out into the sunshine, the sidewalks lined with flower-draped lampposts. It was far too hot, and she was more than ready for cooler weather. With it being late August, she knew she had to wait a little longer.
“Do you happen to know what the school year is?”
“Late August is when the kids go back, then it lets out in June.”
“Okay. I’ll make schedules for that. Afterschool classes will work until they can do them full time for the summer.”
Crossing the street, cars slowed to wait for them, then continued. The smell from the bakery made her stomach growl. As they walked toward the building, people waved or gave friendly nods, some of them greeting Lydia by name.
“Lydia?” called a deep voice. The two women turned, and Elise caught her breath. A tall man in blue jeans, the sunlight glinted off the badge pinned to his khaki shirt. His broad shoulders and easy smile gave him an air of authority.
“Sam, how are you?” Lydia greeted him with a warm hug.
