Page 64 of Semi Sweet
“The building has been a restaurant before, so there wouldn’t need to be any remodeling beyond cosmetics,” the sharply dressed realtor said. She oozed confidence in a plum and black power suit and spiked high heels.
“What about the inspection?” Sean asked. “Is everything up to code?”
I walked behind Sean and the realtor as we went on a tour of the building. While it wasn’t the stuff of home improvement nightmares, it definitely was going to need some elbow grease before Sean could set up shop. I could certainly see the potential though, and the street it was on was full of cute shops and restaurants to bring tourists in.
“The landlord had one done recently when the last tenant went out of business,” the realtor replied. “The bathroom needs new fixtures, but they would be willing to help with things like that.”
Sean nodded. “Is there a rent to own option?”
“Yes, but it would be more than the listed price.”
I’d glossed over the listing that morning at breakfast. The storefront cost less than the apartment I’d lived in with Evan. Maybe I could sleep in a broom closet if the Mizunos couldn't keep me long term.
“You have great credit and I’m sure the bank would be more than happy to take you on since you are Dr. and Mrs. Mizuno’s son. Though didn’t you just move to Denver?”
“Life has a weird way of bringing things up when you least expect it. Any other offers at the moment?”
The realtor shook her head. “Not yet. I think people get a little skittish around this place. It never works out. I guess that’s the risk you take when you try to sell vegan meals, protein juice shakes, and Moroccan traditional cuisine in a ski town. A bakery is something everyone needs. I mean, Cash Value Market is great, but it’s just not the same as a real bakery, you know?
“Absolutely,” Sean said before he looked over his shoulder at me and smirked. “I’ll think it over and be in touch. Thanks for meeting with me.”
The realtor gave him her card and left for her next appointment. Sean and I stared at the large window that had beckoned him all those years ago. He let out a large sigh as he shoved his hands in his pockets.
“You want it, don’t you?” I asked.
“The most I’ve ever wanted something in my life.” He nudged me playfully. “Well, it might be tied with another goal I haven’t quite tied down yet.”
I smiled at the meaning behind the words. “I say go for it. If I played it safe, I would still work in the booth at the store. I’d never have found out about the Rocky Mountain Press. Someday, I’ll have to do it again to get a book deal or the editing job of my dreams. I wholeheartedly admit I should have been adventurous in all aspects of my life, but admitting it is halfway to healing. Or at least that’s what I’m telling myself.”
“I have a year lease for my apartment.”
“So sublet it. It’s Denver.”
We were back to looking at the storefront’s large window. “I just got everyone at work used to me.”
“They will survive.”
“What if I fail?”
“Then we sell your cupcakes out of your Saab 900.”
Sean looked down at me. “We?”
My face flushed when I realized the slip up. I looked up at him through my eyelashes. “Yeah,” I said with a nod. “We can use my marketing degree for something useful.”
He stared at me for a long moment before he said. “Lunch? The pizza place next store is the best in town.”
We entered the small restaurant with checkered tablecloths and placemats depicting Venice and the leaning tower of Piza while Sean explained they had pizza you could buy by the slice. “We can sit down for a bit, and then there are a few more places I’d like to take you.”
“What did you have in mind?” I asked.
Sean opened his mouth to reply when a waitress stopped in front of our table. Her gasp sucked all the air out of the room. “Sean Mizuno, is that you?”
I watched my companion's expression turn to a scowl. “Hello, Katie.”
Eyes growing wide, I turned to take in the infamous cheating ex-girlfriend I’d recently learned about. She wore her long brown hair in a messy knot. Everything about her radiated beauty–perfectly manicured eyebrows, flawless skin–even her nails were finely decorated. I didn’t consider myself scrubby by any means, but felt like this girl belonged with someone like Evan. Or, if she hadn’t been unfaithful, I would still be dealing with him because Katie and Sean would be married with beautiful children.
“I thought you were in Denver now.”
